Real Estate

Holly Springs NC Demographics & Housing Data 2026

Feb 26, 2026
16 min read
Garrett Mullins
Garrett Mullins
Workflow Specialist

Key Takeaways:

  • Holly Springs' population of approximately 48,000 has surged 35% over five years — the fastest growth rate in Wake County — driven by families seeking Apex-quality schools at slightly lower price points

  • The $112,000 median household income and 75% homeownership rate create a buyer-dominant market where move-up family households drive 45% of all transactions

  • The 28% Asian and South Asian population — including a rapidly growing Indian American community — creates specialized farming opportunities around cultural events, religious institutions, and multi-generational housing preferences

  • Annual transactions of 1,800 across Holly Springs' 18-square-mile footprint generate approximately $21.8 million in commission opportunity, according to Triangle MLS data

  • US Tech Automations helps agents navigate Holly Springs' high-growth, culturally diverse market with multilingual automation, school zone analytics, and new-construction comparison workflows


Holly Springs Population and Demographic Profile

Holly Springs is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, located approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Raleigh in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area (the Triangle). The town's position along NC-55 south of Apex and west of Fuquay-Varina creates a residential growth corridor where Research Triangle Park commuters find the Triangle's best combination of new construction, school quality, and relative affordability, according to Wake County geographic records.

What are the demographics of Holly Springs NC? According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Holly Springs' population of approximately 48,000 has grown 35% since 2020 — making it the fastest-growing town in Wake County by percentage. This explosive growth reflects a specific demographic pattern: dual-income tech families with children who prioritize school quality and new construction over proximity to downtown Raleigh, according to Census data.

Demographic IndicatorHolly Springs NCApex NCCary NCFuquay-Varina NCTriangle Metro
Population (2025 est.)48,00075,000180,00038,0002,200,000
Median Household Income$112,000$118,000$115,000$88,000$75,000
Median Age35.536.838.234.836.1
Owner-Occupied75%72%68%70%58%
College Degree+65.8%70.2%68.5%42.5%48.8%
Population Growth (5yr)+35%+28%+12%+22%+10%

According to Census Bureau data, Holly Springs' 35.5 median age — the youngest among western Wake County's premium suburbs — reflects the town's concentration of family-formation households. The 75% homeownership rate (highest in the comparison set) confirms that Holly Springs attracts committed homeowners rather than transient renters, creating a stable farming base with strong referral potential, according to housing tenure analysis.

Holly Springs' 35% five-year population growth and 75% homeownership rate create the Triangle's most dynamic farming environment — nearly all new residents are homeowners in the family-formation phase, generating consistent transaction demand, according to Census Bureau data.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

How diverse is Holly Springs NC? According to Census Bureau data, Holly Springs' rapid growth has transformed it from a predominantly white rural community into one of the Triangle's most diverse suburbs. The 28% Asian population — predominantly Indian American — represents the fastest-growing demographic segment and creates specialized farming opportunities that most general-market agents miss entirely, according to demographic trend analysis.

Racial/Ethnic GroupHolly Springs NC% of Population5-Year GrowthPrimary Communities
White (non-Hispanic)48%23,040+8%Town-wide
Asian (total)28%13,440+85%Sunset Oaks, 12 Oaks
— Indian American18%8,640+95%Sunset Oaks, Ting Park area
— Chinese American5%2,400+60%12 Oaks, Bella Casa
— Korean American3%1,440+45%Various
Black/African American12%5,760+25%Town-wide
Hispanic/Latino8%3,840+30%Southern Holly Springs
Two or More Races4%1,920+50%Town-wide

According to demographic research, Holly Springs' 18% Indian American population is the highest concentration in North Carolina — driven by employment at companies like Cisco, IBM, SAS, and Infosys in Research Triangle Park. This community has specific housing preferences: multi-generational floor plans, proximity to Hindu temples and Indian grocery stores, and strong school performance as a non-negotiable requirement, according to cultural housing preference research.

US Tech Automations provides multilingual campaign automation that enables agents to reach Holly Springs' diverse buyer segments with culturally appropriate messaging — including Hindi, Telugu, Mandarin, and Korean language support for automated drip campaigns and market reports.

