The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 27278 sells for about $483,000, or $269 per square foot.
Prices are roughly flat from a year ago (+1%), a market in balance. Homes take about 24 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,297 a month.
ZIP 27278 — Hillsborough
The Hillsborough housing market remains competitive with steady price appreciation and low inventory levels. Demand is driven by the area's high quality of life and proximity to major employment hubs in the Research Triangle. While price growth has moderated compared to previous years, the market remains balanced for both buyers and sellers.
This ZIP is ideal for families and professionals seeking a balance between historic small-town charm and convenient access to the Research Triangle's major employment centers.
Median prices moved up 1.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 24 days on market with 3.8 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
32% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.9% · poverty 7.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 27278, Orange County NC
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
The area is served by the Orange County Schools district, which generally maintains a positive reputation within the region.
The region is subject to standard North Carolina climate risks, including potential for heavy rainfall and localized flooding; insurance premiums are influenced by regional hazard exposure.
Hillsborough benefits from its proximity to the Research Triangle Park, driving demand from professionals in the tech and biotech sectors.
Property taxes are assessed by Orange County based on the fair market value of the property, with additional municipal taxes applicable for properties within Hillsborough town limits.
Residents typically commute via I-85 and I-40 to reach major employment hubs in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh.
The area features extensive outdoor amenities including the Eno River State Park, various local greenways, and historic downtown Hillsborough's shopping and dining district.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand from professionals and families, with limited vacancy pressure and a mix of single-family and apartment offerings.
The local economy is anchored by education, healthcare, and technology sectors, heavily influenced by the nearby Research Triangle Park and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The area is served by major highway corridors including I-85 and I-40, facilitating regional connectivity.
Development is focused on maintaining the historic character of the town while accommodating moderate residential growth.
Orange County Tax Office conducts periodic revaluations to ensure assessments reflect current market conditions.
Parcels are subject to Orange County property taxes and may fall within specific fire and utility service districts.
Property insurance rates are stable but reflect regional risks associated with severe weather events common in the Piedmont region.
Data retrieved from Census Reporter and ACS 2024 profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Angel Island Fun Park | Durham NC4.910.9 mi
- Palace Pointe4.317.4 mi
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park4.510.8 mi
- Wreck it Rage Room4.97.8 mi
- Chuck E. Cheese4.111.2 mi
- Durham Performing Arts Center4.812.3 mi
- Durham Bulls Athletic Park4.812.2 mi
- Kenan Stadium4.612.7 mi
- Dean E. Smith Center4.813.3 mi
- Durham Food Hall4.512 mi
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens4.910.6 mi
- Museum of Life and Science4.711.3 mi
- The Carolina Theatre4.712.1 mi
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center4.512.3 mi
- Boxcar Bar + Arcade4.511.9 mi
- Museum of Life and Science4.711.3 mi
- Duke University Chapel4.910.2 mi
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center4.512.3 mi
- American Tobacco Campus4.712.2 mi
- Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University4.610.8 mi
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens4.910.6 mi
- Eno River State Park4.84.2 mi
- Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area4.72.6 mi
- Durham Central Park4.612 mi
- Cedar Falls Park4.69.4 mi
- Lake Cammack Park & Marina4.619.3 mi
- Hillandale Golf Course4.39.6 mi
- Chapel Hill Country Club4.712.4 mi
- Umstead Pines @ Willowhaven Golf & Swim Club4.56.9 mi
- Mill Creek Golf Club4.610.4 mi
- Treyburn Country Club4.712.6 mi
- Tanger Outlets Mebane4.410.1 mi
- Harris Teeter4.410.6 mi
- T.J. Maxx4.210.6 mi
- Kohl's4.311 mi
- Harris Teeter4.311.4 mi
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport4.422.2 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Extensive hiking trails and river access.
Local boutiques and restaurants in a historic setting.
Features the highest point in Orange County with scenic overlooks.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.