Wilkes County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Wilkes County, North Carolina is 65,983 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $50,438, the median home value is $161,400, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Wilkes County has declined 4.4% since 2010 (69,265 → 66,186), a -0.32% annualized rate.
65,983
Population
-0.32%
Annual growth
88
People / sq mi
$50,438
Median Income
$161,400
Median Home Value
Wilkes County covers 754 sq mi of land at 87.5 people per square mile.
About Wilkes County, NC
What sets Wilkes County apart is money: median household income runs $50,438, below the US median of $78,538. Wilkes County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 65,983. It ranks #40 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,438, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.4%, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $161,400, with typical rent around $715.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.7%, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Wilkes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wilkes County had a population of 69,265 in 2010 and 66,186 in 2024, a -4.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 69,265 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.32%.
66,186
Population (2024)
69,265
Population (2010)
69,265
Peak (2010)
-0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 69,265 |
| 2011 | 68,949 |
| 2012 | 68,910 |
| 2013 | 68,610 |
| 2014 | 68,418 |
| 2015 | 68,302 |
| 2016 | 68,573 |
| 2017 | 68,461 |
| 2018 | 68,481 |
| 2019 | 68,296 |
| 2020 | 65,872 |
| 2021 | 65,798 |
| 2022 | 65,801 |
| 2023 | 66,017 |
| 2024 | 66,186 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.2% |
| Black or African American | 3.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
22.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.2% · Seniors (65+): 22.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,438$-19,466 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,225 |
| Per-capita income | $27,866 |
| Poverty rate | 12.4%+3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wilkes County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
81.1%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
26.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$161,400$-98,000 vs state
Median home value
$715
Median rent
73.9%
Homeownership rate
31,744
Total housing units
85.0%
Occupied
15.0%
Vacant
26.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.6%
With health insurance
89.7%
With broadband internet
18.2%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
18.2%
With a disability
93.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.9%
High School+
16.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wilkes County, North Carolina has a population of 65,983 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 88 people per square mile.
The population of Wilkes County has declined 4.4% since 2010 (69,265 → 66,186), a -0.32% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wilkes County, North Carolina is $50,438, with mean (average) household income of $66,225 and per-capita income of $27,866. 12.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wilkes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.2%), Black or African American (3.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wilkes County, North Carolina is 45.3 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Wilkes County is $161,400 and median monthly rent is $715. 73.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 31,744 total housing units, 15.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wilkes County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Wilkes County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Wilkes County, NC Climate
Wilkes County, NC has an average annual temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) and receives about 1241 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.5°C
Avg Temp
1241
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 90 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 96 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 115 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 97 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 116 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 116 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 111 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 110 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 107 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 104 mm |
| November | 9° / 47° | 89 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 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 Wilkes County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Wilkes County, NC are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wilkes County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.