Hillsborough, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,724
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,163/yr
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,522
1.4% year-over-year change

Hillsborough population

How many people live in Hillsborough

Hillsborough is home to 9,724 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Hillsborough locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
9,724
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
4,566
Female
53%
5,158
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,566 47% 1.9%
Female 5,158 53% -0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Hillsborough is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.9% are children under 15, then 8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 29% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
29%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,841 18.9% 7.4%
15 to 24 775 8% 1.4%
25 to 44 2,562 26.4% 2.4%
45 to 64 2,818 29% -4.6%
Over 65 1,728 17.8% 0.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Hillsborough, 88.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.2% of locals are Caucasian, 8.2% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.2%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,580 88.2% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 796 8.2% 11.2%
Non-citizens 348 3.6% 9.1%
Racial breakdown
White
75.2%
Black or African American
8.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.8%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 7,311 75.2%
Black or African American 796 8.2%
Asian 272 2.8%
Two or more races 1,055 10.8%
Other 290 3%

Households in Hillsborough

A peek inside Hillsborough households

Hillsborough has 4,146 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,146
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,634
Family households
2,512
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,634 39.4% 1.6%
Family households 2,512 60.6% -1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Hillsborough

The housing landscape of Hillsborough

Hillsborough's housing consists of 4,522 units, with 61.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 16.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,522
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,797 61.8%
1 unit, attached 744 16.4%
3 or 4 units 107 2.4%
5 to 9 units 303 6.7%
10 to 19 units 84 1.9%
20 to 49 units 193 4.3%
50 or more units 272 6%
Mobile home 22 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
349
42.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hillsborough

In Hillsborough, the median construction year is 2001. About 7.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 32.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 7.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 340 7.5% -11.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 80 1.8% -23.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 509 11.3% -4.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 176 3.9% -12.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 117 2.6% -36.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 284 6.3% -34.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 683 15.1% 24.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 514 11.4% 17.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,470 32.5% 5.7%
Built in 2020 or later 349 7.7% 42.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Hillsborough occupancy rates

Out of the 4,146 occupied housing units in Hillsborough, 63.8% are owner-occupied, while 36.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,146
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,502
Owner occupied
2,644
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,502 36.2% -0.6%
Owner occupied 2,644 63.8% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Hillsborough housing costs

Housing costs in Hillsborough come to a median of $1,611 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,368.

Median housing costs per month
$1,611/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Hillsborough
$1,368/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Hillsborough

Hillsborough education at a glance

About 17.2% of the population in Hillsborough went to high school, while 12.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 29.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 29.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 202 2.7% -6.5%
High school diploma 1,297 17.2% -7.0%
College diploma 944 12.5% 4.5%
Associate degree 647 8.6% 25.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,220 29.5% -6.8%
Graduate degree 2,216 29.4% 2.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Hillsborough

How much people earn in Hillsborough

The average annual household income in Hillsborough was $127,125 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,163, reflecting a -0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hillsborough
$127,125/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hillsborough
$98,163/year
-0.3% year-over-year change

Hillsborough income by age

In Hillsborough, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,222. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $148,638 overall. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $82,222 8.8%
45 - 64 $148,638 2.5%
Over 65 $55,179 -4.9%
Above poverty level
8,525
Below poverty level
745
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,525 92% 1.7%
Below poverty level 745 8% -7.0%

Employment in Hillsborough

Workforce and job types in Hillsborough

The job market in Hillsborough is powered by 4,803 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.8% run their own businesses, 48.7% are employed by private companies, and 17.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,803
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
4,394
Blue collar
409
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,394 91.5% -1.0%
Blue collar 409 8.5% 9.4%
Employer type
Self employees
15.8%
Private companies
48.7%
Governmental workers
17.8%
Not for profit companies
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 760 15.8% -14.5%
Private companies 2,340 48.7% 11.8%
Governmental workers 857 17.8% -15.7%
Not for profit companies 846 17.6% 3.5%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
-14.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hillsborough stands at 4.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Hillsborough

How people get around in Hillsborough

Commuting methods vary: 68.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,181 68.6% 0.3%
Taxicab 20 0.4% -13.0%
Bus or trolleybus 36 0.8% 0.0%
Bicycle 21 0.4% -8.7%
Walk 28 0.6% -36.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Hillsborough by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27278 27,925 11,533 $105,887 $135,885

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FAQs about Hillsborough demographics 

What is the total population of Hillsborough?

Hillsborough has a total population of 9,724 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hillsborough?

The gender ratio in Hillsborough is as follows:
  • 47% males (4,566 residents)
  • 53% females (5,158 residents)

What is the median age in Hillsborough?

The median age in Hillsborough is 42.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hillsborough?

The age distribution in Hillsborough is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.9% (1,841 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8% (775 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (2,562 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29% (2,818 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (1,728 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hillsborough?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hillsborough is as follows:
  • White: 75.2% (7,311 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.2% (796 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (272 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.8% (1,055 residents)
  • Other: 3% (290 residents)

What percentage of the population in Hillsborough are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.2% of the population in Hillsborough.

How many housing units are there in Hillsborough?

There are 4,522 housing units in Hillsborough, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Hillsborough and what is the average household size?

Hillsborough has a total of 4,146 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hillsborough?

Hillsborough has a median household income of $98,163, representing a -0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Hillsborough?

The employment rate is 95.9% in Hillsborough, with a workforce of 4,803 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.5% (4,394 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.5% (409 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.8% (760 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.7% (2,340 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.8% (857 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.6% (846 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025