Wilkes County

Wilkes County, NC, has a population of approximately 65,969 as of the 2020 Census. The racial composition is 89.4% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, 1.6% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 7.8% of the population. The median household income is about $41,600, with 16.7% of the population living below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 757 square miles with a population density of around 87 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Wilkes County, NC has a median home value of approximately $180,000. The median rent is around $750 per month. The housing market has experienced a year-over-year growth rate of about 5%. The homeownership rate in the county is roughly 75%, and the vacancy rate is around 12%. The average household size is approximately 2.5 persons. Housing affordability remains a concern as the median household income is about $42,000.

As of the most recent data, Wilkes County, NC general elections included local offices such as the Board of Commissioners, Sheriff, School Board, as well as state and federal positions. In the 2020 elections:

• Presidential Election: Donald Trump received 82.6% (26,678 votes), Joe Biden got 16.5% (5,334 votes).
• U.S. Senate: Thom Tillis (Republican) garnered 79.8% (25,380 votes), while Cal Cunningham (Democrat) had 17.6% (5,597 votes).
• U.S. House (5th District): Virginia Foxx (Republican) received 82.2% (26,114 votes), Denise Adams (Democrat) received 17.8% (5,664 votes).

Local-level data changes each cycle, but high voter turnout is typical for contested races. The latest candidates and specific vote counts can be found on the Wilkes County Board of Elections website. Make sure to check current lists as they update frequently during election cycles.

Wilkes County, NC, showcases educational attainment levels below both state and national averages. Approximately 77.4% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88% and the North Carolina state average of about 86%. For higher education, around 13.7% of Wilkes County residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national rate of 33.1% and the state average of 31%. These figures illustrate the county’s educational challenges, with lower educational attainment potentially influencing local economic development and job qualifications. Efforts are ongoing to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes within the region.

As of the latest available data, Wilkes County, NC, had a labor force participation rate of approximately 54.6%, lower than the state average of around 60.3% and the national average of about 61.5%. The unemployment rate in Wilkes County stands at approximately 5.5%, which is higher than the national average of 4.6% and the state average of 4.5%.

Top industries in Wilkes County include manufacturing (24%), retail trade (13%), and healthcare and social assistance (13%). Comparatively, manufacturing constitutes only about 8.5% of employment nationally and 10.9% in North Carolina. Retail trade and healthcare align more closely with national and state averages, where these sectors remain significant employment contributors.

Overall, Wilkes County relies more heavily on manufacturing compared to broader national and state trends.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Wilkes County, NC, is approximately $41,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of North Carolina is around $54,000, while the national median is about $68,700.

Here is a breakdown:

Wilkes County's median income is notably lower than both the state and national averages, suggesting a significant economic disparity. This data underscores the economic challenges faced by residents in Wilkes County compared to broader state and national contexts.

As of the latest available data, Wilkes County, North Carolina reported varying crime rates across different categories. Below is a summary including numerical values per 100,000 residents, for a clearer perspective.

Wilkes County has a total violent crime rate of 300 per 100,000 residents, which includes offenses such as assault and robbery. Property crime rate stands out at 2,200 per 100,000 residents, incorporating larceny-theft as the most prevalent crime type at 1,500, followed by burglary at 500 and motor vehicle theft at 200 per 100,000. This data provides insight into the local public safety landscape.

These numbers are subject to periodic updates and should be cross-referenced with the latest reports for accuracy.