Families in Durham earn a median $82,916 a year, and the typical owned home is worth $439,400. A simple rule puts the need for a typical family here at about $1,150,000. Term life is usually the lowest cost way to get there.
Durham by the numbers
- Median household income
- $82,916Higher than the North Carolina median of $73,958
- Typical home value
- $439,400Higher than the North Carolina median of $333,000
- Homes owned
- 53%69% of owned homes have a mortgage
- Households with kids
- 23%133,270 households in all
- Age 65 and older
- 14%Median age 35.6
- Veterans
- 12,9985.3% of adults
Living in Durham
Durham is the 4th largest city in North Carolina, with 301,877 residents and a median age of 35.6. That is younger than the state as a whole, so more families here are in the years when term life matters most.
The median household here earns $82,916, close to the US median of $81,604. The typical home costs about 5.3 times that income, a heavy load for one paycheck to carry alone.
Compared with nearby Cary (14 miles away), homes in Durham are worth less ($439,400 vs $649,600), and fewer households have kids at home.
The biggest hands on job group here is health care, at 14.7% of workers. Health care workers on shifts and contracts can lose group coverage between jobs.
Who works in Durham
The biggest groups of hands on and front line jobs here, as a share of all workers. Some of these jobs can change your price, and some companies treat them better than others.
What fits families in Durham
69% of owned homes in Durham still have a mortgage. If your family would struggle to make that payment without you, size a policy to the loan. More on mortgage protection
23% of households here have kids under 18. Term life covers the years they depend on you for the lowest price. More on term life
14% of people in Durham are 65 or older, lower than the North Carolina rate. A small policy keeps funeral costs off the family. More on final expense
About 12,998 veterans live in Durham. VGLI is not your only choice. More on veterans
Final expense and burial insurance in Durham
About 43,600 people in Durham are 65 or older. A small final expense policy, also called burial insurance, pays for the funeral so the family does not have to.
| Age | Women, $10,000 | Men, $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | $33 | $43 |
| 70 | $53 | $70 |
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
National sample rates, Choice Mutual, Rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Not a quote. Funeral costs and help in North Carolina
North Carolina rules that protect you
- Free look: 10 days to return a new policy for a refund
- Grace period: 31 days if you miss a payment
- Guaranty protection: up to $300,000 in death benefits
- Help line: North Carolina Department of Insurance, 855-408-1212
Common questions in Durham
How much life insurance do I need in Durham?
A quick rule of thumb: 10 years of income plus what you owe on your home. With Durham's median household income of $82,916 and a typical home value of $439,400, that lands near $1,150,000 for a typical family. Your number depends on your debts, kids and savings. Our calculator does the math.
Can I get life insurance in Durham without a medical exam?
Often, yes. Many companies approve healthy people with health questions and records instead of an exam. Older buyers can also look at simplified issue or guaranteed issue final expense plans.
Do I need an agent licensed in North Carolina?
Yes. An agent must hold a North Carolina license to sell you a policy. You can check a license with the North Carolina Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212.
What does a funeral cost near Durham?
Local prices vary by funeral home. Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 with cremation (NFDA). Under the FTC Funeral Rule, any funeral home in Durham must give you an itemized price list.
Source: FTC Funeral Rule · NFDA price study
What happens if my insurance company fails in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects North Carolina policyholders up to $300,000 in death benefits, per insured person.
Source: North Carolina Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association · NOLHGA: how you are protected
Near Durham
Cary (14 mi), Raleigh (18 mi), Greensboro (52 mi), High Point (61 mi), Fayetteville (62 mi), Winston-Salem (77 mi)
Sources
Local numbers are Census American Community Survey 2024 one year estimates for Durham, NC. The coverage figure is a rule of thumb, not advice.