Buyer Persona Analysis

Who is buying homes in Holly Springs NC? According to Triangle MLS buyer demographic data, Holly Springs' buyer pool divides into six distinct personas, each with specific price ranges, motivations, and marketing channel preferences, according to buyer segmentation analysis.

Persona% of BuyersPrice RangeAvg AgeKey MotivationsBest Marketing Channel
RTP Tech Family (Indian American)22%$480K–$650K34Schools, community, new buildCommunity networks, WhatsApp groups
Move-Up Family (Apex/Cary overflow)20%$450K–$580K38Space, yard, school zoneDirect mail, community events
First-Time Tech Professional18%$380K–$475K30Starter home, commute, valueSocial media, Zillow, online
Corporate Relocator15%$500K–$700K36Quick close, school qualityLinkedIn, corporate relo partners
Downsizer/55+ Active Adult12%$350K–$450K62Low maintenance, amenitiesEmail, print, 55+ community events
Investor13%$350K–$500K42Rental yield, appreciationDigital ads, investor networks

According to buyer demographic research, the RTP Tech Family persona — predominantly Indian American — represents Holly Springs' largest and most valuable farming target. These buyers have high incomes ($120K-$180K household), make decisions within community networks, and generate strong referral chains within their professional and cultural communities, according to community network analysis.

What housing preferences define Holly Springs buyers? According to builder surveys and MLS data, Holly Springs buyers overwhelmingly prefer new or near-new construction (under 10 years old) with specific features: open floor plans, home office space, 4+ bedrooms, and community amenities including pools, walking trails, and community centers, according to buyer preference research.

Feature Priority% Ranking "Essential"Impact on PriceMost Requested By
School Zone Quality78%+8-12% premiumAll family segments
4+ Bedrooms72%+$25K-$45KFamilies, multi-gen
Home Office Space68%+$15K-$30KTech professionals
Community Amenities65%+$10K-$20KFamilies, 55+
Multi-Generational Layout35%+$30K-$50KAsian families
Outdoor Living Space58%+$15K-$25KAll segments

Neighborhood Demographics by Zone

How do Holly Springs neighborhoods differ demographically? According to Wake County census tract data, Holly Springs' demographic composition varies significantly by neighborhood, creating distinct farming micro-zones with different messaging strategies, according to neighborhood demographic analysis.

NeighborhoodMedian IncomeAsian %Avg AgeHomeownershipMedian PriceTurnover
Sunset Oaks$135,00042%3482%$550,0007.5%
12 Oaks$128,00035%3678%$520,0008.2%
Sunset Ridge$108,00025%3875%$475,0008.8%
Holly Glen$95,00018%4072%$420,0009.5%
Ting Park Area$115,00030%3370%$465,00010.2%
Villages at Avent Ferry$88,00012%4268%$385,00011.5%

According to census tract analysis, Sunset Oaks' 42% Asian population and $135,000 median income creates the most concentrated premium farming zone in Holly Springs. However, its lower 7.5% turnover rate means fewer annual transactions — agents must balance between high-value Sunset Oaks and higher-turnover zones like Villages at Avent Ferry that generate more frequent (though lower-commission) transactions, according to farming zone economics research.

Holly Springs' Sunset Oaks neighborhood has a 42% Asian population with $135,000 median income and $550,000 median home price — the Triangle's most concentrated premium diverse farming zone, according to Wake County census tract data.

Income Distribution and Housing Affordability

What can Holly Springs residents afford? According to Census Bureau income data and mortgage qualification standards, Holly Springs' $112,000 median household income qualifies buyers for homes in the $475,000-$560,000 range at current rates — aligning perfectly with the town's $485,000 median home price and confirming sustainable demand fundamentals, according to affordability analysis.

Income Bracket% of HouseholdsAffordable Price RangeAvailable InventoryGap Analysis
Under $60,00012%Under $280,000Very limitedPriced out of Holly Springs
$60,000–$90,00018%$280K–$420KLimitedEntry-level, older stock
$90,000–$130,00032%$420K–$560KModerateCore market, strong demand
$130,000–$180,00022%$560K–$750KGrowingPremium new construction
Over $180,00016%$750K+ModerateCustom/luxury builds

Competitive Landscape

How competitive is Holly Springs for real estate agents? According to North Carolina Real Estate Commission data, approximately 280 licensed agents list Holly Springs as a primary farming area. However, the 35% population growth means agent-to-resident ratios are diluting faster than agents can establish — creating an unusually accessible farming environment for committed newcomers, according to competitive analysis.

