Winston-Salem, NC
Population 250,887 · North Carolina
About Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem is a major city in North Carolina with a population of 250,887 residents. The median household income is $57,673 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Winston-Salem is 35.6 years.
Housing in Winston-Salem has a median home value of $208,200 and median monthly rent of $1,033. Of the 113,441 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 54,799 owner-occupied and 45,479 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem is 5.9% and the poverty rate is 17.9%. 37.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.8 minutes.
How Winston-Salem Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Winston-Salem, NC
Compared to national averages, Winston-Salem has a median household income of $57,673 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $208,200, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,033 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Winston-Salem's income is 11% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 9% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $208,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,033/month, and a well-educated community where 37.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,673) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Winston-Salem provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Winston-Salem has a population of 250,887 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Winston-Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Winston-Salem
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham | 288,465 | $79,234 | $355,300 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 209,692 | $56,395 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Greensboro | 298,564 | $58,884 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Cary | 176,686 | $129,399 | $525,200 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 118,578 | $63,900 | $350,300 | Compare |
| 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 |
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 Winston-Salem
What is the population of Winston-Salem, NC?
The population of Winston-Salem, NC is 250,887 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Winston-Salem?
The median household income in Winston-Salem, NC is $57,673 per year.
What is the median home value in Winston-Salem?
The median home value in Winston-Salem, NC is $208,200.
What is the average rent in Winston-Salem?
The median monthly rent in Winston-Salem, NC is $1,033.
What is the unemployment rate in Winston-Salem?
The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem, NC is 5.9%.