Chapel Hill, North Carolina Population 2019
Chapel Hill is a city located in the state of North Carolina. It is part of both Orange County and Durham County. With Durham and Raleigh, Chapel Hill makes up what is known as the Research Triangle. The city has an estimated population of 60,988 and is the 15th largest city by population in North Carolina.
Chapel Hill History
One of Chapel Hill’s earliest settlers was William Barbee, a man from Virginia. Barbee owned a grant of 585 acres in the area that is now Chapel Hill. In 1793, the first cornerstone was laid for the University of North Carolina. In 1819, the town was founded around the University of North Carolina. It received its charter in 1851.
During the Civil War, the area was occupied by Union troops, and though the university remained open throughout the war, the after-effects of the war forced it to shut down. In reopened in 1875.
In the 1920s, the university was expanded, and the city grew along with it. The Great Depression during the next decade had little effect of Chapel Hill. However, New Deal programs allowed the city to construct paved streets, sewer lines and hire new employees. New residential housing was constructed as many veterans moved to the area following the war. After World War II, UNC Medical School expanded with new classrooms, dorms, libraries, and other buildings. The city also continued to grow in terms of population.
The opening of the Research Triangle Park led to further growth. The technologies that were being developed in the area attracted major corporations, leading to more residents coming to the area for the educational and employment opportunities that were available. However, despite its growth, the people of Chapel Hill have worked hard in retaining small town charm and a sense of community.
Today, the city is a mixture of businesses old and new. The city has many restaurants, shops, and other attractions that appeal to residents and visitors, as well as annual events and festivals.
Chapel Hill Population, Age, and Gender Statistics
Chapel Hill has a population of over 59,000 people. The city is 21.3 square miles, and it has a population density of 2,687 people per square mile.
The majority of the population is 18 to 24, making up 31.5% of the population. This is due to the large student population. Over 17% of residents are under 18, while less than 10% are at least 65 years old. The median age for Chapel Hill is 25.6 years old.
There are more female residents than males, with 87.2 men for every 100 women. Close to 20% of Chapel Hill’s population lives below the federal poverty line.
Not surprisingly, Chapel Hill is North Carolina’s most educated city, with 77% of residents at least 25 years old holding at least an associate’s degree.
Chapel Hill Population Growth
Chapel Hill’s population has been on the rise since 1880. The most significant growth occurred between 1940 and 1950, then again between 1960 and 1970. The city’s population at the time of the 2010 census had risen to over 50,000 residents, with this census showing an official count of 57,233 people. The city’s population has increased by 3.5% since the last census, indicating that growth has slowed, but Chapel Hill is continuing to add new residents.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina's estimated population is 60,988 according to the most recent United States census estimates. Chapel Hill, North Carolina is the 15th largest city in North Carolina based on official 2017 estimates from the US Census Bureau.
The population density is 2840.86 people/mi² (1096.86 people/km²).
The overall median age is 26.4 years, 26.9 years for males, and 26.1 years for females. For every 100 females there are 87.1 males.
Based on data from the American Community Survey, in 2017 there were 21,685 households in the city, with an average size of 2.47 people per household. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.9%, with a median rent of $1130/month. The median house has 5.3 rooms, and has a value of $397,700.
The median income for households in Chapel Hill, North Carolina is $67,426, while the mean household income is $117,566.
Chapel Hill Demographics
According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Chapel Hill was:
- White: 72.53%
- Asian: 12.66%
- Black or African American: 9.74%
- Two or more races: 3.28%
- Other race: 1.40%
- Native American: 0.37%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.02%