Living in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is the 230th-largest city in the US, home to about 127,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 9.8% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (96.4 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 126,809+9.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $383,8005.8 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,395/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $66,738median, per year
- Price level
- 96.4US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 57° / 90°lows 36° / 73°
- Average commute
- 19 min19% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.99%top rate, flat
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County: New Hanover County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 30 ft
Metro area: Wilmington, NC
Cost of living in Wilmington
The median home in Wilmington is worth $383,800 and the median household earns $66,738 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.8 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,395 a month, about 25% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Wilmington, NC metro area at 96.4, with housing at 93.2 and goods at 96.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $72,300 here. North Carolina taxes wages at a top rate of 3.99% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in North Carolina is 7.1%.
What would my salary be worth in Wilmington?
Wilmington weather
Average highs run from 57°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 36°F. It gets 60 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 45 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are March to April and November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Wilmington
People and work
The median resident is 37.1 years old, and 47% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 48% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 18 minutes; 19% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.1313th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 47%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 48%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,46951.4 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%2% walk, 0.9% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 16%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1989median year
Who moves to Wilmington, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Raleigh (Wake County), Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) and Greensboro (Guilford County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Raleigh (Wake County), Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) and Greensboro (Guilford County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for New Hanover County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: hurricane, lightning, tornado, coastal flooding.
Home prices
+3.7% in a year
Up 60% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Wilmington, NC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
77% good days
2 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Wilmington, NC area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Wilmington
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington
- Cape Fear Community College 4 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Wilmington
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington International Airport ILM | 4 mi | 737,065 |
| Albert J. Ellis Airport OAJ | 44 mi | 145,901 |
| Myrtle Beach International Airport MYR | 71 mi | 1,894,929 |
| Coastal Carolina Regional Airport EWN | 75 mi | 86,653 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Wilmington
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | in town | 14,922 | $19,570 | 72% |
| Cape Fear Community College | 4 mi | 9,764 | $6,156 | 41% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Wilmington
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 19, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 8 and the first frost comes around November 20.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Wilmington Intl. Airport, NC, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Wilmington.
Wildfire smoke in Wilmington
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Wilmington on about 126 days a year, including about 12 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Wilmington
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 56,612 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Wilmington
Downtown Wilmington is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hanover County Schools | Pre-K to 13 | 25,155 | 42 | 15.2 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Brunswick County Schools (13,561 students), Pender County Schools (11,073 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Wilmington's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Wilmington's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Hoover, AL83% matchCompare
- Atlanta, GA76% matchCompare
- South Fulton, GA74% matchCompare
- Auburn, AL74% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Wilmington
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in Wilmington
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Commutes are short: 18 minutes each way on average.
- Data The city is growing fast (+9.8% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Wilmington report card from locals
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Wilmington through locals' eyes
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Cities near Wilmington
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NC | 82 mi | 209,120 | $188,000 | 92.0 | Compare |
| Greenville, NC | 98 mi | 96,443 | $233,500 | 88.4 | Compare |
| Raleigh, NC | 117 mi | 506,306 | $415,800 | 98.2 | Compare |
| Apex, NC | 117 mi | 80,419 | $576,100 | 98.2 | Compare |
| Cary, NC | 120 mi | 183,582 | $580,200 | 98.2 | Compare |
| Durham, NC | 137 mi | 305,561 | $392,800 | 97.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Wilmington with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population, short commutes. Compare Wilmington side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Wilmington?
The Census Bureau estimates Wilmington had 126,809 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 115,494 in April 2020 (+9.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Wilmington?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $72,300 in the Wilmington area. The median household here earns $66,738.
When is the best time to visit Wilmington?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to April and November are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 57°F for daytime highs.
What county is Wilmington in?
Wilmington is in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Wilmington in?
Wilmington is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Wilmington?
About 30 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does North Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. North Carolina has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.99% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Wilmington. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Wilmington, NC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Wilmington Intl. Airport, NC station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.