Wilmington, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
120,805
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,738/yr
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
62,836
2.7% year-over-year change

Wilmington population

How many people live in Wilmington

Wilmington is home to 120,805 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Wilmington locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
120,805
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
56,316
Female
53.4%
64,489
Value Percent YoY change
Male 56,316 46.6% 1.3%
Female 64,489 53.4% 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 Wilmington is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.4% are children under 15, then 19% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
19%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,198 13.4% -0.9%
15 to 24 22,974 19% 3.1%
25 to 44 32,067 26.5% 3.1%
45 to 64 27,536 22.8% -0.9%
Over 65 22,030 18.2% 4.6%
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 Wilmington, 92.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.4% of locals are Caucasian, 14.5% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 112,056 92.8% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,588 3.8% -3.9%
Non-citizens 4,161 3.4% 9.8%
Racial breakdown
White
72.4%
Black or African American
14.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
4.5%
Value Percent
White 87,410 72.4%
Black or African American 17,505 14.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 289 0.2%
Asian 1,617 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 42 0%
Two or more races 8,484 7%
Other 5,458 4.5%

Households in Wilmington

A peek inside Wilmington households

Wilmington has 56,612 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.6% are families, while the remaining 53.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
56,612
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
30,249
Family households
26,363
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 30,249 53.4% 4.1%
Family households 26,363 46.6% 1.0%
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 Wilmington

The housing landscape of Wilmington

Wilmington's housing consists of 62,836 units, with 49.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.6% 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 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
62,836
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 31,345 49.9%
1 unit, attached 4,154 6.6%
2 units 2,389 3.8%
3 or 4 units 4,206 6.7%
5 to 9 units 4,775 7.6%
10 to 19 units 5,502 8.8%
20 to 49 units 5,031 8%
50 or more units 4,427 7%
Mobile home 969 1.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 38 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
2,364
67.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wilmington

In Wilmington, the median construction year is 1989. About 8.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,614 8.9% 0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,530 5.6% 1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,849 6.1% 0.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,850 6.1% 0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,102 11.3% 5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,637 13.8% -7.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 9,555 15.2% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 9,691 15.4% 6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,644 13.8% 8.0%
Built in 2020 or later 2,364 3.8% 67.3%
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.

Wilmington occupancy rates

Out of the 56,612 occupied housing units in Wilmington, 47.6% are owner-occupied, while 52.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
56,612
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
29,640
Owner occupied
26,972
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 29,640 52.4% 1.1%
Owner occupied 26,972 47.6% 4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.9%
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.

Wilmington housing costs

Housing costs in Wilmington come to a median of $1,441 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,395.

Median housing costs per month
$1,441/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 Wilmington
$1,395/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 Wilmington

Wilmington education at a glance

About 23.8% of the population in Wilmington went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 28.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,081 2.1% 3.6%
High school diploma 24,018 23.8% 5.2%
College diploma 22,141 21.9% -6.7%
Associate degree 10,525 10.4% 3.5%
Bachelor's degree 28,406 28.1% 8.4%
Graduate degree 13,791 13.7% 0.7%
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 Wilmington

How much people earn in Wilmington

The average annual household income in Wilmington was $104,218 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,738, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wilmington
$104,218/year
5.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wilmington
$66,738/year
4.4% year-over-year change

Wilmington income by age

In Wilmington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,926. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,399 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,213, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,320 in earnings. Overall, 84.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,213 -10.2%
25 - 44 $77,926 6.5%
45 - 64 $77,399 2.0%
Over 65 $60,320 2.0%
Above poverty level
97,332
Below poverty level
18,339
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 97,332 84.2% 2.6%
Below poverty level 18,339 15.8% -1.0%

Average renter income in Wilmington

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wilmington, their median household income was $42,164 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,164
Rent-to-income ratio
39.7%
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 Wilmington

Workforce and job types in Wilmington

The job market in Wilmington is powered by 65,608 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.8% run their own businesses, 67.3% are employed by private companies, and 11.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
65,608
5.8% year-over-year change
White collar
55,690
Blue collar
9,918
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 55,690 84.9% 6.2%
Blue collar 9,918 15.1% 4.1%
Employer type
Self employees
13.8%
Private companies
67.3%
Governmental workers
11.9%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9,060 13.8% 5.9%
Private companies 44,156 67.3% 6.4%
Governmental workers 7,819 11.9% 6.5%
Not for profit companies 4,573 7% -0.0%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wilmington stands at 4.3%, 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 Wilmington

How people get around in Wilmington

Commuting methods vary: 75.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% 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 48,745 75.6% 2.6%
Taxicab 152 0.2% -15.1%
Bus or trolleybus 193 0.3% -11.1%
Motorcycle 99 0.2% 890.0%
Bicycle 583 0.9% 25.9%
Walk 1,406 2.2% 5.6%
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 Wilmington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28401 22,007 11,085 $57,968 $76,158
28403 40,319 18,577 $54,547 $86,760
28405 35,467 15,899 $70,274 $109,255
28409 36,163 14,544 $111,048 $143,750
28411 37,233 15,924 $97,387 $118,944
28412 44,166 20,169 $71,636 $100,588

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FAQs about Wilmington demographics 

What is the total population of Wilmington?

Wilmington has a total population of 120,805 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 +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wilmington?

The gender ratio in Wilmington is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (56,316 residents)
  • 53.4% females (64,489 residents)

What is the median age in Wilmington?

The median age in Wilmington is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wilmington?

The age distribution in Wilmington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.4% (16,198 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19% (22,974 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (32,067 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (27,536 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (22,030 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wilmington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wilmington is as follows:
  • White: 72.4% (87,410 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.5% (17,505 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (289 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (1,617 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (42 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (8,484 residents)
  • Other: 4.5% (5,458 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.8% of the population in Wilmington.

How many housing units are there in Wilmington?

There are 62,836 housing units in Wilmington, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wilmington has a total of 56,612 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wilmington?

Wilmington has a median household income of $66,738, representing a +4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.7% in Wilmington, with a workforce of 65,608 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.9% (55,690 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.1% (9,918 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.8% (9,060 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.3% (44,156 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.9% (7,819 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (4,573 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