Winston - Salem, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
416,663
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,804/yr
5.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
186,683
1.2% year-over-year change

Winston - Salem population

How many people live in Winston - Salem

Winston - Salem is home to 416,663 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Winston - Salem locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
416,663
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
199,072
Female
52.2%
217,591
Value Percent YoY change
Male 199,072 47.8% 0.8%
Female 217,591 52.2% 0.8%
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 Winston - Salem is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 13.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 25.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
13.8%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
25.5%
Over 65
17%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 76,767 18.4% -0.5%
15 to 24 57,604 13.8% 1.0%
25 to 44 105,255 25.3% 1.2%
45 to 64 106,108 25.5% -0.1%
Over 65 70,929 17% 3.0%
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 Winston - Salem, 89.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.6% of locals are Caucasian, 24% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.1%
Non-citizens
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 371,716 89.2% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21,282 5.1% 11.3%
Non-citizens 23,665 5.7% 5.4%
Racial breakdown
White
57.6%
Black or African American
24%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
6.6%
Value Percent
White 239,993 57.6%
Black or African American 99,842 24%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,611 0.4%
Asian 9,741 2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 318 0.1%
Two or more races 37,821 9.1%
Other 27,338 6.6%

Households in Winston - Salem

A peek inside Winston - Salem households

Winston - Salem has 170,379 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.1% are families, while the remaining 37.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
170,379
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
64,582
Family households
105,797
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 64,582 37.9% 3.0%
Family households 105,797 62.1% 2.0%
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 Winston - Salem

The housing landscape of Winston - Salem

Winston - Salem's housing consists of 186,683 units, with 67.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% 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 3.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
186,683
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 126,016 67.5%
1 unit, attached 8,137 4.4%
2 units 2,260 1.2%
3 or 4 units 6,699 3.6%
5 to 9 units 10,635 5.7%
10 to 19 units 13,138 7%
20 to 49 units 5,423 2.9%
50 or more units 7,425 4%
Mobile home 6,866 3.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 84 0%
Homes built since 2020
4,151
98.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Winston - Salem

In Winston - Salem, the median construction year is 1986. About 6.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11,308 6.1% 4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6,038 3.2% -1.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 17,905 9.6% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 17,475 9.4% -4.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 27,273 14.6% -1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 26,868 14.4% -1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 26,302 14.1% -3.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 28,871 15.5% 3.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 20,493 11% 5.8%
Built in 2020 or later 4,151 2.2% 98.0%
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.

Winston - Salem occupancy rates

Out of the 170,379 occupied housing units in Winston - Salem, 65% are owner-occupied, while 35% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
170,379
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
59,554
Owner occupied
110,825
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 59,554 35% -0.1%
Owner occupied 110,825 65% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.7%
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.

Winston - Salem housing costs

Housing costs in Winston - Salem come to a median of $1,072 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,132.

Median housing costs per month
$1,072/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 Winston - Salem
$1,132/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 Winston - Salem

Winston - Salem education at a glance

About 31.5% of the population in Winston - Salem went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 22% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11,120 3.4% -4.0%
High school diploma 101,513 31.5% -1.5%
College diploma 68,149 21.1% -1.7%
Associate degree 27,689 8.6% 0.2%
Bachelor's degree 71,077 22% 5.2%
Graduate degree 43,022 13.3% 6.9%
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 Winston - Salem

How much people earn in Winston - Salem

The average annual household income in Winston - Salem was $97,077 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,804, reflecting a +5.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Winston - Salem
$97,077/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Winston - Salem
$74,804/year
5.6% year-over-year change

Winston - Salem income by age

In Winston - Salem, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,586. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,028 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,242, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,737 in earnings. Overall, 86.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,242 30.5%
25 - 44 $75,586 5.7%
45 - 64 $91,028 2.8%
Over 65 $51,737 1.4%
Above poverty level
346,745
Below poverty level
55,270
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 346,745 86.2% 1.0%
Below poverty level 55,270 13.8% -0.7%

Average renter income in Winston - Salem

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Winston - Salem, their median household income was $36,103 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,103
Rent-to-income ratio
37.6%
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 Winston - Salem

Workforce and job types in Winston - Salem

78.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 67% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
154,783
Blue collar
42,429
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 154,783 78.5% 1.9%
Blue collar 42,429 21.5% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
67%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 17,568 8.9% -1.0%
Private companies 132,217 67% 0.7%
Governmental workers 22,429 11.4% 3.7%
Not for profit companies 24,998 12.7% 6.5%

Transportation in Winston - Salem

How people get around in Winston - Salem

In Winston - Salem, the average commute time is 87 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
87 min
-30.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 159,981 97.1% -0.4%
Taxicab 336 0.2% 68.8%
Bus or trolleybus 1,199 0.7% -13.9%
Ferryboat 77 0% 57.1%
Motorcycle 213 0.1% -21.1%
Bicycle 337 0.2% 17.0%
Walk 2,576 1.6% -6.3%
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 Winston - Salem by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27009 2,939 1,192 $76,469 $102,127
27012 30,543 12,418 $96,250 $119,058
27023 14,414 5,405 $107,924 $130,755
27040 12,665 4,837 $92,601 $115,444
27045 10,863 4,559 $71,086 $79,690
27050 3,823 1,575 $88,750 $104,725
27051 7,873 3,086 $74,804 $98,983
27101 22,973 10,982 $44,198 $69,668
27103 33,325 16,002 $67,012 $84,960
27104 31,783 14,479 $81,529 $134,871

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FAQs about Winston - Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Winston - Salem?

Winston - Salem has a total population of 416,663 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Winston - Salem?

The gender ratio in Winston - Salem is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (199,072 residents)
  • 52.2% females (217,591 residents)

What is the median age in Winston - Salem?

The median age in Winston - Salem is 39.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Winston - Salem?

The age distribution in Winston - Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (76,767 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.8% (57,604 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (105,255 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.5% (106,108 residents)
  • Over 65: 17% (70,929 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Winston - Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Winston - Salem is as follows:
  • White: 57.6% (239,993 residents)
  • Black or African American: 24% (99,842 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (1,611 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (9,741 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (318 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (37,821 residents)
  • Other: 6.6% (27,338 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.2% of the population in Winston - Salem.

How many housing units are there in Winston - Salem?

There are 186,683 housing units in Winston - Salem, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Winston - Salem and what is the average household size?

Winston - Salem has a total of 170,379 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Winston - Salem?

Winston - Salem has a median household income of $74,804, representing a +5.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Winston - Salem?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.5% (154,783 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.5% (42,429 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (17,568 residents)
  • Private companies: 67% (132,217 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (22,429 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.7% (24,998 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