Discover the 5 Most Educated Places in North Carolina

North Carolina has so much going for it, including beautiful beaches and exciting things to do. However, they also boast high education rates, with many of their residents having bachelor’s degrees or higher. According to Data Commons, here are the most educated places in North Carolina: 

1. Orange County

The cities of Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Mebane, and Carrboro make up Orange County, NC. 37.8% of the population in this area has bachelor’s degrees or higher, making them the most educated place in North Carolina. You can find the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, the United States’ oldest state-supported university. 

Living or attending college in this area gets you more than a great education. You can also find booming businesses and plenty of outdoor green space. They also have excellent healthcare, diversity, and superior education opportunities from elementary through college. 

2. Wake County

There are 12 cities and towns in Wake County, including Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon. Angier and Durham also have jurisdictions within the county. 35.6% of the people within Wake County have a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

Not only do adults have high education rates, but they also have high-quality K-12 schools. They have 171 public schools and 76 private schools, providing options for everyone, no matter their preferences. However, Wake County doesn’t only offer one of the most educated places in North Carolina. 

You can also find plenty to do in Wake County, including outdoor exploration at the Falls State Recreation Area. They also have parks, nature preserves, and plenty of other opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the area. If you want to stay inside, you can go to the North Carolina Museum of Art or the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. 

3. Durham County

The public school system in Durham County, NC, has 55 schools for 31,754 students. With such a good start to education in the area, many residents choose to achieve a bachelor’s degree. 

This area is also home to Duke University and other colleges. 34.5% of the population in Durham County has a bachelor’s degree or higher, showing how much the community emphasizes the importance of higher education. 

Durham County also recognizes the need for arts and athletics, with the Durham Performing Arts Center and Durham Bulls Athletic Park being popular amongst residents. You can also find Duke University’s Nasher Museum of Art. 

When you visit Durham, NC, you can also expect many ongoing events and festivals throughout the year. They host an American Dance Festival, a photography festival, the Hayti Heritage Film Festival, and much more. You’ll never run out of things to do in Durham County, adding to its appeal. 

4. Chatham County

The K-12 public school district in Chatham County, NC, ranks above average nationwide. 31.9% of the citizens in this county have a bachelor’s degree or higher, making them one of the most educated places in North Carolina. 

Chatham County is in the center of the state, spanning 707 square miles, and is rich in history and traditions. It’s a diverse community that focuses on growth and education. 

Some of the cities and towns in this county include Pittsboro, which holds the county seat, Siler City, and Goldston. Parts of Cary and Apex are also located in Chatham County, although the majority of land in those cities is in Wake County.

The area is well-known for art, including pottery, paintings, metalwork, jewelry, and sculptures. While you’re in Chatham County, you can also visit Jordan Lake, a recreational lake and reservoir that includes the Rocky River, Haw River, and Deep River. 

5. Mecklenburg County 

Mecklenburg County is one of the most educated places in North Carolina, with 31.1% of the citizens having bachelor’s degrees or higher. The cities and towns located within this county are Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, and Stallings. 

Mecklenburg County is a great place to live or visit. They have museums, including the Levine Museum of the New South, delving into post-Civil War history in the area. 

This county also has hands-on science opportunities at places like Discovery Place. NASCAR fans can enjoy the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and everyone can enjoy outdoor exploration at Lake Norman. 

Summary of the Most Educated Places in North Carolina