Winston-Salem, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Winston-Salem, North Carolina is 250,887 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 91st-largest city in the United States and the 5th-largest in North Carolina. The median household income is $57,673, the median home value is $208,200, and the median age is 35.6.
The population has grown 11.2% since 2010 (230,022 → 255,769).
250,887
Population
1877
People / sq mi
$57,673
Median Income
$208,200
Median Home Value
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Winston-Salem covers 133.7 sq mi of land at 1877 people per square mile.
About Winston-Salem, NC
The poverty rate is what most separates Winston-Salem from the typical city: 13.0% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 250,887 residents, Winston-Salem is a city in North Carolina. It is the #5-largest of all cities in North Carolina nationally.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $57,673, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.0%, close to the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $208,200, with typical rent around $1,033.
Roughly 37.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, above the national 35.0%. About 12.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Winston-Salem: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Winston-Salem city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Winston-Salem city had a population of 230,022 in 2010 and 255,769 in 2024, a 11.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 255,769 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.76%.
255,769
Population (2024)
230,022
Population (2010)
255,769
Peak (2024)
0.76%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 230,022 |
| 2011 | 231,867 |
| 2012 | 233,867 |
| 2013 | 235,728 |
| 2014 | 238,478 |
| 2015 | 239,755 |
| 2016 | 241,776 |
| 2017 | 244,501 |
| 2018 | 246,535 |
| 2019 | 247,945 |
| 2020 | 249,231 |
| 2021 | 250,397 |
| 2022 | 251,411 |
| 2023 | 253,332 |
| 2024 | 255,769 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 48.7% |
| Black or African American | 32.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$57,673
Median Household Income
$35,074
Per Capita Income
13.0%
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$208,200
Median Home Value
$1,033
Median Rent
54.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.4%
High School+
37.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.2%
Drive Alone
73.2%
Public Transit
12.3%
Work From Home
21.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.6%
Foreign Born
81.2%
Non-English at Home
5.5%
Veterans
12.6%
With Disability
88.1%
Health Insurance
94.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 28.7% |
| Manufacturing | 11.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.2% |
| Information | 7.1% |
| Construction | 6.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.5% |
| Public Administration | 3.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Common questions about Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Winston-Salem, North Carolina has a population of 250,887 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 91st-largest city in the United States and the 5th-largest in North Carolina.
The median household income in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $57,673, with 13.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $208,200, with median monthly rent at $1,033 and a homeownership rate of 54.6%.
The median age in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is 35.6 years. The population is 46.6% male and 53.4% female.
The population has grown 11.2% since 2010 (230,022 → 255,769).
Winston-Salem city, NC Climate
Winston-Salem city, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.7°C (58°F) and receives about 1131 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.7°C
Avg Temp
1131
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 88 mm |
| February | 5° / 42° | 90 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 104 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 86 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 105 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 101 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 114 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 103 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 90 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 86 mm |
| November | 10° / 49° | 74 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 90 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Winston-Salem city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Winston-Salem city, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Winston-Salem
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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.