Everything You Should Know Before Moving to North Wilkesboro, NC
Thinking of moving to North Wilkesboro, NC? This friendly town of about 4,100 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $147,000 and average rents at $725. The cost of living is well below the national average, and commutes are a breeze at just 17.5 minutes on average. While property crime is somewhat higher than average, the area boasts easy access to healthcare, a mild climate with 66% sunny days, and local schools plus a nearby community college—making North Wilkesboro a great choice for small-town charm and value.
Demographics - North Wilkesboro, NC
Demographics - North Wilkesboro, NC
North Wilkesboro is home to approximately 4,133 residents, with a median age of just over 41, offering a balanced community of families and individuals. The town is predominantly White (76%), while about 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding some diversity to the area. Population density is moderate, providing a small-town feel without feeling isolated.
Population:
4,133
Density:
1,120 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
75.9%
Black:
8.4%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
14.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in North Wilkesboro, NC?
Cost of living in North Wilkesboro is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 81.4 and median home values around $147,000. Renters find average monthly rents near $725, and basic expenses like utilities and groceries remain lower than national averages. This makes the area attractive for those seeking budget-friendly living without sacrificing essential services.
Median House Value:
$147,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.4
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
56.1
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
75.3
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is North Wilkesboro, NC a safe place to live?
North Wilkesboro experiences a higher property crime rate, with about a 1 in 29 chance annually, though violent crime remains less frequent at roughly 307 incidents per 100,000 people. While safety concerns exist, especially with property crime, the town remains comparable to many small communities. Residents benefit from community resources and local law enforcement presence.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
307
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,425
Crime Index:
3,732
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 326
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in North Wilkesboro, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging 28°F to 48°F and warm summers reaching up to 87°F. The town receives about 48.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 66% of the year. This climate supports a comfortable lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Typical households in North Wilkesboro have a median income of approximately $36,500, and 81.7% of adults hold at least a high school diploma. Commutes are short—just 17.5 minutes on average—though the area faces a relatively high poverty rate of 29%. Community connections are strong, and most residents drive to work, reflecting a small-town pace of life.
Median Income:
$28,400
Household Income:
$36,500
Family Income:
$44,700
Per Capita Income:
$20,450
Income Male:
$31,600
Income Female:
$25,800
Poverty Rate:
29.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.7%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in North Wilkesboro, NC?
North Wilkesboro offers a range of educational options, including public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, as well as proximity to Wilkes Community College just three miles away. About 82% of adults have completed high school, and local schools cater to both elementary and middle school students. The area provides accessible education for families and opportunities for higher learning.

Public Schools
Name:
North Wilkesboro Elementary School
Street:
200 Flint Hill Street
Phone:
336-903-6100
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Central Wilkes Middle School
Street:
3541 S NC Hwy 16
Phone:
336-838-2872
Students:
660
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0

Private Schools
Name:
Millers Creek Christian School
Street:
5100 Boone Trail, Millers Creek
Phone:
336-838-2517
Students:
220

Colleges
Name:
Wilkes Community College
City:
Wilkesboro
State:
NC
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Healthcare access is anchored by Wilkes Medical Center, offering general and emergency services to the community. The area has 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and about 87% of locals have health insurance coverage. Overall, healthcare services are accessible for most residents, contributing to peace of mind for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Wilkes Medical Center
Address:
1370 West D Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Phone:
(336) 651-8100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
79.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in North Wilkesboro, NC?
The housing market in North Wilkesboro is affordable, with a median home price of $147,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $725. Nearly half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a notable 12.6% home appreciation rate over the past year. Low foreclosure and rental vacancy rates suggest a stable and welcoming market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$147,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
12.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for North Wilkesboro residents are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located nearby in Wilkesboro. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers. Residents can access detailed information and online services through the official state website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1230 School St, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.