North Carolina / New Hanover County

Moving to Wilmington, NC

Thinking of making a move to Wilmington, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wilmington, NC

Considering a move to Wilmington, NC? This welcoming community of 115,451 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $360,000 and average rents near $1,550. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (61% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Wilmington's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Wilmington, NC

Wilmington has a population of 115,451 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 66% White, 21% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
115,451
Density
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
66.0%
Black
21.0%
Asian
2.0%
Others
11.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Wilmington, NC?

The cost of living in Wilmington is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 96.8. Median home values are around $360,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,550. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$360,000
Gross Rent
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,700
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$610
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
96.8
Grocery
98.5
Housing
92.0
Utilities
99.0
Transportation
96.5
Health Care
100.2
Miscellaneous
97.4

Crime

Is Wilmington, NC a safe place to live?

Wilmington is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 520 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
520
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,900
Crime Index
3,420
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Wilmington, NC year-round?

Wilmington experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 90°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 58 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 61% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
57°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
90°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
76°F

Fall

Min
55°F
Max
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches
57.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
61%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $59,500 and a low poverty rate of 17.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 35% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$36,500
Household Income
$59,500
Family Income
$78,500
Per Capita Income
$34,200
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$38,500
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Non English Speakers
14.2%
Rent
$1,550
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
20.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.0%
Bachelors or More
34.5%

Education

How are the schools in Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington offers quality education options, with public schools like John T. Hoggard High School and Williston Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of North Carolina Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
John T. Hoggard High School
Street
4305 Shipyard Blvd
Phone
910-350-2072
Students
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0
Name
Williston Middle School
Street
401 S 10th St
Phone
910-815-6920
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
14.5

Private Schools

Name
Cape Fear Academy
Street
3900 S College Rd
Phone
910-791-0287
Students
650
Name
Trinity Christian School
Street
414 S 10th St
Phone
910-762-7875
Students
260

Colleges

Name
University of North Carolina Wilmington
City
Wilmington
State
NC
Distance
4 miles
Students
17,500
Name
Cape Fear Community College
City
Wilmington
State
NC
Distance
1 mile
Students
10,000

Healthcare

Wilmington residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Wilmington VA Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 89.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Wilmington VA Medical Center
Address
1705 Gardner Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone
(910) 343-5300
Type
Medical Center
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
89.8%
Health Care Index
72.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Wilmington, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $360,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Wilmington offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$360,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Wilmington handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone
1-919-715-7000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Wilmington, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Wilmington, review the core fields on this page: population 115,451, median home value $360,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,550, commute time 20.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 61%.

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