Appreciation Investing in Raleigh, NC

Appreciation Score: 7.5/10Ranked #2 of 52 markets

Data-driven appreciation analysis for Raleigh, NC — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

Appreciation Score:7.5
Population Growth(40%)
+15.0%9.5
Median Household Income(25%)
$101,7638.0
Low Vacancy(20%)
7.5%5.6
Metro Size (Demand)(15%)
1,151,0093.6

Key Metrics for Appreciation

Pop. Growth

+15.0%

Exceptional

Median Income

$101,763

Household income

Vacancy Rate

7.5%

Moderate supply

Population

1.2M

Metro demand indicator

Appreciation Investment Thesis

Raleigh Research Triangle has the strongest appreciation thesis on this list: 15% population growth, $72K median income, and a tech/biotech job engine that is adding high-paying positions faster than housing can be built. Apple, Google, and Epic Games have all expanded here.

How Raleigh Compares

RankCityAppreciation ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#1Austin, TX7.94.3%$450,000
#2Raleigh, NC7.55.1%$380,000
#3Phoenix, AZ7.04.9%$385,000
#4Boise, ID7.04.5%$420,000
#5Seattle, WA6.93.8%$720,000

Showing markets ranked near Raleigh for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,700/mo)$20,400
Less: Vacancy (7.5%)-$1,530
Less: Property Tax (0.80%)-$3,040
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$1,900
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$5,700
Estimated NOI$8,230
Implied Cap Rate2.2%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the appreciation score for Raleigh, NC?

Raleigh, NC scores 7.5 out of 10 on our appreciation score, ranking #2 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: population growth (40%), median household income (25%), low vacancy (20%), metro size/demand (15%). Scale 0–10.

Is Raleigh a good city for appreciation investing?

Yes — Raleigh, NC ranks in the top 10 for appreciation investing with a score of 7.5/10. Key factors include a median home price of $380,000, cap rate of 5.1%, and positive population growth of +15.0%.

What is the average cap rate in Raleigh?

The average cap rate in Raleigh, NC is 5.1%. The median home price is $380,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,700, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.45%.

What are the property taxes in Raleigh?

The effective property tax rate in Raleigh, NC is 0.80%. On a $380,000 property, that translates to approximately $3,040 per year in property taxes.

How does Raleigh compare to other appreciation markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Raleigh, NC ranks #2 for appreciation investing. It is one of the top-performing markets for this strategy.

What is driving population growth in Raleigh?

Raleigh, NC has a 5-year population growth rate of +15.0% and a median household income of $101,763. Strong job growth and migration trends are fueling above-average population increases, which typically correlates with sustained home price appreciation.

Run Your Own Numbers for Raleigh

Use our free calculators pre-filled with Raleigh, NC market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.

Cap Rate Calculator (Raleigh Data)Cash-on-Cash Return CalculatorCap Rate CalculatorMortgage/DSCR Calculator

Raleigh by Strategy

Cash Flow4.0BRRRR4.6House Hacking5.1Appreciation7.5

Market Data

Raleigh Cap Rate DetailsAll Appreciation RankingsAll North Carolina MarketsFull 52-City Data Table

Find Financing

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Other Strategy Rankings

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