Wilson
North Carolina

What stands out

What stands out about Wilson County: homeownership is in the bottom 7% of American counties (59%), unemployment is in the top 10% of American counties (5.1%), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 15% of American counties (85 of 100). Within North Carolina it ranks 8th of 100 counties for homeownership, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Wilson County, North Carolina. 78,667 people live here with you. The population grew 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +789).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $49,827 a year, lower than 79% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,643. Unemployment runs 5.1%, higher than 90% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,988 a year.

Home

The median home costs $223K, cheaper than 55% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $817 a month. Property tax is 0.92% of home value, roughly $1,413 a year on that median home, higher than 55% of American counties. 59% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 53% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 20 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.9 years, shorter than 71% of American counties. There are 104 active physicians in the county, about 13.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.0 of 5 stars. 12.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.00 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 57% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 68% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 62°F, highs near 73 and lows near 50, warmer than 72% of American counties. About 41 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 85 out of 100, riskier than 85% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 215 Mbps down, faster than 57% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.