Wake County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Wake County, North Carolina is 1,151,009 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $101,763, the median home value is $422,800, and the median age is 37.2.
The population of Wake County has grown 35.9% since 2010 (906,875 → 1,232,444), a +2.22% annualized rate.
1,151,009
Population
+2.22%
Annual growth
1379
People / sq mi
$101,763
Median Income
$422,800
Median Home Value
Wake County covers 835 sq mi of land at 1379.1 people per square mile.
About Wake County, NC
Wake County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 1,151,009. It ranks #1 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 37.2, younger than the national median. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
The median household income in Wake County is $101,763, above the US median of $74,580. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $422,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,508. The homeownership rate of 64.4% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wake County reflects 56.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 26.0% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.3 minutes each way.
Wake County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wake County had a population of 906,875 in 2010 and 1,232,444 in 2024, a 35.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,232,444 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.22%.
1,232,444
Population (2024)
906,875
Population (2010)
1,232,444
Peak (2024)
2.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 906,875 |
| 2011 | 928,905 |
| 2012 | 952,266 |
| 2013 | 974,508 |
| 2014 | 998,221 |
| 2015 | 1,022,871 |
| 2016 | 1,048,933 |
| 2017 | 1,072,463 |
| 2018 | 1,092,202 |
| 2019 | 1,112,795 |
| 2020 | 1,130,694 |
| 2021 | 1,152,626 |
| 2022 | 1,174,107 |
| 2023 | 1,203,394 |
| 2024 | 1,232,444 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.4% |
| Black or African American | 19.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.2
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
12.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 12.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $101,763+$31,859 vs state |
| Mean household income | $134,151 |
| Per-capita income | $52,949 |
| Poverty rate | 4.9%-4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wake County is finance & real estate, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
64.4%
Public transit
26.0%
Work from home
25.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$422,800+$163,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,508
Median rent
64.4%
Homeownership rate
481,999
Total housing units
92.5%
Occupied
7.5%
Vacant
35.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
97.8%
With broadband internet
41.8%
Foreign-born
5.7%
Veterans (18+)
9.0%
With a disability
81.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.0%
High School+
56.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Common questions about Wake County, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Wake County, North Carolina has a population of 1,151,009 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 1379 people per square mile.
The population of Wake County has grown 35.9% since 2010 (906,875 → 1,232,444), a +2.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wake County, North Carolina is $101,763, with mean (average) household income of $134,151 and per-capita income of $52,949. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (59.4%), Black or African American (19.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wake County, North Carolina is 37.2 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Wake County is $422,800 and median monthly rent is $1,508. 64.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 481,999 total housing units, 7.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wake County, North Carolina is finance, insurance, and real estate, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Wake County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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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.