EZ Home Search Guide to Living in Chatham County, NC

Are you considering relocating to Chatham County, North Carolina? Maybe you’re already living there and want to learn more about what it has to offer. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, and we’re part of the Research Triangle area.

Whether you’re thinking about moving or aren’t yet a resident, we have information that will help you decide about living in Chatham County.

About the County

Chatham County is located in the heart of North Carolina in the Piedmont region, and it’s known for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. Residents live pretty much in the geographic center of North Carolina. The county seat is Pittsboro, and other notable cities include Siler City and Goldston.

The climate in Chatham County is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 29F in the winter to the mid 89F in the summer. Precipitation is higher in the summer months. The county averages 2.5 inches of snow for the winter.

The cost of living in Chatham County is relatively affordable, scoring an overall 107.8 where the national average is 100. Different county areas have affordable housing more in line with national averages. Housing costs and miscellaneous costs were above the national US averages, but part of this is due to the wealth of waterfront real estate along Jordan Lake.

Its location on the western extremity of the Triangle area, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, means the county population is increasing rapidly. However, Chatham continues to produce many agricultural products, including swine, tobacco, corn, soybeans, hay, poultry meat, and cattle. Textiles and yarns are manufactured in Chatham County.

Chatham County is surrounded by:

• Alamance County
• Durham County
• Harnett County
• Lee County
• Moore County
• Orange County
• Randolph County
• Wake County

Chatham County Cities

Pittsboro is the county seat for Chatham County, North Carolina, and was founded in 1787. With more than 2,500 residents, it is located in the county’s middle. A wide range of art galleries and studios, small farms, bed and breakfasts, retail and antique stores, restaurants, software developers, bio-fuel research, and production are all part of the business community.

Siler City is the largest town in Chatham County, with an estimated 8,000+ residents over six square miles. It is near to the Greensboro area and the Triangle in the west of the county. US 64 and US 421 run through Siler City.

Goldston is a tiny hamlet with around 350 people. It was founded in 1907 and is roughly 10-15 miles from Pittsboro, Siler City, and Sanford. In the fall, the Old Fashion Day and Hart’s Pumpkin Festival are held here.

The community of Cary is located in Wake County, but a small part of eastern Chatham County has been added to the municipality. Cary was founded in 1871, although it remained modest until the 1970s, when the Research Triangle Park entered its peak growth period.

Chatham County is home to many unincorporated small communities, some of which have small downtown areas. Some places like Silk Hope have festivals and events throughout the year.

Chatham County History

Iroquoian and Siouan Indians were the first inhabitants of Chatham County. Records show that Europeans have lived in the region since at least the mid-1700s, with a Quaker community established in 1751. Early settlers came from the north via a trade route used by the Catawba Indians and from the south via the Cape Fear River Valley.

Chatham County was formed in 1771 from Orange County and was named after the Earl of Chatham, William Pitt, a defender of American rights in the British Parliament. The county seat, Pittsboro, was established in 1785.

Chatham County Population and Demographics

Chatham County is home to a population of around 76,285 people, an increase of 16.7% from the 2010 Census. Around 25% of residents are age 65 and older. The median age is 47 years old.

Demographically, 76% identified as white alone. Approximately 12% identified as African American and 12% as Hispanic or Latino.

The residents are highly educated, with 42% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income was $83,963. Most of the population lives in a rural area, around 66%.

Chatham County Job Market

The job market in Chatham County is fairly diverse, with opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and retail. Based on the number employed, the top sectors are health care, retail trades, and manufacturing. Educational services and construction also have a large representation.

Based on the number of employees, the county’s top employers are Chatham County Schools, Chatham County Government, Carolina Meadows, Mountaire Farms of NC, Galloway Ridge, NC Health, Wal-Mart, Flakeboard America, NFI Interactive Logistics, and Piedmont Health Services.

Chatham County Real Estate Market

Chatham County is a hotbed of activity in the 2022 housing market. Most homes are owner-occupied, representing about 76% of the residential housing units. Chatham County has a wide variety of housing options for all budgets and lifestyle preferences.

Data from January 2022 showed a 21% year-over-year decline in new listings. The median sales price was $589,065, a 33% increase YOY. Homes were on the market for an average of 23 days. Chatham County’s supply of inventory stood at 0.8 months or about three weeks.

Looking at the ten-year historical trend for median sales prices, the stock had been relatively stable until mid-2020, when prices rose quickly by over 20%.

The tax rate for Chatham County was $0.665 per $100 of assessed value in 2019. According to the county’s website, a $200,000 valued house would have an estimated annual tax of $1,330. Other municipal or special district taxes may be applied.

Chatham County Education

The Chatham County School District is one of the top-rated in the state, enrolling around 9,000 students. The district has a popular Career and Technical Education curriculum and a unique dual enrollment program. Students may earn college credit by taking courses through Central Carolina Works, or CCWorks.

