Wilmington, NC
Population 118,578 · North Carolina
About Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is a major city in North Carolina with a population of 118,578 residents. The median household income is $63,900 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Wilmington is 37.5 years.
Housing in Wilmington has a median home value of $350,300 and median monthly rent of $1,311. Of the 61,188 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 25,823 owner-occupied and 29,322 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Wilmington is 4.6% and the poverty rate is 16.3%. 45.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.5 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wilmington
What is the population of Wilmington, NC?
The population of Wilmington, NC is 118,578 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Wilmington?
The median household income in Wilmington, NC is $63,900 per year.
What is the median home value in Wilmington?
The median home value in Wilmington, NC is $350,300.
What is the average rent in Wilmington?
The median monthly rent in Wilmington, NC is $1,311.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilmington?
The unemployment rate in Wilmington, NC is 4.6%.