| ZIP Code | 27516 |
|---|---|
| City | Chapel Hill |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Orange County |
| Area Code | 919/984 |
| Elevation | 539 ft |
| Latitude | 35.906197 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -79.154855 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37135 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 35.8 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.60 |
| Below Poverty | 14.9% ▲ 49% above avg |
| College Grads | 77.6% ▲ 100% above avg |
| Unemployment | 7.2% ▲ 47% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 266 (1.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,212 (9%) |
| Some College | 1,210 (4.9%) |
| Associates | 1,838 (7.5%) |
| Bachelors | 1,580 (6.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 17,546 (71.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $100,788 ▲ 32% above avg ↑ 19% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $508,400 ▲ 82% above avg ↑ 39% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 5.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,446/mo ↑ 24% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 18,684 |
| Vacant Units | 1,474 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.60 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 18,684 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,474 |
| Owner Occupied | 72.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 28.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.60 |
ZIP code 27516 is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, within Orange County. With a population of 46,372, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 35.8 years. Economically, 27516 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $100,788 is above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 27516 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $508,400 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,446 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 72.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 39% since 2019.
The population of 27516 is majority White (69.30%). Residents are highly educated — 77.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is more than double the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 14.9%. Household income has grown by 19% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 27516 stands at 7.2%, which is above the national average. A notably high share of workers — 28% — work from home, reflecting the professional makeup of the area. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 58%.
Overall, ZIP code 27516 in Chapel Hill, NC is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 46,372 residents, a median household income of $100,788, and a median home value of $508,400, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.