Wilmington, NC Census Data
The 8th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Wilmington is the 8th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 13th of 22 for median household income. With 118,578 residents, its poverty rate of 16.3% ranks among the higher rates in North Carolina. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
118,578
46.9% male · 53.1% female
Median Age
37.5
1.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$63,900
$14,638 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
45.8%
10.8% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 93.5%
Poverty Rate
16.3%
3.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 11.6%
Broadband Access
95.3%
5.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$350,300
Median rent: $1,311 · 47% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Labor force participation: 61.4%
Per Capita Income
$37,852
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.8%
Disability rate: 12.9%
How Wilmington Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 8th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 13th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 15th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 10th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 10th of 22 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Wilmington, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Wilmington, NC?
The population of Wilmington, NC is 118,578 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.5 years.
What is the median household income in Wilmington?
The median household income in Wilmington, NC is $63,900, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,852.
What is the poverty rate in Wilmington?
The poverty rate in Wilmington, NC is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 11.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Wilmington residents have a college degree?
45.8% of adults (25+) in Wilmington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 93.5% 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 Wilmington?
The median home value in Wilmington, NC is $350,300. Median rent is $1,311 per month, with 47% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Wilmington?
Wilmington's population is 72.9% White, 14.9% Black, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Wilmington rank among North Carolina cities?
Wilmington is the 8th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 13th highest for median household income, the 15th lowest for poverty rate, the 10th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilmington?
The unemployment rate in Wilmington, NC is 4.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.4%. Per capita income is $37,852.
Cities Similar to Wilmington
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.