Living in Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem is the 90th-largest city in the US, home to about 257,000 people in 2025. It has grown 3.1% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.0 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 257,271+3.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $233,8003.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,087/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $59,268median, per year
- Price level
- 92.0US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 49° / 88°lows 31° / 69°
- Average commute
- 22 min14% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.99%top rate, flat
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County: Forsyth County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 961 ft
Metro area: Winston-Salem, NC
Cost of living in Winston-Salem
The median home in Winston-Salem is worth $233,800 and the median household earns $59,268 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,087 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Winston-Salem, NC metro area at 92.0, with housing at 71.4 and goods at 96.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,000 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 Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem weather
Average highs run from 49°F in January to 88°F in July, and January nights average 31°F. It gets 43 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 3 inches of snow. Expect about 33 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 64 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to June and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Winston-Salem
People and work
The median resident is 35.9 years old, and 40% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 56% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 14% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 35.9235th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 40%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 56%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,924133.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.7%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 17.7%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1981median year
Who moves to Winston-Salem, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Miami (Miami-Dade County), Asheville (Buncombe County) and Fayetteville (Cumberland County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Wilmington (New Hanover County), Horry County, SC and Brunswick County, NC. 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 Moderate
FEMA rating for Forsyth County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: ice storm, tornado, inland flooding, winter weather.
Home prices
+3.3% in a year
Up 55% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Winston-Salem, NC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
42% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Guilford Technical Community College 18 miles
- Wake Forest University 7 miles
- Winston-Salem State University 3 miles
- High Point University 14 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Winston-Salem
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Triad International Airport GSO | 17 mi | 985,563 |
| Concord Regional Airport USA | 52 mi | 132,000 |
| Charlotte Douglas International Airport CLT | 70 mi | 28,523,822 |
| Raleigh-Durham International Airport RDU | 82 mi | 7,584,394 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Winston-Salem
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | 24 mi | 14,062 | $12,291 | 58% |
| Guilford Technical Community College | 18 mi | 9,260 | $17,020 | 33% |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | 3 mi | 7,113 | $2,937 | 45% |
| Wake Forest University | 7 mi | 5,485 | $28,165 | 90% |
| High Point University | 14 mi | 5,129 | $41,019 | 72% |
| Winston-Salem State University | 3 mi | 4,170 | $12,817 | 47% |
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 Winston-Salem
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 26, 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 October 30 and the first frost comes around November 9.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Winston Salem Rynlds Airport, NC, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Winston-Salem.
Wildfire smoke in Winston-Salem
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Winston-Salem on about 121 days a year, including about 16 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 Winston-Salem
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 103,058 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Winston-Salem
Downtown Winston-Salem 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forsyth County Schools | Pre-K to 12 | 52,430 | 81 | 14.2 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Davidson County Schools (17,985 students), Davie County Schools (6,116 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Winston-Salem's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Winston-Salem's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Louisville, KY84% matchCompare
- Norman, OK84% matchCompare
- Bowling Green, KY83% matchCompare
- Oklahoma City, OK83% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Winston-Salem
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Winston-Salem
- Appalachian Ski Mountain 80 miles
- Winterplace Ski Resort 117 miles
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort 127 miles
- Wintergreen Resort 149 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Winston-Salem
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 Everyday prices in the metro run 8% below the US average (BEA).
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Winston-Salem report card from locals
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Winston-Salem through locals' eyes
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Cities near Winston-Salem
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Point, NC | 14 mi | 120,571 | $235,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
| Greensboro, NC | 25 mi | 308,667 | $244,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
| Concord, NC | 49 mi | 114,598 | $353,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Charlotte, NC | 65 mi | 964,784 | $385,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Durham, NC | 76 mi | 305,561 | $392,800 | 97.6 | Compare |
| Gastonia, NC | 77 mi | 87,067 | $277,600 | 97.3 | 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 Winston-Salem with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Winston-Salem a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes. Compare Winston-Salem side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Winston-Salem?
The Census Bureau estimates Winston-Salem had 257,271 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 249,549 in April 2020 (+3.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Winston-Salem?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,000 in the Winston-Salem area. The median household here earns $59,268.
When is the best time to visit Winston-Salem?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 88°F and January 49°F for daytime highs.
What county is Winston-Salem in?
Winston-Salem is in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Winston-Salem in?
Winston-Salem is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Winston-Salem?
About 961 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 Winston-Salem. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Winston-Salem, NC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Winston Salem Rynlds Airport, NC station; snowfall from Lexington, NC. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.