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

Total population
65,935
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,721/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
31,836
0.3% year-over-year change

Wilkes County population

How many people live in Wilkes County

Wilkes County is home to 65,935 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Wilkes County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
65,935
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
32,666
Female
50.5%
33,269
Value Percent YoY change
Male 32,666 49.5% -0.3%
Female 33,269 50.5% 0.2%
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 Wilkes County is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
22.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,589 16.1% -0.9%
15 to 24 7,562 11.5% -0.6%
25 to 44 14,311 21.7% -1.1%
45 to 64 18,363 27.8% 0.6%
Over 65 15,110 22.9% 0.9%
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 Wilkes County, 95.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 63,203 95.9% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 833 1.3% -9.8%
Non-citizens 1,899 2.9% 22.2%
Racial breakdown
White
87%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 57,339 87%
Black or African American 2,403 3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 128 0.2%
Asian 396 0.6%
Two or more races 4,062 6.2%
Other 1,607 2.4%

Households in Wilkes County

A peek inside Wilkes County households

Wilkes County has 27,107 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69.3% are families, while the remaining 30.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,107
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,310
Family households
18,797
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,310 30.7% -3.4%
Family households 18,797 69.3% 2.3%
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 Wilkes County

The housing landscape of Wilkes County

Wilkes County's housing consists of 31,836 units, with 66.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 24.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
31,836
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 21,069 66.2%
1 unit, attached 70 0.2%
2 units 660 2.1%
3 or 4 units 658 2.1%
5 to 9 units 484 1.5%
10 to 19 units 557 1.8%
20 to 49 units 249 0.8%
50 or more units 241 0.8%
Mobile home 7,785 24.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 63 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
170
38.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wilkes County

In Wilkes County, the median construction year is 1980. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,913 6% -7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,702 5.4% 9.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,655 8.3% -4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,204 13.2% 8.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,701 17.9% -1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,696 17.9% -3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,649 14.6% -0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,421 10.8% -2.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,725 5.4% 14.8%
Built in 2020 or later 170 0.5% 38.2%
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.

Wilkes County occupancy rates

Out of the 27,107 occupied housing units in Wilkes County, 73.5% are owner-occupied, while 26.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,107
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,179
Owner occupied
19,928
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,179 26.5% 2.1%
Owner occupied 19,928 73.5% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
14.9%
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.

Wilkes County housing costs

Housing costs in Wilkes County come to a median of $655 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $723.

Median housing costs per month
$655/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 Wilkes County
$723/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 Wilkes County

Wilkes County education at a glance

About 45% of the population in Wilkes County went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 12.2% earned an associate degree and 10% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,723 5.2% 0.7%
High school diploma 23,762 45% -0.0%
College diploma 11,599 22% -3.9%
Associate degree 6,450 12.2% 5.3%
Bachelor's degree 5,277 10% -6.5%
Graduate degree 2,965 5.6% 20.1%
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 Wilkes County

How much people earn in Wilkes County

The average annual household income in Wilkes County was $66,361 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,721, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wilkes County
$66,361/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wilkes County
$51,721/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Wilkes County income by age

In Wilkes County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,682. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $60,009 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,001 in earnings. Overall, 83.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,250 -0.8%
25 - 44 $61,682 12.1%
45 - 64 $60,009 -9.2%
Over 65 $43,001 4.1%
Above poverty level
53,468
Below poverty level
10,560
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 53,468 83.5% -0.3%
Below poverty level 10,560 16.5% 1.9%

Employment in Wilkes County

Workforce and job types in Wilkes County

The job market in Wilkes County is powered by 28,660 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.7% run their own businesses, 68.4% are employed by private companies, and 14.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
28,660
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
18,961
Blue collar
9,699
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,961 66.2% 0.2%
Blue collar 9,699 33.8% -1.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.7%
Private companies
68.4%
Governmental workers
14.2%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,788 9.7% -6.5%
Private companies 19,599 68.4% 0.6%
Governmental workers 4,061 14.2% 4.4%
Not for profit companies 2,212 7.7% -6.1%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
2.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wilkes County stands at 5%, 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 Wilkes County

How people get around in Wilkes County

Commuting methods vary: 89.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 25,295 89.4% -0.9%
Bus or trolleybus 43 0.2% -4.4%
Motorcycle 19 0.1% 26.7%
Walk 291 1% -9.1%
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 Wilkes County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28606 2,187 844 $56,600 $59,521
28621 9,403 4,126 $53,616 $69,959
28624 1,438 615 $51,836 $61,156
28635 2,669 1,249 $44,901 $62,512
28642 5,602 2,358 $44,543 $73,201
28649 1,355 428 $47,016 $62,668
28651 5,578 2,315 $61,623 $68,946
28654 3,168 1,259 $57,438 $79,459
28659 21,422 8,869 $50,280 $63,335
28665 2,483 998 $45,685 $56,087

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FAQs about Wilkes County demographics 

What is the total population of Wilkes County?

Wilkes County has a total population of 65,935 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wilkes County?

The gender ratio in Wilkes County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (32,666 residents)
  • 50.5% females (33,269 residents)

What is the median age in Wilkes County?

The median age in Wilkes County is 45.7.

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

The age distribution in Wilkes County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (10,589 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (7,562 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (14,311 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (18,363 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.9% (15,110 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wilkes County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wilkes County is as follows:
  • White: 87% (57,339 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (2,403 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (128 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (396 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (4,062 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (1,607 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.9% of the population in Wilkes County.

How many housing units are there in Wilkes County?

There are 31,836 housing units in Wilkes County, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wilkes County has a total of 27,107 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wilkes County?

Wilkes County has a median household income of $51,721, 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 Wilkes County?

The employment rate is 95% in Wilkes County, with a workforce of 28,660 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.2% (18,961 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.8% (9,699 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.7% (2,788 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.4% (19,599 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.2% (4,061 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (2,212 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