North CarolinaPop. 120,805Mid-size cities
Is Wilmington a Good Place to Live? Wilmington, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wilmington ranks #656 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #110 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.5 min, #23 of 256) and fast population growth (+1.1%, #37 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Wilmington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wilmington'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 Wilmington?
Wilmington's cost of living index is 96.4, 4% below the US level of 100 and #511 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,395/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $419,038, 25% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Wilmington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 96.4#511 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $419,038#666 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,706/mo#514 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $383,800#751 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,395/mo#634 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.1%#1012 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Wilmington 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. Wilmington is in the Wilmington, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Wilmington safe?
Wilmington recorded 406 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% above the US rate of 328 and 23% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #727 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #142 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wilmington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,915 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Wilmington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 406#727 of 1,085 | 330 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,915#941 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Wilmington?
The median household in Wilmington earns $66,738, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Wilmington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $66,738#888 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 16%#922 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.1%#213 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Wilmington?
The median resident of Wilmington is 37.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 46.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wilmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 46.8%#325 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 47.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Wilmington's schools and health?
Wilmington's 26 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $13,850 spent per pupil. 31.9% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Wilmington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.4#362 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,850#725 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 31.9%#535 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,293 students are enrolled in Wilmington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wilmington?
The average commute in Wilmington is 18.5 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 19.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wilmington scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.9°F and winters 48.6°F, with 60.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wilmington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.5 min#222 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 69.6% | 71.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 19.2% | 15.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.7#374 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 57.2 | 36.3 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 60.3 | 38.4 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 66.5 | 44.1 | 4 |
| Apr | 74.6 | 52.6 | 3.1 |
| May | 81.1 | 61.1 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 87 | 69.3 | 5.7 |
| Jul | 90 | 73 | 6.9 |
| Aug | 88.3 | 71.7 | 8.2 |
| Sep | 83.9 | 66.7 | 8.7 |
| Oct | 76.1 | 55.6 | 4.7 |
| Nov | 67.4 | 44.8 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 60.3 | 39.1 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wilmington International Airport.
| Measure | Wilmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 64.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 79.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 60.1 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wilmington International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wilmington?
New Hanover County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts New Hanover County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.45% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Wilmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.45%#1254 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for New Hanover County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, New Hanover County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.3% | 98% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.011% | 84% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.002% | 74% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 58% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0029% | 51% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.076% | 44% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0054% | 38% 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 Wilmington compare with similar-size cities?
Wilmington is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #110 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 120,805.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #194 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #939 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 | 30.7 min |
| Spring Hill, FLPop. 119,983 | #1182 | 45.6 | $68,432 | $1,440/mo | no data | 29.8 min |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #978 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 | 24.5 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 Wilmington compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Wilmington ranks #12 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 10% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 23% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% 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 $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is Wilmington's score calculated?
Wilmington scores 55.7 out of 100, #656 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Wilmington. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wilmington's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
60.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wilmington. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wilmington's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wilmington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
66.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wilmington. Similar-size median 51.2.
39.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wilmington. Similar-size median 42.1.
53.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wilmington. Similar-size median 50.1.
60.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wilmington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
31.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wilmington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live?
Wilmington ranks #656 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #110 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.5 min, #23 of 256) and fast population growth (+1.1%, #37 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington?
Wilmington's cost of living index is 96.4, 4% below the US level of 100 and #511 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,395/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $419,038, 25% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Wilmington?
Wilmington recorded 406 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% above the US rate of 328 and 23% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #727 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #142 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wilmington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,915 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Wilmington?
The median household in Wilmington earns $66,738, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Wilmington?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,395/mo (Census), #634 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,706/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wilmington?
The typical home value in Wilmington is $419,038, down 0.1% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $383,800.
How are the public schools in Wilmington?
Wilmington's 26 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $13,850 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wilmington?
The average commute is 18.5 minutes, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wilmington?
Wilmington averages 64.4°F over the year, 79.9°F in summer and 48.6°F in winter, with 60.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wilmington walkable?
Wilmington scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 Wilmington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts New Hanover County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.45% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Wilmington?
New Hanover County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Wilmington?
Wilmington has 120,805 residents. The median resident of Wilmington is 37.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 46.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wilmington compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Wilmington ranks #12 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 10% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 23% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% above the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Wilmington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wilmington's population of 120,805 are Ann Arbor, MI (#194 overall), Independence, MO (#953 overall), Lafayette, LA (#1195 overall), Hartford, CT (#1090 overall), and The Woodlands, TX (#233 overall). Wilmington is #656.