North Wilkesboro town, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, North Wilkesboro town, North Carolina has a total population of 4,348, the 194th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $39,288, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 21.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
North Wilkesboro town Quick Facts
How North Wilkesboro town Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
North Wilkesboro town Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Wilkes County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkesboro town | 3,664 | $41,175 | 18.7% | $197,600 |
Cities Similar to North Wilkesboro town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spindale town | 4,244 | $38,509 | $130,800 | 14.3% | 16.9% |
| Edenton town | 4,480 | $42,721 | $226,800 | 23.6% | 35.7% |
| Franklin town | 4,221 | $43,991 | $190,600 | 22.2% | 21.6% |
| Raeford city | 4,545 | $43,311 | $177,900 | 20.4% | 23.5% |
| Whiteville city | 4,721 | $38,004 | $173,100 | 23.7% | 16.2% |
Population Overview
North Wilkesboro town is a small community located in North Carolina, within Wilkes County. The total population is 4,348. It ranks as the 194th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in North Wilkesboro town is 41.6 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in North Wilkesboro town is $39,288. This is 44% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 50% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%. This is 60% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $231,400. Housing costs are 11% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x. 45.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 31% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in North Wilkesboro town is White (non-Hispanic), making up 69.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 14.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.8%) is well below the state average of 10.9%.
Education
26.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 76.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for North Wilkesboro town, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all North Carolina city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of North Wilkesboro town, North Carolina?
North Wilkesboro town, North Carolina has a population of 4,348 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in North Wilkesboro town, NC?
The median household income in North Wilkesboro town is $39,288, which is 50% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in North Wilkesboro town, NC?
The poverty rate in North Wilkesboro town is 21.1%. This means approximately 808 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of North Wilkesboro town, North Carolina?
North Wilkesboro town's population is 69.5% White, 14.0% Black, 4.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in North Wilkesboro town, NC?
The median home value in North Wilkesboro town is $231,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x.
How educated is North Wilkesboro town, North Carolina?
26.2% of adults (25+) in North Wilkesboro town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.