Wilson County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Wilson County, North Carolina is 78,648 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $51,381, the median home value is $171,800, and the median age is 40.7.
The population of Wilson County has declined 1.6% since 2010 (81,294 → 79,958), a -0.12% annualized rate.
78,648
Population
-0.12%
Annual growth
214
People / sq mi
$51,381
Median Income
$171,800
Median Home Value
Wilson County covers 368 sq mi of land at 214.0 people per square mile.
About Wilson County, NC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Wilson County: 59.1% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 78,648 residents, Wilson County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #35 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,381, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.5%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $171,800, with typical rent around $915.
20.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Wilson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wilson County had a population of 81,294 in 2010 and 79,958 in 2024, a -1.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 81,775 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.11%.
79,958
Population (2024)
81,294
Population (2010)
81,775
Peak (2019)
-0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 81,294 |
| 2011 | 81,153 |
| 2012 | 81,393 |
| 2013 | 81,186 |
| 2014 | 80,996 |
| 2015 | 81,228 |
| 2016 | 81,298 |
| 2017 | 81,446 |
| 2018 | 81,396 |
| 2019 | 81,775 |
| 2020 | 79,301 |
| 2021 | 78,746 |
| 2022 | 78,838 |
| 2023 | 79,606 |
| 2024 | 79,958 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 46.1% |
| Black or African American | 39.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.7
Median Age
52.3%
Female
47.7%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,381$-18,523 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,763 |
| Per-capita income | $30,057 |
| Poverty rate | 15.5%+6.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wilson County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
81.1%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
22.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$171,800$-87,600 vs state
Median home value
$915
Median rent
59.1%
Homeownership rate
36,702
Total housing units
89.5%
Occupied
10.5%
Vacant
40.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.2%
With health insurance
85.4%
With broadband internet
21.3%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
88.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.4%
High School+
20.3%
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
Wilson County, North Carolina has a population of 78,648 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 214 people per square mile.
The population of Wilson County has declined 1.6% since 2010 (81,294 → 79,958), a -0.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wilson County, North Carolina is $51,381, with mean (average) household income of $71,763 and per-capita income of $30,057. 15.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wilson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (46.1%), Black or African American (39.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wilson County, North Carolina is 40.7 years. Residents are 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
The median home value in Wilson County is $171,800 and median monthly rent is $915. 59.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 36,702 total housing units, 10.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wilson County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Wilson County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Wilson County, NC Climate
Wilson County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.8°C (60°F) and receives about 1184 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.8°C
Avg Temp
1184
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 105 mm |
| February | 6° / 44° | 91 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 107 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 79 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 102 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 98 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 128 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 120 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 116 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 78 mm |
| November | 11° / 53° | 78 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 82 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 Wilson County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Wilson County, NC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wilson County
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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.