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 119,314 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $347,000 and average rents near $1,425. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (66% 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 119,314 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 72% White, 19% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Wilmington is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 97.8. Median home values are around $347,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,425. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Wilmington is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 476 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 27. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 37°F. The area receives about 58 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 66% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
37°F
Max
57°F

Summer

Min
71°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
51°F
Max
75°F

Fall

Min
55°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
57.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
66%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $57,900 and a low poverty rate of 19.2%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 37% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Hoggard High School and Roland-Grise 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
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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 88.9% 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
Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
Address
240 Hospital Dr NE, Bolivia, NC 28422
Phone
(910) 721-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $347,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 6.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.9%. Wilmington offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Wilmington handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Wilmington. 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
2390 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28401
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 119,314, median home value $347,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,425, commute time 20.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 66%.

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