Wilson, NC
Population 47,740 · North Carolina
About Wilson, NC
Wilson is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 47,740 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,294 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wilson features a median home value of $192,000, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wilson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $925, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,358 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (9,710 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (10,257 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 Wilson shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wilson have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Wilson 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 8.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wilson Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Wilson, NC
Compared to national averages, Wilson has a median household income of $47,294 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,000, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $925 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Wilson's income is 27% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 16% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Wilson, NC?
Wilson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $925/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,294) that falls below the national average. However, Wilson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wilson has a population of 47,740 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Wilson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Wilson
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | 51,199 | $120,777 | $435,000 | Compare |
| Mooresville | 51,447 | $88,592 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Hickory | 43,747 | $63,361 | $248,300 | Compare |
| Holly Springs | 43,429 | $132,435 | $485,500 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 54,175 | $52,927 | $148,300 | Compare |
| Indian Trail | 41,146 | $99,073 | $343,500 | Compare |
| Kannapolis | 56,470 | $70,691 | $245,500 | Compare |
| Fuquay-Varina | 37,749 | $111,447 | $410,600 | 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 Wilson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilson
What is the population of Wilson, NC?
The population of Wilson, NC is 47,740 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 Wilson?
The median household income in Wilson, NC is $47,294 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wilson?
The median home value in Wilson, NC is $192,000, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wilson?
The median monthly rent in Wilson, NC is $925, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilson?
The unemployment rate in Wilson, NC is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wilson, NC a good place to live?
Wilson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 47,740 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wilson, NC?
22.8% of residents in Wilson 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 Wilson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wilson, NC: median home value is $192,000 (22% below national), median rent is $925/month, and median household income is $47,294. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wilson?
The poverty rate in Wilson, NC is 25.1%, 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 Wilson, NC?
Wilson's population is 8.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 48.9% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.