North Carolina / Forsyth County

Moving to Winston Salem, NC

Thinking of making a move to Winston Salem, 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 Winston Salem, NC

Considering a move to Winston Salem, NC? This welcoming community of 250,320 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $205,000 and average rents near $1,080. 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 (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Winston Salem's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Winston Salem, NC

Winston Salem has a population of 250,320 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 48% White, 34% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 16% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Winston Salem is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.6. Median home values are around $205,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,080. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Winston Salem is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 436 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 30°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
30°F
Max
50°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $54,200 and a low poverty rate of 19.1%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 32% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Mount Tabor High School and Whitaker Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Winston Salem residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 88.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $205,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 5.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 9.4%. Winston Salem offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Winston Salem handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Winston-Salem. 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
601 W. 4th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone
336-761-2259

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 Winston Salem, NC

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

Before moving to Winston Salem, review the core fields on this page: population 250,320, median home value $205,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,080, commute time 21.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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