Wilkes County, NC

Guide to Wilkes County and Cities

Welcome to the community page for Wilkes County in North Carolina with demographic details and statistics about the area as well as an interactive Wilkes County map. The county has a population of 66,125, a median home value of $146,200, and a median household income of $49,119. Below, the statistics for Wilkes County provide a snapshot of key economic and lifestyle factors relevant to both residents and newcomers.

Map of Wilkes County

Below is the Wilkes County, NC county map created with GIS software, with cities and neighborhoods.

 

Population & Demographics

The total population for Wilkes County is 66,125, with 50% males and 50% females. Below is a detailed breakdown of the population trends and demographics for the area.

Population by RaceTotal
White Population58,549
Black or African American Population2,446
American Indian and Alaska Native157
Asian Population297
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander272
Other Race Population1,356
Two or More Races3,048

Household Information

In Wilkes County, the median gross rent is $712 per month and the median home value is $146,200. Out of the total number of households in the city, 73% are owner-occupied, while 27% are rentals. Of those who own their homes, 44% have a mortgage, with the remaining 57% owning their homes outright. Below is a detailed snapshot of homeownership and rental patterns in the community.”

Ownership StatisticsNumber
Owner-Occupied19,892
Renter-Occupied7,357
Mortgage StatusNumber
Homes with Mortgage$8,647
Homes without Mortgage11,245

Employment & Occupation

In Wilkes County, the unemployment rate currently stands at 6%. For residents in the workforce, on average they spend 27.6 minutes commuting to work. Of those employed, 79% work for private companies, while 13% hold government jobs. Additionally, 7% are self-employed, contributing to the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. Below, you’ll find more details about employment trends and occupations in Wilkes County.

OccupationNumber
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and Mining817
Construction2,203
Manufacturing4,721
Wholesale Trade769
Retail Trade4,159
Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities2,031
Information460
Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing800
Professional, Scientific, and Management, and Administrative and Waste Management Services1,807
Educational Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance5,812
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services2,039
Other Services, except Public Administration1,847
Public Administration1,103

Education

In Wilkes County, education levels show that 32.7% of residents have completed high school, 11.6% hold a bachelor’s degree, and 4.8% have achieved a graduate or professional degree. Of the population aged 25 and over, 16.4% are college graduates, reflecting the county’s academic achievements. Below is a detailed breakdown of educational levels within Wilkes County, NC.

Education Level Number
9th to 12th Grade 6,026
High School Graduate 15,621
Some College 10,083
Associate’s Degree 5,382
Bachelor’s Degree 5,550
Graduate or Professional Degree 2,274
School Enrollment Number
Enrolled in Preschool 442
Enrolled in Elementary School 5,887
Enrolled in High School 2,805
Enrolled in College 2,339

*The data presented on this page is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and reflects the most recent available statistics. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that Census data may be subject to updates and revisions. US Map Guide is not responsible for any discrepancies, and we encourage users to verify information directly with official sources for the latest insights.