Home Values in Durham, North Carolina — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Balanced Market | +6% YoY
The median home value in Durham, North Carolina is $345,000 as of March 2026, which is below the national median of $400,000. Home values in Durham have increased by 6% over the past year and 33.8% over the last five years. With a population of 283,506 and a median household income of $58,905, the price-to-income ratio stands at 5.9x, making Durham affordable for the average household.
Durham Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Durham | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $345,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +6% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +33.8% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $127 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 41 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 4.6 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 101.1% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 194 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.64% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Durham
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $257,848 five years ago in Durham would have gained approximately $87,152 in equity, representing a 33.8% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $19,528 in home equity.
Affordability in Durham, NC
With a median household income of $58,905 and a median home price of $345,000, the price-to-income ratio in Durham is 5.9x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $2,237 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $1,863 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.83. In Durham, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Durham
The effective property tax rate in North Carolina is 0.78%. On a home valued at $345,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $2,691, or approximately $224/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Durham is 96.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are near the national average.
Calculate Your Mortgage Payment in Durham
Use our free calculator to estimate monthly payments for a $345,000 home
Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Durham, NC?
The median home value in Durham, North Carolina is $345,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +6% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 33.8%.
Is Durham a buyer's or seller's market?
Durham is currently a balanced market with 4.6 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 41 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 101.1%. Supply and demand are relatively balanced.
Are home values going up in Durham?
Yes, home values in Durham have increased by 6% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 33.8%, meaning a home worth $257,848 five years ago is now worth $345,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Durham?
The average monthly rent in Durham is $2,237, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $1,863. The price-to-rent ratio is 12.9. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
Home Values in Other North Carolina Cities
Related Resources
Disclaimer: Home value data for Durham, North Carolina is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.