Cost of Living in Wilkesboro, NC
Population 3,664 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Wilkesboro run well below national norms — a median of $41,175 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $198,000).
Wilkesboro is about 50 miles west of Winston-Salem, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Winston-Salem's $208,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wilkesboro
The median home value in Wilkesboro is $197,600 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $713/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,175/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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, Wilkesboro has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.
Wilkesboro has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49 | 53 | 61 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 52 |
| Low °F | 30 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 56 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 33 |
| Precip" | 3.81 | 3.21 | 4.08 | 4.08 | 3.86 | 4.35 | 4.29 | 4.58 | 3.93 | 3.49 | 3.62 | 3.85 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wilkesboro, NC?
Wilkesboro has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Wilkesboro, NC?
The median gross rent in Wilkesboro is $713 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wilkesboro?
The median home value in Wilkesboro is $197,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wilkesboro?
The median household income in Wilkesboro is $41,175 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wilkesboro, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wilkesboro is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Wilkesboro, NC affordable?
Yes, Wilkesboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Wilkesboro?
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.
Wilkesboro at a Glance
- Population
- 3,664
- Median Income
- $41,175
- Home Value
- $197,600
- Median Rent
- $713/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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