Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wilkesboro, NC
Thinking of moving to Wilkesboro, NC? With a small-town feel and a population of just 3,671, Wilkesboro offers affordable housing (median home price $182,000, average rent $765) and a cost of living below the national average. Residents enjoy short 19-minute commutes, mild weather with 62% sunny days, and convenient access to local healthcare and schools. While property crime rates are higher than average, Wilkesboro’s charm, scenic foothills location, and community atmosphere make it a welcoming place for new residents.
Demographics - Wilkesboro, NC
Demographics - Wilkesboro, NC
Wilkesboro is a close-knit community of 3,671 residents, with a median age of 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White (85.6%), and about 7.5% speak a language other than English at home, reflecting modest diversity. The town's moderate population density provides a comfortable small-town atmosphere.
Population:
3,671
Density:
480 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.6%
Black:
5.7%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wilkesboro, NC?
Wilkesboro offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $182,000 and average rent around $765, making housing costs notably lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index is 80.4, allowing residents to enjoy savings on essentials like groceries, utilities, and healthcare. State taxes are moderate at 5.25%, further supporting cost-effective living.
Median House Value:
$182,000
Gross Rent:
$765
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.4
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
63.5
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
84.3
Health Care:
93.1
Miscellaneous:
89.4
Crime
Is Wilkesboro, NC a safe place to live?
Wilkesboro experiences a property crime rate higher than national averages, with about 2,200 property crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 45 chance of being affected. Violent crime remains relatively low, offering residents a sense of personal safety within the community. Staying aware and taking precautions can enhance peace of mind for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
280
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,480
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 357
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Wilkesboro, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 87°F and cool winters dipping to 26°F. The area benefits from 62% sunny days each year and receives about 48 inches of annual rainfall, ideal for those who appreciate a mix of sunshine and seasonal variety. This weather supports a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Wilkesboro's community is friendly and diverse, with a median household income of $47,500 and a family income of $57,800. The poverty rate is higher than average at 19.3%, but most residents commute just under 19 minutes and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the town's small size and accessibility. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 87% completing high school or higher.
Median Income:
$29,200
Household Income:
$47,500
Family Income:
$57,800
Per Capita Income:
$25,300
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
19.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$765
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
22.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wilkesboro, NC?
Wilkesboro is home to several quality schools, including Wilkesboro Elementary and Central Wilkes Middle School, which offer favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education is available through Millers Creek Christian School, and Wilkes Community College provides local access to higher education for 3,000 students. The town's educational resources support learning from early childhood through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Wilkesboro Elementary School
Street:
1248 School St
Phone:
336-838-4261
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Central Wilkes Middle School
Street:
3541 S NC Hwy 16
Phone:
336-838-4261
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Millers Creek Christian School
Street:
5100 Boone Trail
Phone:
336-838-2517
Students:
200

Colleges
Name:
Wilkes Community College
City:
Wilkesboro
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Wilkesboro residents have convenient access to Wilkes Medical Center, a full-service hospital offering emergency care. The town has a physician rate of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 87.1% of residents are covered by health insurance. Healthcare costs are below national averages, making medical services both accessible and affordable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Wilkes Medical Center
Address:
1370 West D St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Phone:
(336) 651-8100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.1%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wilkesboro, NC?
The local housing market features a median home price of $182,000 and an average rent of $765 for a two-bedroom, appealing to both buyers and renters. Owner occupancy stands at just over half of households, and vacancy rates are reasonable, indicating a stable and accessible housing market. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% in the past year, suggesting growing investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$182,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$765
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Wilkesboro residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Curtis Bridge Road. The DMV provides all standard vehicle and licensing services for the region. More information and online services can be accessed through the state DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1605 Curtis Bridge Rd, 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.