214 E Elm St
For sale214 E Elm St, Graham, NC 27253
Graham, NC
Graham is the county seat of Alamance County in central North Carolina and part of the Burlington metropolitan area. Founded in 1849 and incorporated as a city in 1961, it lies along the Haw River and Alamance Creek, with Interstate 85 providing direct connections to Greensboro and Durham. Graham is known for its courthouse-centered civic identity, historic districts, nearby waterways, and connections to the region’s textile and manufacturing heritage. The Alamance County Courthouse, Graham Historic District, North Main Street Historic District, and former Oneida Cotton Mills complex reflect the city’s deep historical character.
Recreational Delights
Graham’s outdoor setting is shaped by the Haw River, which borders the city to the east, and Alamance Creek to the south. These waterways support scenic exploration, fishing, wildlife viewing, and informal outdoor recreation. Nearby Cedarock Park offers broader opportunities for walking, picnicking, nature observation, and enjoying historic landscapes. Within the city, Sesquicentennial Park and other civic spaces provide places for community events and leisure. Interstate 85 also makes regional parks, trails, and recreation across Alamance County and the wider Piedmont easily accessible. Graham’s humid subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and precipitation distributed throughout the year, allows outdoor activities in every season.
Culinary Scene
Graham’s dining scene reflects the approachable, community-oriented food culture of central North Carolina, with locally owned restaurants, Southern comfort food, barbecue, burgers, breakfast fare, and casual family dining. The historic downtown and courthouse area provide the city’s most natural setting for independent eateries and cafés, while nearby Burlington expands the selection with additional regional and international options. Local food traditions are influenced by the Piedmont’s barbecue heritage and by the area’s diverse population. Graham does not have a nationally prominent restaurant district, but its compact historic core and proximity to Burlington give residents convenient access to both small-town dining and broader metropolitan choices.
Demographics
- Graham has approximately 18,048 residents, with a median age of 37.8—slightly younger than the U.S. median of 38.9—giving the city a mix of working-age adults, families, and older residents.
- Median household income is $56,239, below the U.S. median of $80,734, reflecting Graham’s relatively affordable, working- and middle-income profile within the Burlington metropolitan area.
- The city is predominantly urban and includes substantial Black and Hispanic or Latino communities, alongside its White majority, contributing to a varied cultural and community identity.
Population
18,048
Growth 2.91%
Households
8,095
Growth 4.44%
Median Age
37.8
US Median Age 38.9
Median Household Income
$56,239
US Median Household Income $80,734
Education
Alamance Community College
Graham High School
Southern Alamance High School
Graham Middle School
Entertainment
Graham Historic District
Alamance County Courthouse
Sesquicentennial Park
Cedarock Park Historic District
Quality of Life
Graham offers small-city convenience, historic character, access to the Haw River, and quick interstate connections to Greensboro, Durham, Burlington, and surrounding employment centers. Housing and everyday costs are generally more accessible than in larger North Carolina metros, though household incomes are below the national median. Residents benefit from local schools, Alamance Community College, nearby parks, and a close-knit civic environment.
2022 Population by age
7%
0-4 Years
16%
5-19 Years
5%
20-24 Years
31%
25-44 Years
25%
45-64 Years
18%
65+ Years
Employers
7%
Unemployment rate
Employment sectors
Health Care and Social Assistance
21.08%
Manufacturing
18.07%
Retail Trade
12.56%
Educational Services
9.08%
Construction
7.38%
Accommodation and Food Services
6.41%
Transportation and Warehousing
6.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
5.3%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services
4.04%
Finance and Insurance
2.75%
Public Administration
2.3%
Wholesale Trade
2.14%
Other
2.59%