Wendell, NC
Population 11,585 · North Carolina
About Wendell, NC
Wendell is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 11,585 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,848 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wendell features a median home value of $316,700, which is 29% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Wendell in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,397, 20% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,406 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (3,080 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (1,084 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wendell shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wendell have an average one-way commute time of 29.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.3% of Wendell 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 13.6% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Black or African American, and 4.5% Asian residents, with 10.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wendell Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Wendell, NC
Compared to national averages, Wendell has a median household income of $93,848 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $316,700, which is 29% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,397 is 20% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Wendell's income is 46% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 38% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Wendell, NC?
Wendell offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,848, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%, and a well-educated community where 37.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.2%, better than the national average.
Wendell has a population of 11,585 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Wendell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Wendell
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Lake | 11,613 | $50,497 | $101,300 | Compare |
| Lincolnton | 11,503 | $43,294 | $224,600 | Compare |
| Kings Mountain | 11,472 | $45,507 | $177,700 | Compare |
| Smithfield | 11,798 | $37,827 | $217,000 | Compare |
| Elon | 11,325 | $82,717 | $355,800 | Compare |
| Archdale | 11,992 | $64,984 | $188,200 | Compare |
| Spout Springs | 11,073 | $87,905 | $310,100 | Compare |
| Summerfield | 11,031 | $151,131 | $490,100 | 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 Wendell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wendell
What is the population of Wendell, NC?
The population of Wendell, NC is 11,585 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Wendell?
The median household income in Wendell, NC is $93,848 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wendell?
The median home value in Wendell, NC is $316,700, which is 29% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wendell?
The median monthly rent in Wendell, NC is $1,397, which is 20% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wendell?
The unemployment rate in Wendell, NC is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wendell, NC a good place to live?
Wendell offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,585 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wendell, NC?
37.3% of residents in Wendell aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Wendell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wendell, NC: median home value is $316,700 (29% above national), median rent is $1,397/month, and median household income is $93,848. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wendell?
The poverty rate in Wendell, NC is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wendell, NC?
Wendell's population is 13.6% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Black or African American, 4.5% Asian, and 25.5% two or more races. 10.4% of residents are foreign-born.