Spanning almost 300 square miles, Durham County is located in the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont Region. Historically known as the “tobacco capital of the world” and the home to Black Wall Street, Durham is known nationwide as a vibrant, diverse and entrepreneurial community. There is a rich agricultural heritage, a diverse population, beautiful land, numerous parks, excellent public services and a strong faith and social justice community. There are many medical resources, non-profits and opportunities available to community members. The demographics of Durham County residents have shifted dramatically over the last decade. Although Durham County is rich in resources, disparities do exist between racial/ethnic groups as well as between lower income and higher income residents.
Recent demographic data reflect cultural shifts occurring in Durham County. From 2000 to 2010, Durham County’s populace grew 22% to 267,587 residents, slightly outpacing the statewide growth rate of 18.5%. Durham County is North Carolina’s most densely inhabited county; nearly 86% of all residents live in the City of Durham. Spanning over 108 square miles, Durham is the state’s fourth largest municipality. At a median age of 33.4 years, Durham County residents are younger than the statewide median age of 37.4. Communities in Durham County continue to racially and ethnically grow and diversify.
Durham County Government is known and highly regarded as an innovative leader across this region, throughout the state and beyond. The County strives to conduct business ethically, honestly and in accordance with its core values: Accountability, Commitment, Exceptional Customer Service, Integrity, Teamwork and Collaboration.
Since 2015, Durham County Government has been a catalyst hosting and co-sponsoring several multi-day training opportunities for leaders across the county representing multiple sectors such as community, public health, social services, faith and community-based organizations, university, law enforcement, education, transportation, housing, recreation, finance, state government, business, elected officials, criminal and juvenile justice focusing on a foundational analysis of racism, its cultural and historical roots. This shared cross-systems understanding will allow us to begin the work of intentionally creating racially equitable organizations and systems.