Wilmington, NC
Population 118,578 · North Carolina
About Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is a major city located in North Carolina with a population of 118,578 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,900 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wilmington features a median home value of $350,300, which is 43% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Wilmington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,311, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 61,188 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (25,823 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (29,322 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 Wilmington shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wilmington have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
45.8% of Wilmington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wilmington Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC
Compared to national averages, Wilmington has a median household income of $63,900 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $350,300, which is 43% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,311 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Wilmington's income is 1% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 53% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington offers a well-educated community where 45.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,900) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Wilmington provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Wilmington has a population of 118,578 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Wilmington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Wilmington
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Point | 115,263 | $61,228 | $212,400 | Compare |
| Concord | 106,518 | $84,752 | $327,600 | Compare |
| Asheville | 94,369 | $67,221 | $411,000 | Compare |
| Greenville | 88,540 | $50,564 | $213,100 | Compare |
| Gastonia | 81,632 | $60,554 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 73,507 | $54,069 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Apex | 67,765 | $138,442 | $514,800 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | 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 Wilmington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilmington
What is the population of Wilmington, NC?
The population of Wilmington, NC is 118,578 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Wilmington?
The median household income in Wilmington, NC is $63,900 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wilmington?
The median home value in Wilmington, NC is $350,300, which is 43% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wilmington?
The median monthly rent in Wilmington, NC is $1,311, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilmington?
The unemployment rate in Wilmington, NC is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live?
Wilmington offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 118,578 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wilmington, NC?
45.8% of residents in Wilmington 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 Wilmington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wilmington, NC: median home value is $350,300 (43% above national), median rent is $1,311/month, and median household income is $63,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wilmington?
The poverty rate in Wilmington, NC is 16.3%, 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 Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington's population is 3.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 14.8% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.