North CarolinaPop. 252,037Big cities
Is Winston-Salem a Good Place to Live? Winston-Salem, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Winston-Salem ranks #1103 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #41 of 53 big cities and #19 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92, #8 of 53) and low rents ($1,087/mo, #11 of 53), and trails on low household income ($59,268, #46 of 53) and high poverty (17.7%, #41 of 53).
Winston-Salem by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Winston-Salem'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 Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem's cost of living index is 92, 8% below the US level of 100 and #322 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,087/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $263,057, 21% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Winston-Salem | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 92#322 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $263,057#275 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,507/mo#337 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $233,800#339 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,087/mo#309 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 22%#680 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Winston-Salem 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. Winston-Salem is in the Winston-Salem, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Winston-Salem safe?
Winston-Salem recorded 744 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times North Carolina's 330. That ranks #987 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #38 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Winston-Salem Police Department. Property crime runs 3,023 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Winston-Salem | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 744#987 of 1,085 | 330 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 3,023#956 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Winston-Salem?
The median household in Winston-Salem earns $59,268, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 17.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Winston-Salem | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $59,268#1062 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 17.7%#1025 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Winston-Salem?
The median resident of Winston-Salem is 35.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 39.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #476 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Winston-Salem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.9 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 39.5%#476 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 55.6% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Winston-Salem's schools and health?
Winston-Salem's 49 public schools graduate 85.7% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $13,721 spent per pupil. 42.7% of adults are obese and 13.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Winston-Salem | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 85.7%#695 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $13,721#741 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 42.7%#1234 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 13.1%#970 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.8%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 31,281 students are enrolled in Winston-Salem's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Winston-Salem?
The average commute in Winston-Salem is 21.5 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 1.1% of workers take transit and 14.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Winston-Salem scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.9°F and winters 41.8°F, with 43.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Winston-Salem | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 21.5 min#464 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 71.7% | 71.6% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 14.1% | 15.4% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 7.4#1184 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 48.8 | 30.7 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 52.8 | 33.2 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 60.8 | 40.1 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 70.6 | 48.3 | 3.7 |
| May | 77.9 | 57 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 84.9 | 65.4 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 88 | 69.2 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 86.1 | 67.9 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 80.1 | 61.2 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 70.6 | 49.3 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 60.1 | 39.1 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 51.7 | 33.6 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Winston Salem Reynolds Airport.
| Measure | Winston-Salem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 59.5°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 76.9°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 41.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 43.2 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Winston Salem Reynolds Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Winston-Salem?
Forsyth County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 64% 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 Forsyth County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Winston-Salem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#436 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Forsyth County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Forsyth County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0027% | 80% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0054% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.09% | 60% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0035% | 56% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.007% | 44% 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 Winston-Salem compare with similar-size cities?
Winston-Salem is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #41 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 252,037.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #1103 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 | 21.5 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #633 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 | 25.6 min |
| Irving, TXPop. 256,492 | #544 | 57.3 | $81,830 | $1,619/mo | 268 | 24.1 min |
| Glendale, AZPop. 252,833 | #872 | 52.1 | $73,530 | $1,528/mo | 438 | 27.7 min |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #430 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 | 25.8 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 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 Winston-Salem compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Winston-Salem ranks #19 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 20% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below 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 Winston-Salem's score calculated?
Winston-Salem scores 47.8 out of 100, #1103 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Winston-Salem. Similar-size median 53.8.
44.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Winston-Salem's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
37.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Winston-Salem. Similar-size median 54.8.
38.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Winston-Salem's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
56.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Winston-Salem's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
79.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Winston-Salem. Similar-size median 47.2.
33.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Winston-Salem. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Winston-Salem. Similar-size median 53.7.
52.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Winston-Salem's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
59.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Winston-Salem's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live?
Winston-Salem ranks #1103 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #41 of 53 big cities and #19 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92, #8 of 53) and low rents ($1,087/mo, #11 of 53), and trails on low household income ($59,268, #46 of 53) and high poverty (17.7%, #41 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem's cost of living index is 92, 8% below the US level of 100 and #322 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,087/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $263,057, 21% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem recorded 744 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times North Carolina's 330. That ranks #987 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #38 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Winston-Salem Police Department. Property crime runs 3,023 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Winston-Salem?
The median household in Winston-Salem earns $59,268, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 17.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,087/mo (Census), #309 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,507/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Winston-Salem?
The typical home value in Winston-Salem is $263,057, up 0.2% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $233,800.
How are the public schools in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem's 49 public schools graduate 85.7% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $13,721 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Winston-Salem?
The average commute is 21.5 minutes, #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem averages 59.5°F over the year, 76.9°F in summer and 41.8°F in winter, with 43.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Winston-Salem walkable?
Winston-Salem scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Winston-Salem at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Forsyth County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Winston-Salem?
Forsyth County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem has 252,037 residents. The median resident of Winston-Salem is 35.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 39.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #476 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Winston-Salem compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Winston-Salem ranks #19 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 20% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Winston-Salem?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Winston-Salem's population of 252,037 are Fort Wayne, IN (#596 overall), Toledo, OH (#1240 overall), St. Petersburg, FL (#633 overall), Irving, TX (#544 overall), and Glendale, AZ (#872 overall). Winston-Salem is #1103.