Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wilson, NC
Thinking about making Wilson, NC your new home? With a population of nearly 48,000, Wilson boasts affordable living, with median home prices around $173,000 and average rents at $900. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, quick 20-minute commutes, and access to local colleges. While property crime rates are higher than average, the city offers solid healthcare, diverse schools, and a welcoming Southern community—perfect for those seeking value and convenience.
Demographics - Wilson, NC
Demographics - Wilson, NC
Wilson, NC is home to nearly 48,000 residents with a median age of 38, offering a diverse community where Black and White populations are nearly evenly split. The city features a moderate population density and a gender ratio close to parity, with about 10% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This demographic mix creates a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
47,914
Density:
1,475 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
41.6%
Black:
47.3%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
10.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wilson, NC?
Wilson boasts a cost of living index below the national average, with median home values around $173,000 and typical monthly rent near $900. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, making the city an affordable option for both homeowners and renters. State income tax rates are flat at 4.75%, further supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$173,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.7
Grocery:
96.4
Housing:
54.3
Utilities:
104.1
Transportation:
86.7
Health Care:
99.2
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Wilson, NC a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher-than-average property crime rates, with about 3,324 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 30 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common but still present, with a rate of 479 per 100,000 people. New residents should consider safety precautions and stay informed about local crime trends.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
479
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,324
Crime Index:
3,803
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 209
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in Wilson, NC year-round?
Wilson enjoys a mild climate with warm summers peaking around 89°F and winters rarely dipping below 32°F. Residents benefit from 62% sunny days each year and moderate rainfall, making outdoor activities pleasant for much of the year. The balanced weather contributes to a comfortable, Southern lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Wilson is approximately $49,000, with a family median income of about $59,300 and a poverty rate of 21%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are quick at just over 20 minutes. The community is diverse and largely English-speaking, with a small percentage relying on public transportation.
Median Income:
$27,600
Household Income:
$49,000
Family Income:
$59,300
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$30,700
Poverty Rate:
21.1%
Non English Speakers:
9.6%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wilson, NC?
Wilson features a mix of public and private K-12 schools, including Fike High School and Greenfield School, with student-teacher ratios that support personalized learning. Higher education is also accessible, with local institutions like Wilson Community College and Barton College serving over 2,900 students. Families and students benefit from diverse educational opportunities in the city.
Public Schools
Name:
Fike High School
Street:
500 Harrison Dr
Phone:
252-399-7905
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Daniels Learning Center
Street:
2001 Stantonsburg Rd
Phone:
252-399-7918
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Private Schools
Name:
Greenfield School
Street:
3351 NC-42
Phone:
252-237-8046
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
Wilson Community College
City:
Wilson
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Barton College
City:
Wilson
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Wilson offers solid healthcare options, anchored by Wilson Medical Center, and provides a physician availability of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 88% of the population has health insurance coverage, supporting access to both routine and emergency care. The city’s healthcare index indicates moderately affordable and accessible medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wilson Medical Center
Address:
1705 Tarboro St SW, Wilson, NC 27893
Phone:
(252) 399-8040
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.9%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wilson, NC?
The housing market in Wilson is notably affordable, with a median home price of $173,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $900. About half of residents own their homes, and the area has a healthy mix of ownership and rental opportunities. Home values have seen moderate appreciation, making it an attractive market for buyers and investors alike.
Median Home Price:
$173,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
DMV services in Wilson are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 2616 Forest Hills Rd SW. Residents can access a full range of motor vehicle services both in person and online. For information or appointments, the local DMV office and state website are easily accessible.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2616 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson, NC 27893
Phone:
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.