Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Durham, NC
The median monthly rent in Durham, NC is $1,520, translating to $18,240 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.44% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Durham spend approximately 29% of the local median household income ($62,400) on rent. This is within the healthy 25-30% range, indicating rent is affordable relative to local incomes. There may be room for moderate rent increases, especially for updated or well-located units.
The vacancy rate in Durham is 4.8%. This is extremely tight — expect strong tenant demand, quick lease-ups, and leverage to set favorable lease terms. In markets this tight, landlords often see multiple applications per listing. Population growth of 1.8% annually is actively adding rental demand.
Durham's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 18.9x. A GRM above 16x means the property is expensive relative to its income. Investors here are typically betting on appreciation rather than current cash flow. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,520/mo, a single-family rental in Durham generates approximately $18,240 in gross annual income. After accounting for 4.8% vacancy ($876 lost), property taxes of $2,760, insurance (~$1,380), and maintenance (~$1,380), the estimated NOI is $11,844 per year, or $987/mo.