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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Durham

Affordable Housing in Durham, NC

Durham has 104 income-based rental properties offering 8,199 units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,508 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), affordable housing here can represent real savings for eligible renters. Nearly half of Durham residents rent their homes, reflecting strong demand for quality affordable options.

104
Properties
8,199
Total units
80/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,508/mo

Affordability

Nearly half of Durham residents rent their homes (48%), according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The city's median household income is $81,619 and the median asking rent is $1,508 per month, giving context to why income-restricted housing can make a meaningful difference for renters here.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
621 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Durham Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 621 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates vary based on how agencies define and report incidents, so they are not directly comparable across cities.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 92 · Walker's Paradise

Getting Around Durham

The area around Durham's assisted properties scores well for walkability, transit, and biking, according to Walk Score. Scores reflect conditions near the assisted properties listed on this page.

  • Walk Score: 92 - Walker's Paradise. Most errands can be done on foot.
  • Transit Score: 66 - Good Transit. Many trips are possible by public transit.
  • Bike Score: 78. Biking is a convenient option for many trips.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
72 schools · 17 districts

Schools

Durham is served by 72 schools across 17 districts, including 40 elementary, 9 middle, and 22 high schools, plus 1 other, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$81,619 median income

Cost of Renting in Durham, NC

The median household income in Durham is $81,619 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate. The citywide median rent is $1,508 per month, according to the same source, which can put market-rate housing out of reach for many renters.

HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC properties offer income-restricted rents designed to be more affordable based on your household size and income. Durham has 27 income-restricted properties with a combined 1,473 units tracked on Lease Lantern.

  • Median household income: $81,619/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,508/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 48% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Income-restricted properties tracked: 27 buildings, 1,473 total units
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 27 HUD-assisted properties in Durham were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to HUD flood risk data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 80/100(27 of 104 scored)
90+ (11)70–89 (11)<60 (5)No score (77)

104 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 104 affordable apartments in Durham→

Other cities in NC

› Affordable housing in Albemarle› Asheville income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Burlington› Chapel Hill affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Charlotte› Affordable housing in Fayetteville› Gastonia income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Greensboro› Henderson affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in High Point› Affordable housing in Lexington› Mount Airy income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in NC› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Durham Affordable Housing: What Renters Should Know

Durham is a renter-heavy city -- according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), 48 percent of households rent, and the median market rent sits at $1,508 per month. For renters seeking affordable options, the 27 HUD-assisted and income-based properties across the city represent a meaningful alternative.

Property Conditions at a Glance

All 27 properties in Durham have been scored based on HUD inspection data, with an average score of 80. Eleven properties earned an excellent rating and another eleven rated good, though five properties rated poor -- making it worth checking individual scores before applying.

Flood Risk

None of the 27 mapped properties in Durham fall in a high-risk flood zone, which is a reassuring baseline for renters concerned about flood exposure.

Getting Around Durham

Durham scores 92 (Walker's Paradise), 66 (Good Transit), and 78 for biking, according to Walk Score -- strong marks across the board that can make car-free or car-light living a real possibility depending on where you live.

Schools

Durham is served by 17 school districts with 72 public schools -- including 40 elementary, 9 middle, and 22 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Public Safety Context

According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Durham Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Renters are encouraged to research specific neighborhoods when evaluating individual properties.

Eligibility & how to apply

North Carolina income limits (2026)North Carolina public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in North Carolina

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →