Durham-Chapel Hill, NC local economy

95th

percentile among United States metros

▲ +0.2 3-month trend

Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ranks in the 95th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum rising over the past 12 months.

Business formation

New business applications or registrations was 10,363 in January 2025, up 12.9% from January 2024.

Building permits

Dwelling units authorized by permit was 536 in July 2026.

Employment

Payrolled or covered employment was 335,921 in January 2026.

New business applications or registrations was 10,363 in January 2025, up 12.9% from January 2024. Dwelling units authorized by permit was 536 in July 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How does Durham-Chapel Hill, NC rank among United States metros?
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ranks in the 95th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum rising over the past 12 months.
What is the new business applications or registrations in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
New business applications or registrations in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC was 10,363 in January 2025.
What is the dwelling units authorized by permit in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Dwelling units authorized by permit in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC was 536 in July 2026.
What is the payrolled or covered employment in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Payrolled or covered employment in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC was 335,921 in January 2026.

Nearby and related

Sources and methodology

Method: 2026.09. Updated 2026-09-10. Coverage: 100% of weighted components available.

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Durham-Chapel Hill, NC local economy score, via LocalEconomy.com
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Durham-Chapel Hill, NC local economy indicators. LocalEconomy.com. Retrieved 2026-10-09 from https://localeconomy.com/us/metro/durham-chapel-hill-nc/