Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wilmington, NC
Thinking of relocating to Wilmington, NC? With a population of about 119,000, Wilmington offers a coastal lifestyle, affordable median home prices around $347,000, and average rents near $1,425. You'll enjoy quick commutes (20 minutes on average), a mild climate with 66% sunny days, and strong educational options like UNC Wilmington. While property crime is above the national average, the city’s vibrant culture, beaches, and access to top hospitals make it a popular choice for both families and young professionals.
Demographics - Wilmington, NC
Demographics - Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is home to approximately 119,000 residents, featuring a diverse population that is predominantly White, with significant Black and minority communities. The median age of 36.2 years reflects a mix of young professionals and families, while a moderate population density of 2,400 per square mile supports a lively urban environment.
Population:
119,314
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.4%
Black:
18.7%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
7.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington's cost of living is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $347,000 and average rent around $1,425. Utilities and healthcare are modestly above average, but housing and groceries remain relatively affordable, making the city accessible for a range of budgets.
Median House Value:
$347,000
Gross Rent:
$1,425
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,830
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$560
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.8
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
92.5
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
94.8
Health Care:
103.1
Miscellaneous:
98.5
Crime
Is Wilmington, NC a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher property crime rates, with a 1 in 27 chance, and violent crime is somewhat above the national average at 476 incidents per 100,000 people. While caution is advised in some neighborhoods, many residents find Wilmington's vibrant atmosphere and coastal amenities outweigh these concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
476
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,750
Crime Index:
4,226
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 210
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 27
Weather
What is the weather like in Wilmington, NC year-round?
Wilmington enjoys a mild coastal climate, with winter lows averaging 37°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. The city receives about 57.6 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunny weather 66% of the year, ideal for outdoor activities and beach outings.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $57,900, with a poverty rate of 19.2% and an average commute of just over 20 minutes. Most residents are highly educated, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher, contributing to a friendly and active community.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$57,900
Family Income:
$71,300
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$40,600
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.4%
Rent:
$1,425
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
37.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington boasts strong educational opportunities, including well-regarded public and private schools and higher education institutions like the University of North Carolina Wilmington. With student-teacher ratios around 17:1 and access to colleges serving over 25,000 students, families have excellent choices for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Hoggard High School
Street:
4305 Shipyard Blvd
Phone:
910-350-2072
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Name:
Roland-Grise Middle School
Street:
4412 Lake Ave
Phone:
910-350-2136
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Private Schools
Name:
Cape Fear Academy
Street:
3900 S College Rd
Phone:
910-791-0287
Students:
670
Colleges
Name:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
City:
Wilmington
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
17,500
Name:
Cape Fear Community College
City:
Wilmington
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,600
Healthcare
Wilmington offers quality healthcare services, anchored by major hospitals like Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Residents benefit from 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 89% health insurance coverage, ensuring accessible medical care for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Address:
2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone:
(910) 667-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
Address:
240 Hospital Dr NE, Bolivia, NC 28422
Phone:
(910) 721-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wilmington, NC?
The housing market in Wilmington is active, with a median home price of $347,000 and a one-year appreciation rate of 6.1%. Just over half of residents own their homes, and rental vacancies remain low, making the area attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$347,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,425
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services in Wilmington are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Carolina Beach Road. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other vehicle-related services both in person and online.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2390 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28401
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.