2023 Wake County, North Carolina Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Wake County, North Carolina, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Wake County, North Carolina Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Wake County, North Carolina Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Wake County, North Carolina
The following statistics highlight Wake County, North Carolina population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 1,151,009
- Median Age (Total)
- 37.2 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 36.3 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 38.1 years
Wake County, North Carolina Age Distribution Comparison with North Carolina 2023
Compare Wake County, North Carolina age demographics with North Carolina to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 37.2 yrs | 39.4 yrs | -2.2 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.83% | 5.48% | +0.3pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 17.56% | 15.79% | +1.8pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 8.73% | 9.51% | -0.8pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 29.15% | 25.44% | +3.7pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 12.52% | 17.93% | -5.4pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 56.03 | 64.48 | -8.5 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 56.03
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 36.50 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 19.53 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Wake County, North Carolina Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Wake County, North Carolina
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Wake County, North Carolina are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 61.79
- Diversity Tier
- high
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina racial and ethnic demographics with North Carolina to understand regional diversity patterns.
Wake County, North Carolina Diversity
61.79
highNorth Carolina Diversity
59.64
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 57.04% | 58.97% | -1.9pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 18.92% | 19.48% | -0.6pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 11.39% | 11.99% | -0.6pp |
| Asian Alone | 8.08% | 3.58% | +4.5pp |
| Two or More Races | 3.78% | 4.63% | -0.9pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.58% | 0.48% | +0.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.18% | 0.80% | -0.6pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.03% | 0.07% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 61.79 | 59.64 | +2.15 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Wake County, North Carolina Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Wake County, North Carolina, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $101,763 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 445,636
Income Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina household income with North Carolina to understand regional economic patterns.
Wake County, North Carolina
$101,763
North Carolina
$73,958
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 7.27% | 11.78% | -4.5pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 7.35% | 10.60% | -3.2pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 8.72% | 11.06% | -2.3pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 13.99% | 17.08% | -3.1pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 30.89% | 29.95% | +0.9pp |
| $150,000 or more | 31.78% | 19.52% | +12.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to North Carolina.
Wake County, North Carolina Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Wake County, North Carolina, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $422,800
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 287,109 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina property values with North Carolina to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Wake County, North Carolina
$422,800
North Carolina
$333,000
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.68% | 3.40% | -1.7pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 0.76% | 1.92% | -1.2pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 0.92% | 5.33% | -4.4pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 5.99% | 13.91% | -7.9pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 54.33% | 50.60% | +3.7pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 35.02% | 23.02% | +12.0pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 1.30% | 1.81% | -0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to North Carolina.
Wake County, North Carolina Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Wake County, North Carolina, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 93.95%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 56.28%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 781,308
Education Level Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina educational attainment with North Carolina to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Wake County, North Carolina
56.28%
Bachelor's+ in North Carolina
37.14%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 6.05% | 9.15% | -3.1pp |
| HS Graduate | 14.53% | 24.73% | -10.2pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 23.15% | 28.98% | -5.8pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 33.79% | 22.61% | +11.2pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 22.49% | 14.53% | +8.0pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 93.95% | 90.85% | +3.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to North Carolina.
Wake County, North Carolina Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Wake County, North Carolina, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 8.2%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 93,307
- Total Civilian Population
- 1,142,917
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina health insurance coverage with North Carolina to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Wake County, North Carolina
8.2%
Uninsured in North Carolina
8.6%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 4.6% | 5.2% | 5.5% | 5.5% |
| 18-34 years | 14.2% | 8.9% | 17.6% | 12.0% |
| 35-64 years | 11.7% | 9.3% | 12.0% | 9.4% |
| 65+ years | 0.9% | 1.4% | 0.6% | 0.8% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Wake County, North Carolina Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Wake County, North Carolina, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 92.2% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 77,971 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 89,378
Citizenship Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina citizenship and nativity with North Carolina to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Wake County, North Carolina
92.2%
Citizenship in North Carolina
94.3%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 83.9% | 88.7% | -4.8pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.0pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.2% | 1.0% | +0.2pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 6.8% | 4.2% | +2.6pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 7.8% | 5.7% | +2.1pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 92.2% | 94.3% | -2.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to North Carolina.
