Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wake Forest, NC
Considering a move to Wake Forest, NC? With a welcoming population of 52,000, Wake Forest offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Home prices average around $433,000, with rents near $1,620, and the overall cost of living is close to the national average. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (90 per 100K), highly ranked public schools, and short 29-minute commutes. With 61% sunny days and abundant green spaces, Wake Forest is a great fit for families and professionals seeking a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle.
Demographics - Wake Forest, NC
Demographics - Wake Forest, NC
Wake Forest is home to about 52,000 residents, offering a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.2, which indicates a mix of young families and professionals. The community is predominantly White (70%), with notable Black (18%) and Asian (3%) populations, and nearly 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the town's growing diversity.
Population:
52,000
Density:
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.1%
Black:
17.8%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
8.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wake Forest, NC?
The cost of living in Wake Forest is just slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 106. Housing is the biggest factor, as the median home value stands at $433,000 and average rent is about $1,620 per month, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters seeking suburban comfort.
Median House Value:
$433,000
Gross Rent:
$1,620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.0
Grocery:
99.5
Housing:
115.7
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
98.5
Health Care:
102.1
Miscellaneous:
100.4
Crime
Is Wake Forest, NC a safe place to live?
Wake Forest enjoys a notably low violent crime rate of 90 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a strong sense of safety. Property crime is also relatively moderate for the region, with a 1 in 92 chance, making it a reassuring choice for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Crime Index:
1,180
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Wake Forest, NC year-round?
Residents in Wake Forest experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 32°F and warm summers reaching highs near 89°F. The area enjoys 61% sunny days and receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Wake Forest neighborhoods are characterized by high educational attainment, with 54% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a median household income of $108,000. Low poverty (4.6%) and unemployment rates (3.1%) reflect a stable local economy, while average commute times of about 29 minutes are typical for the area.
Median Income:
$51,300
Household Income:
$108,000
Family Income:
$120,000
Per Capita Income:
$45,200
Income Male:
$57,000
Income Female:
$50,600
Poverty Rate:
4.6%
Non English Speakers:
9.6%
Rent:
$1,620
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
29.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
54.0%
Education
How are the schools in Wake Forest, NC?
Wake Forest offers a strong educational environment, with well-regarded public and private school options, including Wake Forest High School and St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School. Higher education is easily accessible, with major institutions like Wake Technical Community College and North Carolina State University just a short drive away.
Public Schools
Name:
Wake Forest High School
Street:
420 W Stadium Ave
Phone:
919-554-8611
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Heritage Middle School
Street:
3400 Rogers Rd
Phone:
919-570-3970
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School
Street:
600 West Holding Ave
Phone:
919-570-0070
Students:
310
Colleges
Name:
Wake Technical Community College
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
21,000
Name:
North Carolina State University
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare facilities, with major hospitals like WakeMed North and UNC Rex Healthcare nearby. The area boasts a strong physician presence (2.2 per 1,000 people) and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92%, ensuring reliable medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
WakeMed North Hospital
Address:
10000 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614
Phone:
(919) 350-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UNC Rex Healthcare
Address:
4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone:
(919) 784-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wake Forest, NC?
Wake Forest’s housing market is robust, with a median home price of $433,000 and a healthy 6.8% appreciation rate over the past year. Owner-occupancy is high at 76%, while low foreclosure and rental vacancy rates point to a stable, in-demand real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$433,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.8%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Wake Forest are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Raleigh. Residents can find comprehensive services and resources on the DMV’s official website or by phone for all their transportation needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
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.