Cost of Living in North Wilkesboro, NC

Population 4,348 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

66
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in North Wilkesboro run well below national norms — a median of $39,288 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Located 50 miles west of Winston-Salem, North Wilkesboro falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than Winston-Salem's $208,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 76
Rent 50

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in North Wilkesboro

The median home value in North Wilkesboro is $231,400 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $659/month, 50% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,288/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 69.1°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, North Wilkesboro has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$231,400
24% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$204,318
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$659/mo
50% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 45.6%
Renter-occupied 54.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$659
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,273/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.5 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.2%
Carpooled
4.6%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
2.8%
Work from home
12.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$39,288
47% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,956
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
35% below avg
Poverty Rate
21.1%
Labor Force Participation
52.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.5%
Graduate degree 11.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.6
Male median age 40.3
Female median age 48

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.1°F
Avg Low
48.9°F
Annual Precip
47.1"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 495361707784878680706052
Low °F 303340485664686761493933
Precip" 3.813.214.084.083.864.354.294.583.933.493.623.85

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
22
Public schools
9,355
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in North Wilkesboro, NC?

North Wilkesboro has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.

What is average rent in North Wilkesboro, NC?

The median gross rent in North Wilkesboro is $659 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Wilkesboro?

The median home value in North Wilkesboro is $231,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in North Wilkesboro?

The median household income in North Wilkesboro is $39,288 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Wilkesboro, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Wilkesboro is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is North Wilkesboro, NC affordable?

Yes, North Wilkesboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in North Wilkesboro?

North Wilkesboro has average high temperatures of 69.1°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 47.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

North Wilkesboro at a Glance

Population
4,348
Median Income
$39,288
Home Value
$231,400
Median Rent
$659/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
69.1°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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