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Is Wake Forest a Good Place to Live? Wake Forest, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wake Forest ranks #77 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #34 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.5%, #26 of 524) and fast population growth (+2.7%, #31 of 468), and trails on long commutes (30.9 min, #438 of 524).
Wake Forest by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wake Forest's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Wake Forest?
Wake Forest's cost of living index is 98.2, 2% below the US level of 100 and #593 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,596/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $507,240, 52% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Wake Forest | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.2#593 of 1,308 | 94 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $507,240#822 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,823/mo#590 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $474,500#938 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,596/mo#785 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 15.5%#74 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Wake Forest housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Wake Forest is in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Wake Forest safe?
Wake Forest recorded 85 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 77% below the US rate of 373 and 78% below North Carolina's 380. That ranks #94 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #36 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wake Forest Police Department. Property crime runs 1,021 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Wake Forest | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 85#94 of 1,083 | 380 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,021#225 of 1,083 | 2,285 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Wake Forest?
The median household in Wake Forest earns $123,802, 61% above the US figure of $76,827 and 85% above North Carolina ($66,880). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.2%). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Wake Forest | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $123,802#134 of 1,312 | $66,880 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 4.5%#77 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +2.7%#60 of 1,132 | +1.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Wake Forest?
The median resident of Wake Forest is 38.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 59.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #136 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wake Forest | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 59.5%#136 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 74% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Wake Forest's schools and health?
Wake Forest's 15 public schools graduate 91.1% of students in four years (North Carolina 87%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $10,753 spent per pupil. 29.5% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Wake Forest | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91.1%#289 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.8#712 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $10,753#1089 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29.5%#367 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.8%#241 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.9%#243 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 15,047 students are enrolled in Wake Forest's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wake Forest?
The average commute in Wake Forest is 30.9 minutes (North Carolina 21.9); 0% of workers take transit and 28.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wake Forest scores 10.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #684 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.7°F and winters 40.6°F, with 47.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wake Forest | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.9 min#1160 of 1,312 | 21.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.5%#1025 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 64.5% | 75.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 28.7% | 12.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.1#684 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48.9 | 28.3 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 52.7 | 30.3 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 61.5 | 35.9 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 71 | 45.1 | 3.7 |
| May | 76.7 | 54.7 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 83.9 | 63.5 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 87.2 | 68.1 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 84.5 | 66.9 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 78.9 | 60.6 | 5.3 |
| Oct | 68.2 | 47.5 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 59.2 | 36.8 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 51.9 | 31.5 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Falls Lake.
| Measure | Wake Forest | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 58.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 40.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Falls Lake.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wake Forest?
Wake County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wake County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Wake Forest | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#406 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Wake County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Wake County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0052% | 71% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0045% | 65% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0041% | 34% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Wake Forest compare with similar-size cities?
Wake Forest is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #34 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 52,844.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #77 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 | 30.9 min |
| Minnetonka, MNPop. 53,064 | #32 | 71.8 | $119,517 | $1,779/mo | 101 | 19.3 min |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #894 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 | 22.6 min |
| Wheaton, MDPop. 52,926 | #258 | 63.0 | $111,478 | $2,163/mo | no data | 31.6 min |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #461 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 | 30.9 min |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #773 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 | 16.9 min |
| Placentia, CAPop. 52,826 | #384 | 60.3 | $115,929 | $2,388/mo | 245 | 26.6 min |
| Kendale Lakes, FLPop. 52,622 | #1137 | 47.1 | $71,621 | $1,968/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Catalina Foothills, AZPop. 52,593 | #263 | 62.9 | $115,304 | $1,412/mo | no data | 22 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Wake Forest compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Wake Forest ranks #3 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 69.2 against North Carolina's statewide 53.7. Its households earn 85% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 78% below the statewide rate. Homes are 52% above the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $66,880, violent crime 380 per 100,000.
How is Wake Forest's score calculated?
Wake Forest scores 69.2 out of 100, #77 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Wake Forest. Similar-size median 55.5.
78.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wake Forest's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
94.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wake Forest. Similar-size median 58.9.
69.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wake Forest's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wake Forest's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
59.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wake Forest. Similar-size median 56.1.
85.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wake Forest. Similar-size median 42.4.
70.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wake Forest. Similar-size median 50.0.
53.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wake Forest's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
47.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wake Forest's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Wake Forest has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Wake Forest
Is Wake Forest, NC a good place to live?
Wake Forest ranks #77 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #34 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.5%, #26 of 524) and fast population growth (+2.7%, #31 of 468), and trails on long commutes (30.9 min, #438 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Wake Forest?
Wake Forest's cost of living index is 98.2, 2% below the US level of 100 and #593 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,596/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $507,240, 52% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Wake Forest?
Wake Forest recorded 85 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 77% below the US rate of 373 and 78% below North Carolina's 380. That ranks #94 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #36 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wake Forest Police Department. Property crime runs 1,021 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Wake Forest?
The median household in Wake Forest earns $123,802, 61% above the US figure of $76,827 and 85% above North Carolina ($66,880). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.2%). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Wake Forest?
Median rent in Wake Forest is $1,596/mo (Census), #785 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,823/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wake Forest?
Zillow's typical home value in Wake Forest is $507,240, down 1% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $474,500.
How are the public schools in Wake Forest?
Wake Forest's 15 public schools graduate 91.1% of students in four years (North Carolina 87%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $10,753 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wake Forest?
The average commute is 30.9 minutes, #1160 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 21.9 minutes across North Carolina. 9.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wake Forest?
Wake Forest averages 58.1°F over the year, 75.7°F in summer and 40.6°F in winter, with 47.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wake Forest walkable?
Wake Forest scores 10.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #684 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Wake Forest at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wake County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Wake Forest?
Wake County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Wake Forest?
Wake Forest has 52,844 residents. The median resident of Wake Forest is 38.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 59.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #136 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wake Forest compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Wake Forest ranks #3 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 69.2 against North Carolina's statewide 53.7. Its households earn 85% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 78% below the statewide rate. Homes are 52% above the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Wake Forest?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wake Forest's population of 52,844 are Minnetonka, MN (#32 overall), Elyria, OH (#894 overall), Wheaton, MD (#258 overall), Burleson, TX (#461 overall), and Grand Island, NE (#773 overall). Wake Forest is #77.