North Wilkesboro, NC
Population 4,348 · North Carolina
About North Wilkesboro, NC
North Wilkesboro is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,348 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,288 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in North Wilkesboro features a median home value of $231,400, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. This positions North Wilkesboro in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $659, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,985 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (821 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (978 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in North Wilkesboro shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in North Wilkesboro have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.2% of North Wilkesboro residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in North Wilkesboro, NC
Compared to national averages, North Wilkesboro has a median household income of $39,288 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $231,400, which is 6% below the national median. Monthly rent at $659 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, North Wilkesboro's income is 39% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 1% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in North Wilkesboro, NC?
North Wilkesboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $231,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $659/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,288) that falls below the national average. However, North Wilkesboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
North Wilkesboro has a population of 4,348 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare North Wilkesboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near North Wilkesboro
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Beach | 4,326 | $84,934 | $354,300 | Compare |
| Canton | 4,417 | $64,034 | $226,400 | Compare |
| Newport | 4,428 | $76,091 | $245,300 | Compare |
| Spindale | 4,244 | $38,509 | $130,800 | Compare |
| Shallotte | 4,465 | $75,642 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Franklin | 4,221 | $43,991 | $190,600 | Compare |
| Edenton | 4,480 | $42,721 | $226,800 | Compare |
| China Grove | 4,487 | $53,717 | $207,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare North Wilkesboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about North Wilkesboro
What is the population of North Wilkesboro, NC?
The population of North Wilkesboro, NC is 4,348 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in North Wilkesboro?
The median household income in North Wilkesboro, NC is $39,288 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in North Wilkesboro?
The median home value in North Wilkesboro, NC is $231,400, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in North Wilkesboro?
The median monthly rent in North Wilkesboro, NC is $659, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in North Wilkesboro?
The unemployment rate in North Wilkesboro, NC is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is North Wilkesboro, NC a good place to live?
North Wilkesboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,348 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is North Wilkesboro, NC?
26.2% of residents in North Wilkesboro aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in North Wilkesboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for North Wilkesboro, NC: median home value is $231,400 (6% below national), median rent is $659/month, and median household income is $39,288. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in North Wilkesboro?
The poverty rate in North Wilkesboro, NC is 21.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is North Wilkesboro, NC?
North Wilkesboro's population is 0.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 14.0% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.