Wendell, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,064
12.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$95,787/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,198
18.0% year-over-year change

Wendell population

How many people live in Wendell

Wendell is home to 13,064 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of Wendell locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
13,064
12.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
6,096
Female
53.3%
6,968
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,096 46.7% 10.3%
Female 6,968 53.3% 15.0%
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 Wendell is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.2% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
38
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
28.2%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,522 19.3% 12.3%
15 to 24 1,746 13.4% -0.7%
25 to 44 3,679 28.2% 24.0%
45 to 64 3,073 23.5% 7.0%
Over 65 2,044 15.6% 17.4%
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 Wendell, 84.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 54.6% of locals are Caucasian, 24.5% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,022 84.4% 8.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,177 9% 50.5%
Non-citizens 865 6.6% 33.1%
Racial breakdown
White
54.6%
Black or African American
24.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
13%
Value Percent
White 7,132 54.6%
Black or African American 3,204 24.5%
Asian 137 1%
Two or more races 895 6.8%
Other 1,696 13%

Households in Wendell

A peek inside Wendell households

Wendell has 4,957 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70% are families, while the remaining 30% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,957
19.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,487
Family households
3,470
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,487 30% 34.5%
Family households 3,470 70% 13.5%
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 Wendell

The housing landscape of Wendell

Wendell's housing consists of 5,198 units, with 84.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,198
18.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,398 84.6%
1 unit, attached 149 2.9%
2 units 246 4.7%
5 to 9 units 27 0.5%
20 to 49 units 84 1.6%
50 or more units 277 5.3%
Mobile home 17 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
840
202.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wendell

In Wendell, the median construction year is 2010. About 2.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 33.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 16.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 109 2.1% 6.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 69 1.3% -63.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 301 5.8% 11.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 258 5% -0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 433 8.3% -3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 293 5.6% 33.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 567 10.9% 57.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 571 11% -12.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,757 33.8% 7.9%
Built in 2020 or later 840 16.2% 202.2%
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.

Wendell occupancy rates

Out of the 4,957 occupied housing units in Wendell, 78.2% are owner-occupied, while 21.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,957
19.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,080
Owner occupied
3,877
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,080 21.8% -0.4%
Owner occupied 3,877 78.2% 25.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.6%
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.

Wendell housing costs

Housing costs in Wendell come to a median of $1,555 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,457.

Median housing costs per month
$1,555/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 Wendell
$1,457/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 Wendell

Wendell education at a glance

About 29.4% of the population in Wendell went to high school, while 23.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 21.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 310 3.1% 43.5%
High school diploma 2,924 29.4% 10.3%
College diploma 2,377 23.9% 5.0%
Associate degree 778 7.8% 26.5%
Bachelor's degree 2,146 21.5% 11.5%
Graduate degree 1,427 14.3% 27.3%
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 Wendell

How much people earn in Wendell

The average annual household income in Wendell was $110,108 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $95,787, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wendell
$110,108/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wendell
$95,787/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Wendell income by age

In Wendell, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $121,488. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,446 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $82,115, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $70,047 in earnings. Overall, 96.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $82,115 15.2%
25 - 44 $121,488 1.4%
45 - 64 $104,446 2.8%
Over 65 $70,047 40.3%
Above poverty level
12,506
Below poverty level
416
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,506 96.8% 13.9%
Below poverty level 416 3.2% -15.3%

Average renter income in Wendell

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wendell, their median household income was $43,879 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,879
Rent-to-income ratio
39.8%
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 Wendell

Workforce and job types in Wendell

The job market in Wendell is powered by 7,369 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 67.5% are employed by private companies, and 18.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,369
10.4% year-over-year change
White collar
6,013
Blue collar
1,356
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,013 81.6% 9.3%
Blue collar 1,356 18.4% 15.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
67.5%
Governmental workers
18.3%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 590 8% -30.6%
Private companies 4,976 67.5% 12.6%
Governmental workers 1,349 18.3% 21.8%
Not for profit companies 454 6.2% 52.4%
Unemployment rate
1.3%
47.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wendell stands at 1.3%, 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 Wendell

How people get around in Wendell

In Wendell, the average commute time is 29 minutes.

Commute time
29 min
-1.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,290 71.7% 7.8%
Bicycle 1 0% -50.0%
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 Wendell by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27591 29,838 10,751 $85,224 $103,633

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FAQs about Wendell demographics 

What is the total population of Wendell?

Wendell has a total population of 13,064 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 +12.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wendell?

The gender ratio in Wendell is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (6,096 residents)
  • 53.3% females (6,968 residents)

What is the median age in Wendell?

The median age in Wendell is 38.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wendell?

The age distribution in Wendell is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (2,522 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (1,746 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.2% (3,679 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (3,073 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (2,044 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wendell?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wendell is as follows:
  • White: 54.6% (7,132 residents)
  • Black or African American: 24.5% (3,204 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (137 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (895 residents)
  • Other: 13% (1,696 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.4% of the population in Wendell.

How many housing units are there in Wendell?

There are 5,198 housing units in Wendell, reflecting a +18.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wendell has a total of 4,957 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wendell?

Wendell has a median household income of $95,787, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Wendell?

The employment rate is 98.7% in Wendell, with a workforce of 7,369 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (6,013 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (1,356 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (590 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.5% (4,976 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.3% (1,349 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (454 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