Chestnut Hills, Raleigh, Wake County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,154
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,065/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
653
2.0% year-over-year change

Chestnut Hills population

How many people live in Chestnut Hills

Chestnut Hills is home to 1,154 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Chestnut Hills locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
1,154
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
575
Female
50.2%
579
Value Percent YoY change
Male 575 49.8% 0.5%
Female 579 50.2% -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 Chestnut Hills is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.8% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
32.8%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
17.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 186 16.1% -1.1%
15 to 24 113 9.8% 0.9%
25 to 44 379 32.8% 3.8%
45 to 64 277 24% -6.4%
Over 65 200 17.3% 4.2%
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 Chestnut Hills, 86.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.2% of locals are Caucasian, 15% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.6%
Non-citizens
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,003 86.9% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 65 5.6% 1.6%
Non-citizens 86 7.4% -8.5%
Racial breakdown
White
67.2%
Black or African American
15%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
6.5%
Value Percent
White 776 67.2%
Black or African American 173 15%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.7%
Asian 16 1.4%
Two or more races 106 9.2%
Other 75 6.5%

Households in Chestnut Hills

A peek inside Chestnut Hills households

Chestnut Hills has 571 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.1% are families, while the remaining 52.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
571
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
301
Family households
269
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 301 52.7% 7.1%
Family households 269 47.1% -1.1%
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 Chestnut Hills

The housing landscape of Chestnut Hills

Chestnut Hills's housing consists of 653 units, with 38.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.5% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
653
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 253 38.7%
1 unit, attached 75 11.5%
2 units 4 0.6%
3 or 4 units 31 4.8%
5 to 9 units 61 9.3%
10 to 19 units 68 10.4%
20 to 49 units 26 4%
50 or more units 130 19.9%
Mobile home 5 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
26
85.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chestnut Hills

In Chestnut Hills, the median construction year is 1982. About 0.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3 0.5% -25.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1 0.2% -80.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 31 4.7% 6.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 127 19.4% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 142 21.7% 5.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 112 17.1% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 67 10.2% 6.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 65 9.9% -5.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 80 12.2% -2.4%
Built in 2020 or later 26 4% 85.7%
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.

Chestnut Hills occupancy rates

Out of the 571 occupied housing units in Chestnut Hills, 49.7% are owner-occupied, while 50.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
571
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
286
Owner occupied
284
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 286 50.1% 5.9%
Owner occupied 284 49.7% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
12.6%
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.

Chestnut Hills housing costs

Housing costs in Chestnut Hills come to a median of $1,555 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,474.

Median housing costs per month
$1,555/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 Chestnut Hills
$1,474/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 Chestnut Hills

Chestnut Hills education at a glance

About 15.3% of the population in Chestnut Hills went to high school, while 12.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 40.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 41 4.4% -4.7%
High school diploma 144 15.3% -3.4%
College diploma 116 12.4% -7.9%
Associate degree 67 7.1% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 384 40.9% 1.3%
Graduate degree 187 19.9% 11.3%
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 Chestnut Hills

How much people earn in Chestnut Hills

The average annual household income in Chestnut Hills was $132,255 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,065, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chestnut Hills
$132,255/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chestnut Hills
$83,065/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Chestnut Hills income by age

In Chestnut Hills, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $89,936. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $114,034 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,625, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,945 in earnings. Overall, 93.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,625 16.2%
25 - 44 $89,936 5.4%
45 - 64 $114,034 1.6%
Over 65 $60,945 -7.9%
Above poverty level
1,052
Below poverty level
76
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,052 93.3% 0.1%
Below poverty level 76 6.7% 4.1%

Employment in Chestnut Hills

Workforce and job types in Chestnut Hills

85.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
568
Blue collar
97
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 568 85.4% 2.0%
Blue collar 97 14.6% -7.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
12.5%
Not for profit companies
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 62 9.3% -3.1%
Private companies 438 65.9% 4.0%
Governmental workers 83 12.5% -3.5%
Not for profit companies 82 12.3% -8.9%

Transportation in Chestnut Hills

How people get around in Chestnut Hills

In Chestnut Hills, the average commute time is 1 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
1 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 468 96.3% -4.7%
Taxicab 2 0.4% 100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.8% 0.0%
Motorcycle 1 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 11 2.3% -15.4%
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 Chestnut Hills by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27609 35,573 17,592 $83,065 $133,606

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chestnut Hills demographics 

What is the total population of Chestnut Hills?

Chestnut Hills has a total population of 1,154 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chestnut Hills?

The gender ratio in Chestnut Hills is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (575 residents)
  • 50.2% females (579 residents)

What is the median age in Chestnut Hills?

The median age in Chestnut Hills is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chestnut Hills?

The age distribution in Chestnut Hills is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (186 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (113 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.8% (379 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (277 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.3% (200 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chestnut Hills?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chestnut Hills is as follows:
  • White: 67.2% (776 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15% (173 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (16 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (106 residents)
  • Other: 6.5% (75 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.9% of the population in Chestnut Hills.

How many housing units are there in Chestnut Hills?

There are 653 housing units in Chestnut Hills, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chestnut Hills has a total of 571 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chestnut Hills?

Chestnut Hills has a median household income of $83,065, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Chestnut Hills?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.4% (568 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.6% (97 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (62 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (438 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.5% (83 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.3% (82 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