Support Us Button Widget

Fast downtown Raleigh facts

pexels-curtis-adams-5489599 copy

Downtown Raleigh | Photo by Curtis Adams via Pexels

Raleigh is growing, but what exactly does that mean? The Downtown Raleigh Alliance published its Quarterly Market Report and it’s full of facts we don’t want you to miss.

Downtown by the numbers

  • More than 12,000 people live downtown.
  • The median age is 32.9 + 40% of the population is between 20-34 years old.
  • The average household income for residents is $85,871.
  • Approximately 60% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • There are 48,000 downtown employees.

Development

  • There are 20+ developments under construction or planning to break ground this year.
  • There are already 12 significant projects under construction (like Seaboard Station + 400H).
  • The demand to live downtown is high — as of the first quarter, downtown has a 95.8% residential occupancy. That helps to explain why there are 1,456 new residential units under construction (like The Acorn + Park City South).
  • So far, eight new storefront businesses have opened or expanded in 2022 with 18 more businesses coming soon. We’re especially excited about The Rainbow Luncheonette, 321 Coffee + The Crunkleton.

Just for fun

  • Downtown has seen a 59% increase in food and beverage sales this year compared to the same time last year.
  • Pedestrian traffic has increased by 63%.
  • There are 160+ downtown restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. Check out some of our favorites.
  • There are nine craft breweries + distilleries downtown.

More resources

More from RALtoday
There’s a chill in the air, cheer throughout town, and a pep in our step. Get your calendar out for Raleigh’s top December events — with more than just holiday fun.
Giving Tuesday was founded 12 years ago with aims to support communities by pouring into where we live. See how you can give back to Raleigh.
The cold has already hit Raleigh. Stay warm and in-the-know about 2024 winter weather, including snow predictions, the coldest months of the year, and more.
Raleigh is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, and here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
Looking for ways to decompress in during the busy holiday season? Explore things to do and places to explore.
The 2024 holiday season is officially among us, and Oak City isn’t short on festive experiences. Grab your calendar and check out these experiences filled with tons of holiday cheer.
Bookmark this guide for a perfect, introvert-approved day on the town.
The new Warehouse District restaurant boasts an impressive Italian-inspired menu at dinner time, but Figulina’s new Sunday brunch service explores English + French cuisine with style.
Whether you’re looking to kick-off your holiday shopping or just want to support local businesses, here’s where to shop in Raleigh easy.
Candlelight Concerts is an intimate and unique experience, perfect for date nights. Here’s what you need to know to have the ultimate good time.