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

Total population
52,844
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$123,802/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
19,428
3.2% year-over-year change

Wake Forest population

How many people live in Wake Forest

Wake Forest is home to 52,844 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Wake Forest locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
52,844
3.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
25,497
Female
51.8%
27,347
Value Percent YoY change
Male 25,497 48.2% 2.6%
Female 27,347 51.8% 3.8%
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 Forest is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.1% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.4% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.1%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
27.4%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,173 21.1% 0.3%
15 to 24 6,400 12.1% 6.0%
25 to 44 14,496 27.4% 4.6%
45 to 64 14,009 26.5% 5.3%
Over 65 6,766 12.8% -1.5%
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 Forest, 89% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.6% of locals are Caucasian, 19.7% are African American and 2.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.8%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 47,039 89% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,147 7.8% 22.5%
Non-citizens 1,658 3.1% 17.3%
Racial breakdown
White
65.6%
Black or African American
19.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 34,692 65.6%
Black or African American 10,433 19.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0%
Asian 1,554 2.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 4,755 9%
Other 1,384 2.6%

Households in Wake Forest

A peek inside Wake Forest households

Wake Forest has 18,403 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 77.9% are families, while the remaining 22.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
18,403
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,071
Family households
14,332
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,071 22.1% -0.5%
Family households 14,332 77.9% 4.1%
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 Forest

The housing landscape of Wake Forest

Wake Forest's housing consists of 19,428 units, with 69.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.6% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
19,428
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,455 69.3%
1 unit, attached 2,058 10.6%
2 units 438 2.2%
3 or 4 units 249 1.3%
5 to 9 units 870 4.5%
10 to 19 units 796 4.1%
20 to 49 units 920 4.7%
50 or more units 433 2.2%
Mobile home 209 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
1,362
149.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wake Forest

In Wake Forest, the median construction year is 2009. About 1.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 27.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 39% between 2010 and 2019, and 7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 299 1.5% -2.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 197 1% 27.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 177 0.9% 11.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 412 2.1% -5.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 559 2.9% -3.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,201 6.2% -1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,326 12% -12.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,313 27.4% -8.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7,582 39% 8.7%
Built in 2020 or later 1,362 7% 149.4%
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 Forest occupancy rates

Out of the 18,403 occupied housing units in Wake Forest, 74% are owner-occupied, while 26% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
18,403
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,786
Owner occupied
13,617
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,786 26% 5.9%
Owner occupied 13,617 74% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
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 Forest housing costs

Housing costs in Wake Forest come to a median of $1,863 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,596.

Median housing costs per month
$1,863/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 Forest
$1,596/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 Forest

Wake Forest education at a glance

About 17% of the population in Wake Forest went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 33.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 445 1.2% -0.9%
High school diploma 6,610 17% 0.8%
College diploma 7,311 18.8% 3.4%
Associate degree 3,155 8.1% -1.7%
Bachelor's degree 12,940 33.3% 4.8%
Graduate degree 8,381 21.6% 9.0%
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 Forest

How much people earn in Wake Forest

The average annual household income in Wake Forest was $146,479 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $123,802, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wake Forest
$146,479/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wake Forest
$123,802/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Wake Forest income by age

In Wake Forest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $135,552. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $141,791 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $84,405, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $78,057 in earnings. Overall, 95.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $84,405 55.2%
25 - 44 $135,552 8.4%
45 - 64 $141,791 2.5%
Over 65 $78,057 -3.0%
Above poverty level
49,034
Below poverty level
2,312
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 49,034 95.5% 1.5%
Below poverty level 2,312 4.5% 57.2%

Average renter income in Wake Forest

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wake Forest, their median household income was $57,050 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$57,050
Rent-to-income ratio
33.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Wake Forest

Workforce and job types in Wake Forest

The job market in Wake Forest is powered by 27,199 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 62.9% are employed by private companies, and 17.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
27,199
6.7% year-over-year change
White collar
24,816
Blue collar
2,383
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24,816 91.2% 7.5%
Blue collar 2,383 8.8% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
62.9%
Governmental workers
17.6%
Not for profit companies
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,299 8.4% 2.5%
Private companies 17,116 62.9% 6.1%
Governmental workers 4,791 17.6% 6.1%
Not for profit companies 2,993 11% 14.8%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
-6.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wake Forest stands at 4%, 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 Forest

How people get around in Wake Forest

Commuting methods vary: 69.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 18,761 69.6% 1.7%
Taxicab 9 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 8 0% -46.7%
Motorcycle 16 0.1% -48.4%
Walk 287 1.1% 23.7%
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 Forest by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27587 82,886 29,545 $133,743 $165,020

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FAQs about Wake Forest demographics 

What is the total population of Wake Forest?

Wake Forest has a total population of 52,844 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 +3.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wake Forest?

The gender ratio in Wake Forest is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (25,497 residents)
  • 51.8% females (27,347 residents)

What is the median age in Wake Forest?

The median age in Wake Forest is 38.6.

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

The age distribution in Wake Forest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.1% (11,173 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (6,400 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.4% (14,496 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (14,009 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.8% (6,766 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wake Forest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wake Forest is as follows:
  • White: 65.6% (34,692 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.7% (10,433 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 2.9% (1,554 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9% (4,755 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (1,384 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89% of the population in Wake Forest.

How many housing units are there in Wake Forest?

There are 19,428 housing units in Wake Forest, reflecting a +3.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wake Forest has a total of 18,403 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wake Forest?

Wake Forest has a median household income of $123,802, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96% in Wake Forest, with a workforce of 27,199 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.2% (24,816 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.8% (2,383 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (2,299 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.9% (17,116 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.6% (4,791 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11% (2,993 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