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
Instead of throwing your pumpkins away, consider donating them to local farms through Pumpkins for Pigs.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great in the 919. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
Beer drinkers can rate brews all over the world on the popular app Untappd — here are some of Raleigh’s most popular beers. Don’t forget to save this one for lager.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
The new facility will expand the convention center’s downtown footprint + impact.
American humorist — and Raleigh native — is coming home for “An Evening with David Sedaris” at the Martin Marietta Center on April 18, 2026, and tickets are on sale now
Show some love to your fave businesses in Raleigh.
This apple sage vinaigrette from Whiskey Kitchen is perfect for any and all autumnal salads thanks to seasonal ingredients + easy prep.
Check out these 20+ yoga studios around the City of Oaks, which offer holistic wellness outside the studio, smoothies, international retreats, and more.