Wake Forest, NC Census Data
Key demographic and economic indicators for Wake Forest, North Carolina from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-03-23 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
51,199
48.5% male · 51.5% female
Median Age
38.8
0.1 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$120,777
42,239.0 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
57.8%
22.8 above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.8%
Poverty Rate
2.9%
9.5 below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.7%
Broadband Access
97.9%
8.2 above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$435,000
Median rent: $1,458 · 75% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Labor force participation: 65.3%
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Wake Forest, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Wake Forest, NC?
The population of Wake Forest, NC is 51,199 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 38.8 years.
What is the median household income in Wake Forest?
The median household income in Wake Forest, NC is $120,777, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $57,765.
What is the poverty rate in Wake Forest?
The poverty rate in Wake Forest, NC is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Wake Forest residents have a college degree?
57.8% of adults (25+) in Wake Forest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.8% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Wake Forest?
The median home value in Wake Forest, NC is $435,000. Median rent is $1,458 per month, with 75% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Wake Forest?
Wake Forest's population is 67.3% White, 19.8% Black, 7.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).