| ZIP Code | 27517 |
|---|---|
| City | Chapel Hill |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Orange County |
| Area Code | 919/984 |
| Elevation | 280 ft |
| Latitude | 35.842663 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -79.032015 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37135 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.1 yrs ↓ 5% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.31 |
| Below Poverty | 4.7% ▼ 53% below avg |
| College Grads | 80.5% ▲ 108% above avg |
| Unemployment | 2.7% ▼ 45% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 81 (0.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,666 (9.2%) |
| Some College | 443 (2.4%) |
| Associates | 1,358 (7.5%) |
| Bachelors | 964 (5.3%) |
| Graduate Degree | 13,646 (75.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $124,821 ▲ 64% above avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $571,900 ▲ 105% above avg ↑ 42% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.6x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,518/mo ↑ 22% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 13,015 |
| Vacant Units | 716 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 13,015 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 716 |
| Owner Occupied | 67.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 32.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
ZIP code 27517 is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, within Orange County. With a population of 28,676, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 43.1 years. Economically, 27517 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $124,821 is significantly above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 27517 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $571,900 is more than double the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,518 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 67.4% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 42% since 2019.
The population of 27517 is majority White (69.24%). Residents are highly educated — 80.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is more than double the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 4.7%. Household income has grown by 36% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 27517 stands at 2.7%, which is below the national average. A notably high share of workers — 29% — 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 27517 in Chapel Hill, NC is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 28,676 residents, a median household income of $124,821, and a median home value of $571,900, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.