Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, North Carolina Overview

Winston-Salem faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (44.3/100) and ranking #17 of 20 cities in North Carolina. Even so, the city scores 80/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 14/100.

Income & Employment in Winston-Salem

The median household income in Winston-Salem is $59,189, 11% below the statewide median of $66,880. The local unemployment rate of 4% is higher than the state’s 3.5%. Population grew 1% recently.

Safety in Winston-Salem

With a violent crime rate of 890.4 per 100,000, Winston-Salem exceeds the North Carolina average of 380. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3048.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 91.4 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $208,200. Median monthly rent is $1,033. Renters spend 20.9% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Winston-Salem

The adult obesity rate in Winston-Salem is 42.7%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.1%. Residents report an average of 17.4 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. North Carolina ranks #32 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem has a high school graduation rate of 86.3%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.5:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,113. The city has 27 public schools serving 16,593 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 55.6°F. Summers average 76.9°F. Winters average 38.6°F. Annual precipitation is 46.6 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions