📊 Raleigh-Cary, NC Market Demographics
Population
1,454,000
🟢 Census ACS 2023
Median Household Income
$78,900
🟢 ACS Table B19013
Median Age
36.1 yrs
🟢 ACS Table B01002
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
🟢 BLS LAUS
Homeownership Rate
60.2%
🟢 ACS Table B25003
📋 Market Analysis: Why Raleigh for Franchising?
Income & purchasing power. Raleigh's median household income of $78,900 is 5% above the national median of $75,149. Markets near the national income median support a broad range of franchise categories — neither constrained to budget concepts nor reliant on premium positioning.
Labor market conditions. The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 3.6%, 0pp above the national average of 3.6%. A labor market near the national average provides balanced conditions for franchise operations — neither constrained by labor shortages nor burdened by weak demand.
Homeownership & service demand. At 60.2%, homeownership in Raleigh is 5pp below the national rate of 65.2%. Homeownership near the national average supports moderate demand across both home services and consumer-facing franchise categories.
Top opportunity: Education & Learning. With a Penetration Index of 51 (49% below the national average), Education & Learning has the highest Opportunity Score of 88/100 in Raleigh. The market has an estimated 67 existing units versus 131 expected based on population — a gap of roughly 64 units that represents white-space opportunity for new entrants.
How Raleigh compares. Demographically similar metro areas include Richmond, Hartford, Salt Lake City. Comparing franchise penetration across peer markets can reveal whether Raleigh's opportunity gaps are local (untapped demand) or structural (category fit for the region). Explore each peer market for side-by-side franchise category analysis.
#1
📚
Education & Learning
Tutoring centers, preschools, STEM programs, and learning enrichment franchises
88
Opportunity
Score
🟢 Census Verified
Penetration Index
51
49% below avg
Est. Units (Raleigh)
67
vs 131 expected
Avg Investment
$100,000–$400,000
typical range
49% below peer-market average — 67 estimated units vs 131 expected for a market of 1.5M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from Dept of Education + FDD Item 20 disclosures
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Raleigh →
#2
⚕️
Healthcare & Medical
Urgent care, physical therapy, dental, vision, and medical staffing franchises
84
Opportunity
Score
🟢 Census Verified
Penetration Index
55
45% below avg
Est. Units (Raleigh)
48
vs 87 expected
Avg Investment
$300,000–$900,000
typical range
44% below peer-market average — 48 estimated units vs 87 expected for a market of 1.5M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from CMS provider data + FDD Item 20
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Raleigh →
#3
💪
Fitness & Wellness
Gyms, boutique fitness studios, yoga, martial arts, and wellness centers
83
Opportunity
Score
🟢 Census Verified
Penetration Index
56
44% below avg
Est. Units (Raleigh)
97
vs 174 expected
Avg Investment
$200,000–$600,000
typical range
44% below peer-market average — 97 estimated units vs 174 expected for a market of 1.5M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from IFA membership data + FDD Item 20
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Raleigh →
#4
🍔
Fast Food / QSR
Quick-service restaurants including burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and ethnic fast food
75
Opportunity
Score
🟢 Census Verified
Penetration Index
67
33% below avg
Est. Units (Raleigh)
389
vs 582 expected
Avg Investment
$250,000–$800,000
typical range
33% below peer-market average — 389 estimated units vs 582 expected for a market of 1.5M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from FDD Item 20 + Census business patterns
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Raleigh →
#5
☕
Coffee & Beverages
Coffee shops, juice bars, tea houses, and specialty beverage franchises
75
Opportunity
Score
🟢 Census Verified
Penetration Index
67
33% below avg
Est. Units (Raleigh)
175
vs 262 expected
Avg Investment
$150,000–$500,000
typical range
33% below peer-market average — 175 estimated units vs 262 expected for a market of 1.5M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from FDD disclosures + SBA franchise data
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Raleigh →
See All 10 Franchise Categories in Raleigh
Interactive tool with full opportunity scores, confidence ratings, CSV export, and email alerts for market changes.
Open Territory Finder — Free →
📈 Peer Market Comparison — Similar Metro Areas
| Metro Area | Population | Median HHI |
|---|
| 📍 Raleigh-Cary, NC (this market) | 1,454,000 | $78,900 |
| Richmond, VA |
1,328,000 |
$73,600 |
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT |
1,212,000 |
$76,900 |
| Salt Lake City, UT |
1,232,000 |
$74,700 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best franchise categories to open in Raleigh?
Based on our data analysis, the top franchise categories in Raleigh by Opportunity Score are: 1. Education & Learning (Score: 88/100), 2. Healthcare & Medical (Score: 84/100), 3. Fitness & Wellness (Score: 83/100), 4. Fast Food / QSR (Score: 75/100), 5. Coffee & Beverages (Score: 75/100). These scores are based on population demographics from US Census ACS 2023 and franchise unit count estimates from FDD Item 20 disclosures.
How many people live in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area?
According to the US Census American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates, the Raleigh-Cary, NC metropolitan statistical area has a population of 1,454,000.
What is the median household income in Raleigh?
The median household income in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area is $78,900, according to US Census ACS 2023 estimates (ACS Table B19013).
How many Education & Learning franchise units are in Raleigh?
Based on FDD Item 20 disclosures and Census business pattern data, Raleigh has an estimated 67 Education & Learning franchise units, compared to 131 expected based on the metro's population. This gives a Penetration Index of 51 — indicating a potentially underserved market.
How does the Raleigh market compare to similar metro areas for franchising?
Raleigh has a population of 1,454,000 and median household income of $78,900, which is 5% above the national median. Comparable metro areas include Richmond, Hartford, Salt Lake City. We recommend comparing opportunity scores across peer metros before selecting a territory, as penetration gaps vary significantly between demographically similar markets.
What factors should I consider before opening a franchise in Raleigh?
Key factors include: (1) local income levels — Raleigh's $78,900 median HHI determines which franchise price points the market supports, (2) category saturation — check the Penetration Index for your target category, (3) labor availability — the 3.6% unemployment rate affects staffing costs, and (4) real estate — homeownership at 60.2% influences both commercial lease availability and home services demand. Use our Territory Opportunity Finder for a complete category-by-category analysis.
📚 Data Sources & Methodology
This analysis is based on:
- US Census American Community Survey 2023 (5-year estimates)
- Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD Item 20) through 2024
- International Franchise Association (IFA) market data
How Opportunity Scores are calculated: Scores combine franchise category penetration (estimated from FDD Item 20 data),
local income levels, unemployment, and regional market factors. A score of 80+ indicates strong underpenetration;
50–79 indicates moderate opportunity; below 50 indicates a saturated or challenging market.
What "estimated" means: Unit counts marked 🟡 are derived from FDD disclosures for major franchisors
and Census business pattern data. They are directional estimates, not precise counts. Verify through individual FDD Item 20 research.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only.
It does not constitute investment advice. Past market data does not guarantee future franchise performance.
Full methodology →
Last updated: April 1, 2026 · Data: US Census ACS 2023 · FDD through 2024
Compare Franchise Opportunities in Similar Markets
These metro areas share similar demographics with Raleigh. Compare franchise penetration and opportunity scores across peer markets:
Related Tools & Resources