Wake County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,178,653
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$105,768/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
496,047
2.9% year-over-year change

Wake County population

How many people live in Wake County

Wake County is home to 1,178,653 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Wake County locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
1,178,653
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
577,283
Female
51%
601,370
Value Percent YoY change
Male 577,283 49% 2.4%
Female 601,370 51% 2.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Wake County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 13.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.7% of the population, while another 25.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
13.1%
25 to 44
29.7%
45 to 64
25.5%
Over 65
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 221,537 18.8% 0.5%
15 to 24 154,438 13.1% 3.5%
25 to 44 350,252 29.7% 2.5%
45 to 64 300,506 25.5% 1.7%
Over 65 151,920 12.9% 5.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Wake County, 83.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.9% of locals are Caucasian, 18.8% are African American and 8.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.9%
Non-citizens
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 980,522 83.2% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 104,680 8.9% 8.8%
Non-citizens 93,451 7.9% 4.6%
Racial breakdown
White
57.9%
Black or African American
18.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
8.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.6%
Other
5%
Value Percent
White 682,049 57.9%
Black or African American 221,415 18.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,969 0.2%
Asian 100,766 8.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 318 0%
Two or more races 112,532 9.6%
Other 58,604 5%

Households in Wake County

A peek inside Wake County households

Wake County has 460,175 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.1% are families, while the remaining 34.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
460,175
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
160,520
Family households
299,655
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 160,520 34.9% 3.3%
Family households 299,655 65.1% 3.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Wake County

The housing landscape of Wake County

Wake County's housing consists of 496,047 units, with 58.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
496,047
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 289,147 58.3%
1 unit, attached 56,984 11.5%
2 units 6,308 1.3%
3 or 4 units 11,349 2.3%
5 to 9 units 24,530 5%
10 to 19 units 35,056 7.1%
20 to 49 units 25,669 5.2%
50 or more units 33,576 6.8%
Mobile home 13,209 2.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 219 0%
Homes built since 2020
23,752
77.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wake County

In Wake County, the median construction year is 2000. About 1.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9,084 1.8% -3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,389 0.9% -1.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 12,680 2.6% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 22,118 4.5% -3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 40,271 8.1% -1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 68,452 13.8% -0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 89,304 18% -3.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 118,636 23.9% 2.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 107,361 21.6% 6.4%
Built in 2020 or later 23,752 4.8% 77.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Wake County occupancy rates

Out of the 460,175 occupied housing units in Wake County, 64.1% are owner-occupied, while 35.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
460,175
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
165,106
Owner occupied
295,069
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 165,106 35.9% 4.2%
Owner occupied 295,069 64.1% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Wake County housing costs

Housing costs in Wake County come to a median of $1,662 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,623.

Median housing costs per month
$1,662/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Wake County
$1,623/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Wake County

Wake County education at a glance

About 19.8% of the population in Wake County went to high school, while 16.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 32.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 23,894 2.6% 4.5%
High school diploma 179,667 19.8% 1.9%
College diploma 153,340 16.9% -0.4%
Associate degree 67,887 7.5% 2.4%
Bachelor's degree 292,858 32.3% 2.9%
Graduate degree 189,828 20.9% 6.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Wake County

How much people earn in Wake County

The average annual household income in Wake County was $139,586 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $105,768, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wake County
$139,586/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wake County
$105,768/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Wake County income by age

In Wake County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $112,230. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $127,077 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,082, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $72,233 in earnings. Overall, 91.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,082 2.4%
25 - 44 $112,230 3.5%
45 - 64 $127,077 4.2%
Over 65 $72,233 3.9%
Above poverty level
1,051,350
Below poverty level
92,740
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,051,350 91.9% 2.2%
Below poverty level 92,740 8.1% 4.9%

Employment in Wake County

Workforce and job types in Wake County

The job market in Wake County is powered by 628,413 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 70.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
628,413
2.8% year-over-year change
White collar
549,842
Blue collar
78,571
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 549,842 87.5% 3.4%
Blue collar 78,571 12.5% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
70.4%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 55,071 8.8% 0.4%
Private companies 442,419 70.4% 2.8%
Governmental workers 80,523 12.8% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 50,400 8% 5.2%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
0.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wake County stands at 4.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Wake County

How people get around in Wake County

In Wake County, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 67.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 416,743 67.3% -1.8%
Taxicab 1,964 0.3% 39.2%
Bus or trolleybus 4,018 0.6% 3.8%
Railroad 16 0% -74.2%
Ferryboat 40 0% -14.9%
Motorcycle 405 0.1% -10.8%
Bicycle 1,295 0.2% 8.3%
Walk 7,550 1.2% -0.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Wake County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27502 48,530 17,368 $143,922 $167,154
27511 33,221 13,557 $107,860 $137,590
27513 46,979 19,966 $121,989 $162,818
27518 19,735 8,567 $123,488 $158,727
27519 69,836 24,513 $165,586 $196,025
27522 13,083 4,989 $77,094 $93,330
27523 20,269 7,905 $135,625 $167,008
27526 61,588 22,625 $110,017 $123,616
27529 55,242 21,417 $85,716 $107,370
27539 25,878 8,709 $145,947 $172,835

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FAQs about Wake County demographics 

What is the total population of Wake County?

Wake County has a total population of 1,178,653 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wake County?

The gender ratio in Wake County is as follows:
  • 49% males (577,283 residents)
  • 51% females (601,370 residents)

What is the median age in Wake County?

The median age in Wake County is 37.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wake County?

The age distribution in Wake County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (221,537 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.1% (154,438 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.7% (350,252 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.5% (300,506 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.9% (151,920 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wake County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wake County is as follows:
  • White: 57.9% (682,049 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.8% (221,415 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (2,969 residents)
  • Asian: 8.6% (100,766 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (318 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.6% (112,532 residents)
  • Other: 5% (58,604 residents)

What percentage of the population in Wake County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.2% of the population in Wake County.

How many housing units are there in Wake County?

There are 496,047 housing units in Wake County, reflecting a +2.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Wake County and what is the average household size?

Wake County has a total of 460,175 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wake County?

Wake County has a median household income of $105,768, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Wake County?

The employment rate is 95.9% in Wake County, with a workforce of 628,413 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.5% (549,842 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.5% (78,571 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (55,071 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.4% (442,419 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (80,523 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (50,400 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025