Winston-Salem, NC Census Data
The 5th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Winston-Salem is the 5th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 17th of 22 for median household income. With 250,887 residents, its poverty rate of 17.9% 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
250,887
46.6% male · 53.4% female
Median Age
35.6
3.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$57,673
$20,865 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
37.2%
2.2% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.4%
Poverty Rate
17.9%
5.5% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 11.9%
Broadband Access
94.7%
5.0% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$208,200
Median rent: $1,033 · 55% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Labor force participation: 57.9%
Per Capita Income
$36,198
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.5%
Disability rate: 12.6%
How Winston-Salem Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 5th of 22 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 17th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 16th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 15th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 18th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Winston-Salem, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Winston-Salem, NC?
The population of Winston-Salem, NC is 250,887 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.6 years.
What is the median household income in Winston-Salem?
The median household income in Winston-Salem, NC is $57,673, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,198.
What is the poverty rate in Winston-Salem?
The poverty rate in Winston-Salem, NC is 17.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 11.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Winston-Salem residents have a college degree?
37.2% of adults (25+) in Winston-Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.4% 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 Winston-Salem?
The median home value in Winston-Salem, NC is $208,200. Median rent is $1,033 per month, with 55% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem's population is 48.7% White, 32.4% Black, 17.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Winston-Salem rank among North Carolina cities?
Winston-Salem is the 5th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 17th highest for median household income, the 16th lowest for poverty rate, the 15th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Winston-Salem?
The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem, NC is 5.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.9%. Per capita income is $36,198.
Cities Similar to Winston-Salem
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.