Wake Forest town, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Wake Forest town, North Carolina has a total population of 51,199, the 22nd largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $120,777, which is 73% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 73% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in North Carolina.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.9% — among the lowest in North Carolina.
- 57.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in North Carolina.
Wake Forest town Quick Facts
How Wake Forest 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+)
Wake Forest town Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Wake County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cary town | 176,686 | $129,399 | 5.3% | $525,200 |
| Holly Springs town | 43,429 | $132,435 | 4.4% | $485,500 |
Cities Similar to Wake Forest town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mooresville town | 51,447 | $88,592 | $348,500 | 45.3% | 7.6% |
| Huntersville town | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | 57.4% | 3.5% |
| Holly Springs town | 43,429 | $132,435 | $485,500 | 67.7% | 4.4% |
| Indian Trail town | 41,146 | $99,073 | $343,500 | 41.1% | 6.7% |
| Chapel Hill town | 59,889 | $85,825 | $576,500 | 77.2% | 19.6% |
Population Overview
Wake Forest town is a mid-sized community located in North Carolina, within Wake County. The total population is 51,199. It ranks as the 22nd most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wake Forest town is 38.8 years. This is about average than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Wake Forest town is $120,777. This is 73% higher than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 54% higher. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%. This is 78% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 4.5%. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $435,000. Housing costs are 68% higher than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 74.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Wake Forest town is White (non-Hispanic), making up 65.6% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 19.7%.
Education
57.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Wake Forest town in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 67% higher 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 95.8%. Notably, 22.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wake Forest 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Wake Forest town, North Carolina?
Wake Forest town, North Carolina has a population of 51,199 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wake Forest town, NC?
The median household income in Wake Forest town is $120,777, which is 54% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Wake Forest town, NC?
The poverty rate in Wake Forest town is 2.9%. This means approximately 1,480 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wake Forest town, North Carolina?
Wake Forest town's population is 65.6% White, 19.7% Black, 7.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wake Forest town, NC?
The median home value in Wake Forest town is $435,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
How educated is Wake Forest town, North Carolina?
57.9% of adults (25+) in Wake Forest town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 22.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.