Wilson, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Wilson, North Carolina is 47,740 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $47,294, the median home value is $192,000, and the median age is 39.1.
The population has declined 1.3% since 2010 (49,222 → 48,579).
47,740
Population
1512
People / sq mi
$47,294
Median Income
$192,000
Median Home Value
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Wilson covers 31.6 sq mi of land at 1512 people per square mile.
About Wilson, NC
The poverty rate is what most separates Wilson from the typical city: 19.2% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 47,740 residents, Wilson is a city in North Carolina. It ranks #23 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $47,294, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 19.2%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $192,000, with typical rent around $925.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 22.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 6.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Wilson: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Wilson city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Wilson city had a population of 49,222 in 2010 and 48,579 in 2024, a -1.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 49,459 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.09%.
48,579
Population (2024)
49,222
Population (2010)
49,459
Peak (2019)
-0.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 49,222 |
| 2011 | 49,160 |
| 2012 | 49,288 |
| 2013 | 49,148 |
| 2014 | 48,992 |
| 2015 | 49,209 |
| 2016 | 49,192 |
| 2017 | 49,176 |
| 2018 | 49,279 |
| 2019 | 49,459 |
| 2020 | 48,461 |
| 2021 | 48,147 |
| 2022 | 48,132 |
| 2023 | 48,519 |
| 2024 | 48,579 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.3% |
| Black or African American | 49.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$47,294
Median Household Income
$30,203
Per Capita Income
19.2%
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$192,000
Median Home Value
$925
Median Rent
48.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
84.4%
High School+
22.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
80.7%
Public Transit
6.0%
Work From Home
21.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
24.5%
Foreign Born
88.1%
Non-English at Home
5.9%
Veterans
14.0%
With Disability
86.3%
Health Insurance
85.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.3% |
| Manufacturing | 16.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.4% |
| Information | 8.1% |
| Construction | 7.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.8% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Retail Trade | 2.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wilson, North Carolina has a population of 47,740 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Wilson, North Carolina is $47,294, with 19.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Wilson, North Carolina is $192,000, with median monthly rent at $925 and a homeownership rate of 48.6%.
The median age in Wilson, North Carolina is 39.1 years. The population is 46.5% male and 53.5% female.
The population has declined 1.3% since 2010 (49,222 → 48,579).
Where to stay in Wilson
Visiting or relocating to Wilson, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.