Central Carolina Community College offers online and in-person major programs and continuing education classes in Pittsboro and Siler City in Chatham locations. Over 130 degree, diploma, and certificate programs are available. These include university transfer, engineering technologies, health care programs, agricultural programs, and business.

Several colleges and universities are located nearby, including Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Chatham County Health Care

The health care system in Chatham County is excellent, with many hospitals and clinics located throughout the county.

Chatham Hospital is a non-profit hospital in Siler City providing high-quality health care to residents of Chatham and adjacent counties. The institution is part of the UNC Health Care System and has a capacity of 25 Critical Access beds.

The University of North Carolina Medical Center is located just a few miles from the Chatham County border. Duke Health (Durham), WakeMed (Raleigh), and Cone Health (Greensboro) are major healthcare facilities in nearby cities with a wide range of services.

Chatham Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do in Chatham County, from exploring the local parks and museums to attending sporting events and concerts. There are also a variety of shopping and dining options available.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing and canoeing in the many lakes and rivers, or camping in one of the county’s many parks.

Picturesque Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is where residents enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and more water activities. The park has nine access sites with over 1,000 campsites, seven beaches for swimming, picnic shelters, and 14 miles of hiking trails. The adjacent property is a public game area under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

The Haw, Deep, and Rocky Rivers are the three main watercourses in Chatham County. Those who prefer to paddle, trek, fish, picnic, and enjoy the water may prefer the rivers and surrounding picturesque land. The Haw and Deep Rivers are particularly popular for leisure activities with a number of public access points and natural areas along each. The Cape Fear River is formed by the merging of all three waterways in southeast Chatham County. Paddlers can journey 200 miles down the Cape Fear to the Atlantic Ocean on this route.

The 22-mile American Tobacco Trail, which runs for 4.5 miles in northeast Chatham County connects to Durham and Wake counties’ networks. Bicycles are allowed on hundreds of miles of designated routes, including circular trips that start and finish in the same place.

Chatham County offers a variety of outstanding golf courses, including the Jack Nicklaus-designed Governors Club Golf Course and the exclusive Old Chatham Golf Club. Pinehurst Resort, a prestigious tournament facility located in Pinehurst, is a short drive away.

Agritourism is a thriving industry. Stop a number of farms for pick-your-own, roadside markets, or special events. For example, Farm Boy Farms is part of the Heart of North Carolina B&B and Craft Beverage Trail. The Hop Harvest Party takes place at various times throughout the year.

There are plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, and museums to explore for those who prefer indoor activities.

The third Friday of each month is the Siler City Art Walk. The NC Arts Incubator organizes it.

No matter what your interests are, Chatham County has something for everyone!

Chatham County Attractions

Silk Hope Ruritan Farm Heritage Park has a large exhibit of 19th-century farming structures, with working antique farm equipment and technology that can’t be found anywhere else.

The North Carolina Zen Center is a Zen Buddhist community and retreat center committed to intensive practice and friendly support. The center provides weekly meditation sessions, conventional services, beginning instruction, and retreats.

Carolina Tiger Rescue will introduce you to tigers, caracals, servals, ocelots, and kinkajous. Tour guides will describe how they have been rescued and their species’ challenges in the wild.

The Chatham Historical Museum houses historical artifacts and photographs from the museum’s collection. Panels chronicle colonial times, the early 1800s through the Civil War, recovery and industrial advances, and current transformations.

Fearrington Village is nestled in rolling hills, with views of farms and gardens. This tranquil retreat features gourmet eateries, boutique stores, and a day spa. The Shops at Fearrington Village provide an excellent selection of gifts, accessories, and items for the house and garden. Fearrington’s Belted Galloway cows are a rare breed recognizable for being completely black save a straight white band around the middle.

Chatham County Dining

With many farms and producers in Chatham County, local restaurants have access to fresh and seasonal ingredients. Enjoy roadside Carolina BBQ, classic American diners, and new casual fare, like at the Roost Beer Garden.

Chatham County has everything you need for year-round takeout food, but fine dining options are available. The Fearrington House Inn and Restaurant is highlighted as being a place for special occasions like weddings.

Chatham County is home to craft breweries, cider works, and meaderies. Taste your way around the county and its local cellars.

Several food tours are available throughout the county. Take a tour on the Craft Brew Trail or try a Southern Gourmet tour.

Chatham County Shopping

Chatham County has a range of retail chains and boutique shops to supply all your retail needs. You can source local and unique goods from weekend farmer’s markets and the charming downtown districts.

The PAF Gallery is sponsored by the NC Arts Incubator in Siler City. There is a rotating art exhibit space for local artists, the venue hosts live music, gallery exhibit openings, and other events intended to celebrate Chatham County’s culturally diverse population.

Living in Chatham County

Chatham County is a great option if you’re looking for a place to call home that offers a great quality of life. The county is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly people, excellent schools, and healthcare system. So whatever your needs may be, Chatham County has something to offer.