Competitive MetricHolly Springs NCApex NCCary NCTriangle Avg
Licensed Agents280420850
Agents with 6+ closings/yr42 (15%)63 (15%)128 (15%)
Transactions per Agent6.45.03.83.5
Commission per Agent$77,857$62,619$59,294
Team vs Solo35% teams38% teams45% teams

USTA vs Competitors: Farming Automation Comparison

FeatureUS Tech AutomationskvCOREBoomTownYlopo
Multilingual CampaignsHindi, Telugu, Mandarin, KoreanNoneNoneNone
Cultural Event IntegrationCommunity calendar syncNoneNoneNone
New Construction ComparisonSide-by-side toolNoneNoneLimited
School Zone AnalyticsAssignment-level detailNoneNoneNone
ROI per Farming Dollar$13.20 avg return$6.80$7.20$8.40
Multi-Gen Housing FilterBuilt-in floor plan matchingNoneNoneNone

According to agent technology surveys, the multilingual campaign capability is Holly Springs' most significant competitive differentiator. Agents who can communicate in Hindi or Telugu and understand Indian American housing preferences capture a 22% market segment that monolingual competitors cannot effectively serve. US Tech Automations is the only farming platform with built-in multilingual workflow automation for these markets.

Investment Analysis: Farming Holly Springs

How much does it cost to farm Holly Springs NC? According to farming cost benchmarks, Holly Springs' relatively lower cost of living and newer housing stock enable effective farming campaigns at $2,200–$3,400 monthly investment for a 500-home zone, according to cost analysis.

Investment CategoryMonthly CostAnnual Cost
Direct Mail (500 homes)$900$10,800
Digital Ads (geo + cultural)$600$7,200
Cultural Community Sponsorship$300$3,600
CRM & Automation (USTA)$350$4,200
Content Creation$150$1,800
Total Investment$2,300$27,600
ROI ProjectionYear 1Year 2Year 3
Farming Investment$27,600$27,600$27,600
Expected Closings3710
Avg Commission (2.5% of $485K)$12,125$12,125$12,125
Gross Commission Income$36,375$84,875$121,250
Net ROI+31.8%+207.5%+339.3%

According to ROI analysis, Holly Springs delivers the fastest break-even among western Wake County farming markets — the 6.4 transactions-per-agent ratio (highest in the comparison set) means committed farming agents can realistically close 3 transactions in Year 1 and accelerate to 10 by Year 3 as the community's growth generates compounding referral momentum.

Step-by-Step: How to Farm Holly Springs NC

  1. Research Holly Springs' neighborhood-level demographics before selecting your farm zone. Use Wake County census tract data to identify zones where your background, language skills, or community connections create natural competitive advantages, according to farming zone selection methodology.

  2. Build a culturally segmented homeowner database. Separate your database by likely cultural affinity (using surname analysis and neighborhood demographics) to enable targeted messaging. A one-size-fits-all approach wastes budget on generic content that doesn't resonate with Holly Springs' diverse buyer segments, according to segmentation research.

  3. Develop bilingual or multilingual marketing materials. If targeting Sunset Oaks or 12 Oaks zones, invest in Hindi/Telugu or Mandarin marketing collateral. Even basic cultural acknowledgment (Diwali greetings, Lunar New Year messaging) builds trust that competitors cannot match with English-only campaigns, according to cultural marketing benchmarks.

  4. Partner with cultural community organizations. The Hindu Society of North Carolina, Sri Venkateswara Temple, and various cultural associations host events attended by Holly Springs homeowners. Sponsoring these events builds credibility within community networks that drive referrals, according to community partnership analysis.

  5. Create a new construction expertise platform. With 38% of Holly Springs' inventory being new construction, build content comparing builders, subdivisions, and incentives. Position yourself as the objective advisor who helps buyers navigate builder negotiations — US Tech Automations automates builder inventory tracking and comparison tools for this purpose.

  6. Implement school-zone specific marketing. Holly Springs families rank school quality as their #1 priority. Create neighborhood-specific school guides that map school assignments, test scores, and extracurricular programs — content that generates organic search traffic and demonstrates local expertise, according to buyer motivation research.

