Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 147,292 ↓ 0.9% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $88,553 19% above national median |
| Median Home Value | $428,500 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% |
| Median Age | 36.2 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 9.1% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 198 transactions |
| Active Listings | 103 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 256 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $40,000 |
| Recent Sales | 145 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 270 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 14.10 acres |
| Active Listings | 84 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 4.20 | $72,500 | $17,262 | Chapel Hill |
| Mar 2026 | 11.89 | $265,000 | $22,288 | Mebane |
| Mar 2026 | 34.24 | $1,400,000 | $40,888 | Chapel Hill |
| Feb 2026 | 5.83 | $350,000 | $60,034 | Chapel Hill |
| Feb 2026 | 1.17 | $70,000 | $59,829 | Hillsborough |
| Feb 2026 | 1.81 | $80,000 | $44,199 | Hillsborough |
| Feb 2026 | 2.10 | $293,000 | $139,524 | Chapel Hill |
| Feb 2026 | 1.83 | $190,000 | $103,825 | Hillsborough |
| Feb 2026 | 2.29 | $65,000 | $28,384 | Cedar Grove |
| Feb 2026 | 2.36 | $100,000 | $42,373 | Efland |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Jan 2026 – Feb 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $160,000 |
| Recent Sales | 53 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 216 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.60 acres |
| Active Listings | 19 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 0.28 | $49,000 | Mebane |
| Feb 2026 | 0.28 | $49,000 | Mebane |
| Feb 2026 | 0.55 | $16,363 | Hillsborough |
| Feb 2026 | 0.80 | $100,000 | Hillsborough |
| Feb 2026 | 0.43 | $17,000 | Hillsborough |
| Feb 2026 | 0.45 | $17,000 | Hillsborough |
| Feb 2026 | 0.46 | $15,000 | Hillsborough |
| Jan 2026 | 0.93 | $380,000 | Hillsborough |
| Jan 2026 | 0.94 | $380,000 | Hillsborough |
| Jan 2026 | 0.49 | $15,000 | Chapel Hill |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 147,292 |
| Population (2020) | 148,696 |
| Population Growth | -0.94% |
| Median Household Income | $88,553 |
| Median Home Value | $428,500 |
| Total Housing Units | 62,127 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 5,671 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 9.1% |
| Median Age | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 25,681 (17.4%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.1% |
Market Overview
Orange County, North Carolina has a population of 147,292, which has declined 0.94% since 2020. The median household income is $88,553, above the national median of $74,580 by 18.7%. With a median home value of $428,500 and an unemployment rate of 3.1%, the local economy is strong. The housing vacancy rate of 9.1% suggests balanced market conditions. Orange County remains a key area for land acquisition in North Carolina. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $40,000 per acre, with properties averaging 14.10 acres. There are currently 103 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Orange County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Orange County has a population of 147,292. The county has declined 0.94% since the 2020 Census.
What is the median household income in Orange County?
The median household income in Orange County is $88,553, which is 18.7% above the national median of $74,580.
Is Orange County growing or shrinking?
Orange County is shrinking. The population has declined 0.94% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Orange County?
The median home value in Orange County is $428,500. The housing vacancy rate is 9.1%, which suggests balanced market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, indicating a strong local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $40,000 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $160,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Orange County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Orange County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.