Wilkesboro, NC
Population 3,664 · North Carolina
About Wilkesboro, NC
Wilkesboro is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,664 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,175 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wilkesboro features a median home value of $197,600, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wilkesboro in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $713, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,828 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (808 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (789 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wilkesboro shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wilkesboro have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.7% of Wilkesboro residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wilkesboro, NC
Compared to national averages, Wilkesboro has a median household income of $41,175 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $197,600, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $713 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Wilkesboro's income is 36% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 14% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Wilkesboro, NC?
Wilkesboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $197,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $713/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,175) that falls below the national average. However, Wilkesboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wilkesboro has a population of 3,664 with a median age of 44.2 years. Compare Wilkesboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Wilkesboro
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastover | 3,666 | $80,000 | $238,900 | Compare |
| Rutherfordton | 3,669 | $59,750 | $226,900 | Compare |
| Welcome | 3,649 | $65,342 | $171,100 | Compare |
| Glen Raven | 3,684 | $64,189 | $204,000 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 3,685 | $90,542 | $266,600 | Compare |
| Tyro | 3,635 | $57,198 | $182,000 | Compare |
| Tabor City | 3,695 | $37,014 | $109,600 | Compare |
| Gamewell | 3,701 | $55,977 | $154,100 | 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 Wilkesboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilkesboro
What is the population of Wilkesboro, NC?
The population of Wilkesboro, NC is 3,664 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 Wilkesboro?
The median household income in Wilkesboro, NC is $41,175 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wilkesboro?
The median home value in Wilkesboro, NC is $197,600, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wilkesboro?
The median monthly rent in Wilkesboro, NC is $713, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilkesboro?
The unemployment rate in Wilkesboro, NC is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wilkesboro, NC a good place to live?
Wilkesboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,664 and a median age of 44.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wilkesboro, NC?
22.7% of residents in 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 Wilkesboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wilkesboro, NC: median home value is $197,600 (19% below national), median rent is $713/month, and median household income is $41,175. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wilkesboro?
The poverty rate in Wilkesboro, NC is 18.7%, 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 Wilkesboro, NC?
Wilkesboro's population is 6.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 9.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.