Winston-Salem, NC
Population 250,887 · North Carolina
About Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem is a major city located in North Carolina with a population of 250,887 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,673 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Winston-Salem features a median home value of $208,200, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Winston-Salem in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,033, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 113,441 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (54,799 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (45,479 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Winston-Salem shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Winston-Salem have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.2% of Winston-Salem residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 10.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 10.7% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Winston-Salem With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Winston-Salem?
The median household income in Winston-Salem, NC is $57,673 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Winston-Salem?
The median home value in Winston-Salem, NC is $208,200, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Winston-Salem?
The median monthly rent in Winston-Salem, NC is $1,033, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Winston-Salem?
The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem, NC is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live?
Winston-Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 250,887 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Winston-Salem, NC?
37.2% of residents in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Winston-Salem, NC: median home value is $208,200 (15% below national), median rent is $1,033/month, and median household income is $57,673. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Winston-Salem?
The poverty rate in Winston-Salem, NC is 17.9%, 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 Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem's population is 10.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 31.8% two or more races. 10.7% of residents are foreign-born.