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
Wilkes County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 65,983. It ranks #40 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 45.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Wilkes County is $50,438, below the US median of $74,580. 12.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $161,400, with monthly rent averaging $715. The homeownership rate of 73.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wilkes County reflects 16.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.8 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
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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.
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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.