Wilson, NC
Population 47,740 · North Carolina
About Wilson, NC
Wilson is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 47,740 residents. The median household income is $47,294 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Wilson is 39.1 years.
Housing in Wilson has a median home value of $192,000 and median monthly rent of $925. Of the 22,358 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 9,710 owner-occupied and 10,257 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Wilson is 7.4% and the poverty rate is 25.1%. 22.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.3 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wilson
What is the population of Wilson, NC?
The population of Wilson, NC is 47,740 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Wilson?
The median household income in Wilson, NC is $47,294 per year.
What is the median home value in Wilson?
The median home value in Wilson, NC is $192,000.
What is the average rent in Wilson?
The median monthly rent in Wilson, NC is $925.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilson?
The unemployment rate in Wilson, NC is 7.4%.