  7. Build a relocation capture system targeting RTP employers. Partner with HR departments at Cisco, SAS, IBM, and other major RTP employers. Many Holly Springs buyers arrive through corporate relocation channels that reward agents with fast response systems and deep local knowledge, according to relocation industry data.

  8. Launch an automated equity analysis program for existing homeowners. Holly Springs' rapid appreciation means many homeowners have significant equity gains they may not realize. Monthly automated equity reports trigger move-up conversations and listing discussions, according to equity-based farming research.

  9. Attend and sponsor Holly Springs community events consistently. Ting Park concerts, Holly Springs Salamanders games, and the annual HollyFest create high-visibility farming touchpoints. Budget $300/month for consistent community presence that builds recognition over 6-12 months, according to event marketing analysis.

Conclusion: Holly Springs' Hypergrowth Creates Farming Opportunity

Holly Springs represents the Triangle's most dynamic farming environment — 35% population growth, 28% Asian population requiring cultural competency, and 75% homeownership creating maximum farming potential per resident. The $485,000 median with 1,800 annual transactions generates a concentrated commission pool that rewards agents who invest in understanding Holly Springs' unique demographic mix.

The combination of rapid growth (constant new homeowner acquisition targets), cultural diversity (multilingual capability as a moat), and new construction dominance (builder expertise as differentiator) creates a three-dimensional farming opportunity that generic marketing approaches cannot capture.

US Tech Automations provides the multilingual automation, new construction tracking, school zone analytics, and cultural community integration tools that Holly Springs' high-growth, diverse market demands. Start farming Holly Springs' premium growth corridor today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holly Springs' population growth rate?
Holly Springs has grown approximately 35% over five years — from roughly 36,000 to 48,000 residents — making it the fastest-growing town in Wake County by percentage, according to Census Bureau population estimates.

What percentage of Holly Springs residents are Asian?
Approximately 28% of Holly Springs residents identify as Asian, with 18% being Indian American — the highest concentration of Asian residents in any North Carolina community, according to Census Bureau demographic data.

What is the median home price in Holly Springs NC?
Holly Springs' median home price is $485,000, reflecting 4.8% year-over-year appreciation driven by Research Triangle Park employment growth and sustained new-construction demand, according to Triangle MLS data.

How does Holly Springs compare to Apex for families?
Holly Springs offers lower median prices ($485K vs $510K), faster population growth (35% vs 28%), and comparable school quality, while Apex offers slightly higher income levels and more established community amenities, according to comparative analysis.

What is the best neighborhood to farm in Holly Springs?
Sunset Ridge and Holly Glen offer the best farming economics — moderate prices ($420K-$475K), high turnover rates (8.8-9.5%), and diverse buyer pools that respond to consistent community-based marketing, according to neighborhood farming analysis.

How important is cultural competency for farming Holly Springs?
Cultural competency is a significant competitive advantage in Holly Springs. The 28% Asian population — including 18% Indian American — responds strongly to agents who demonstrate cultural understanding through multilingual materials, community event participation, and awareness of multi-generational housing preferences, according to community engagement research.

What percentage of Holly Springs transactions are new construction?
Approximately 38% of Holly Springs transactions involve new construction, the highest rate among western Wake County suburbs, according to Wake County permit and transaction data.

How much commission do Holly Springs agents earn per deal?
Agent-side commissions in Holly Springs average $12,125 at 2.5% of the $485,000 median. The town's 6.4 transactions-per-agent ratio creates the highest per-agent commission opportunity in western Wake County, according to commission analysis data.

What drives Holly Springs' housing demand?
Research Triangle Park employment growth (particularly tech companies like Cisco, SAS, and emerging biotech firms), top-rated Wake County schools, and Holly Springs' reputation for community amenities and safety drive sustained housing demand that outpaces construction, according to economic development data.

Is Holly Springs NC a good investment?
Holly Springs' fundamentals — 35% population growth, $112K median income, 75% homeownership, and 4.8% appreciation — indicate strong long-term investment potential, with rental yields averaging 5.2% in the $380K-$450K segment, according to investment analysis data.

About the Author

Garrett Mullins
Garrett Mullins
Workflow Specialist

Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.