Wake County, North Carolina Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Wake County, North Carolina, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 70.4%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.7%
- Work From Home Rate
- 26.0%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 602,482
Transportation Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina commuting patterns with North Carolina to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Wake County, North Carolina
70.4%
Drove in North Carolina
80.7%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 70.4% | 80.7% | -10.3pp |
| Public transportation | 0.7% | 0.8% | -0.1pp |
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.0pp |
| Walked | 1.3% | 1.6% | -0.3pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.4% | 1.3% | +0.1pp |
| Worked from home | 26.0% | 15.4% | +10.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to North Carolina.
Wake County, North Carolina Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Wake County, North Carolina by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 611,492
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina employment patterns with North Carolina to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Wake County, North Carolina
5.2% (M) / 7.6% (F)
Government Employment in North Carolina
5.5% (M) / 8.2% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 41.9% F: 32.7% | M: 39.8% F: 32.9% | M: +2.1pp F: -0.2pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 2.9% F: 4.9% | M: 2.7% F: 5.2% | M: +0.2pp F: -0.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.2% F: 7.6% | M: 5.5% F: 8.2% | M: -0.3pp F: -0.6pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 2.5% F: 2.2% | M: 3.1% F: 2.5% | M: -0.6pp F: -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to North Carolina.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Wake County, North Carolina Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Wake County, North Carolina, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 50,228
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
11,957 veterans (23.8%)
Veteran Population Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina veteran demographics with North Carolina to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Wake County, North Carolina
50,228
Total Veterans in North Carolina
618,846
- Wake County, North Carolina: Vietnam Era Only (23.8%)
- North Carolina: Vietnam Era Only (29.5%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 23.8% (11,957) | 29.5% (182,413) | -5.7pp |
| Gulf War Only | 19.7% (9,920) | 15.3% (94,585) | +4.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 18.6% (9,339) | 17.8% (110,426) | +0.8pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 15.0% (7,549) | 15.5% (95,781) | -0.5pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 9.8% (4,937) | 8.9% (55,122) | +0.9pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 5.1% (2,540) | 5.2% (32,315) | -0.1pp |
| Korean War Only | 4.4% (2,213) | 3.6% (22,136) | +0.8pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.6% (802) | 2.1% (12,870) | -0.5pp |
| WWII Only | 0.8% (406) | 0.9% (5,471) | -0.1pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.4% (225) | 0.4% (2,644) | 0.0pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.4% (200) | 0.6% (3,520) | -0.2pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.2% (90) | 0.1% (921) | +0.1pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.1% (50) | 0.1% (421) | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Wake County, North Carolina Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following data categorizes families in Wake County, North Carolina by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 4.9% (14,125 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 20.3% (58,795 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 74.9% (217,313 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina poverty levels with North Carolina to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Wake County, North Carolina
4.9%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in North Carolina
8.8%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 4.9% (14,125) | 8.8% (253,909) | -3.9pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 20.3% (58,795) | 29.8% (858,101) | -9.5pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 74.9% (217,313) | 61.4% (1,766,463) | +13.5pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.1% | 4.1% | -2.0pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.3% | 2.0% | -0.7pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.4% | 2.6% | -1.2pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2.4% | 3.0% | -0.6pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.1% | 3.6% | -1.5pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.5% | 3.6% | -1.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to North Carolina.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Wake County, North Carolina SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Wake County, North Carolina
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Wake County, North Carolina, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 27,193 (6.10% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 14,684 (54.00% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 445,636
SNAP Participation Comparison with North Carolina
Compare Wake County, North Carolina SNAP participation with North Carolina to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Wake County, North Carolina
6.10%
27,193 householdsSNAP Participation in North Carolina
12.02%
540,299 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Wake County, North Carolina | North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 16.55% (4,500) | 5.91% (1,607) | 14.84% (80,170) | 7.26% (39,238) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 4.06% (1,105) | 1.95% (529) | 5.66% (30,601) | 2.40% (12,985) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 32.54% (8,848) | 8.70% (2,365) | 25.20% (136,157) | 9.71% (52,484) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.85% (231) | 29.45% (8,008) | 0.60% (3,268) | 34.31% (185,396) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 27,193 (6.10% of households) | 540,299 (12.02% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.