Families in Raleigh earn a median $85,060 a year, and the typical owned home is worth $450,300. A simple rule puts the need for a typical family here at about $1,200,000. Term life is usually the lowest cost way to get there.
Raleigh by the numbers
- Median household income
- $85,060Higher than the North Carolina median of $73,958
- Typical home value
- $450,300Higher than the North Carolina median of $333,000
- Homes owned
- 50%72% of owned homes have a mortgage
- Households with kids
- 25%219,004 households in all
- Age 65 and older
- 12%Median age 34.2
- Veterans
- 16,1384% of adults
Living in Raleigh
Raleigh is the 2nd largest city in North Carolina, with 499,637 residents and a median age of 34.2. 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 $85,060, 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 (11 miles away), homes in Raleigh are worth less ($450,300 vs $649,600), and fewer households have kids at home.
The biggest hands on job group here is sales, at 9.4% of workers. Work coverage usually ends when you leave the job, so a policy you own stays put.
Who works in Raleigh
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 Raleigh
72% of owned homes in Raleigh 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
25% of households here have kids under 18. Term life covers the years they depend on you for the lowest price. More on term life
12% of people in Raleigh are 65 or older, lower than the North Carolina rate. A small policy keeps funeral costs off the family. More on final expense
About 16,138 veterans live in Raleigh. VGLI is not your only choice. More on veterans
Final expense and burial insurance in Raleigh
About 62,400 people in Raleigh 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 Raleigh
How much life insurance do I need in Raleigh?
A quick rule of thumb: 10 years of income plus what you owe on your home. With Raleigh's median household income of $85,060 and a typical home value of $450,300, that lands near $1,200,000 for a typical family. Your number depends on your debts, kids and savings. Our calculator does the math.
Can I get life insurance in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Cary (11 mi), Durham (18 mi), Fayetteville (55 mi), Greensboro (69 mi), High Point (76 mi), Winston-Salem (92 mi)
Sources
Local numbers are Census American Community Survey 2024 one year estimates for Raleigh, NC. The coverage figure is a rule of thumb, not advice.
