Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Winston Salem, NC
Thinking about moving to Winston-Salem, NC? With a population of 250,320, this city offers affordable living—median home prices are around $205,000 and average rent is $1,080. Commutes are quick, averaging just 21 minutes, and the city enjoys a mild climate with 62% sunny days yearly. Winston-Salem features strong educational options such as Wake Forest University, major healthcare centers, and a vibrant, diverse community. Explore more about cost of living, schools, and neighborhoods to see if Winston-Salem is your perfect next home.
Demographics - Winston Salem, NC
Demographics - Winston Salem, NC
Winston-Salem is home to about 250,320 residents, offering a diverse community with nearly half identifying as White and over a third as Black, plus a significant percentage of non-English speakers. The median age of 36.8 suggests a balanced mix of families and young professionals, and population density provides a blend of urban amenities with a welcoming feel.
Population:
250,320
Density:
1,950 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
48.3%
Black:
34.2%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
14.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Winston Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem boasts an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $205,000 and average rents near $1,080, both below national averages. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are generally budget-friendly, making the city attractive for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$205,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.6
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
73.8
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Winston Salem, NC a safe place to live?
Residents experience a moderate crime rate, with a 1 in 229 chance of violent crime and property crimes being more common at 1 in 34. While the overall crime index is somewhat higher than average, many neighborhoods remain safe and community-oriented.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
436
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,972
Crime Index:
3,408
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 229
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Winston Salem, NC year-round?
Winston-Salem enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 87°F, cool winters around 50°F, and about 62% sunny days each year. Annual rainfall is moderate, supporting lush greenery without the hassle of extreme weather.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households earn a median income of about $54,200, with a poverty rate of 19.1% and a typical commute time of just over 21 minutes. Most residents drive to work, and the area boasts a well-educated population, with nearly 87% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$27,100
Household Income:
$54,200
Family Income:
$63,900
Per Capita Income:
$29,390
Income Male:
$42,300
Income Female:
$36,300
Poverty Rate:
19.1%
Non English Speakers:
16.4%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Winston Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem offers a strong educational environment, featuring public schools with manageable class sizes and reputable private options. Higher education is readily available, with institutions like Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University offering a range of academic programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Mount Tabor High School
Street:
342 Petree Rd
Phone:
336-703-6700
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.3
Name:
Whitaker Elementary School
Street:
2600 Buena Vista Rd
Phone:
336-703-6740
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Forsyth Country Day School
Street:
5501 Shallowford Rd
Phone:
336-945-3151
Students:
900
Colleges
Name:
Wake Forest University
City:
Winston-Salem
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,900
Name:
Winston-Salem State University
City:
Winston-Salem
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Winston-Salem is robust, anchored by major hospitals like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% of locals insured, quality medical care is accessible throughout the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Address:
1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Phone:
(336) 716-2011
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Address:
3333 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Phone:
(336) 718-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Winston Salem, NC?
The housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $205,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 52.3%. Home values have seen steady growth over the past year, and renters will find a healthy supply of available properties at reasonable rates.
Median Home Price:
$205,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing needs are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in downtown Winston-Salem. Residents can access services online or at the 601 W. 4th Street branch for registrations, licenses, and more.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
601 W. 4th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone:
336-761-2259
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.