Wilkes County's estimated 2026 population is 66,524 with a growth rate of 0.25% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. Wilkes County is the 43rd largest county in North Carolina. The 2010 population was 69,265 and has seen a growth of -3.96% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of Wilkes County includes 87.24% White, 3.73% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
White (87.24%)
Two or more races (5.35%)
Black or African American (3.73%)
Other race (2.75%)
Asian (0.58%)
Native American (0.23%)
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (0.12%)
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 57,561 | 87.24% |
| Two or more races | 3,533 | 5.35% |
| Black or African American | 2,461 | 3.73% |
| Other race | 1,814 | 2.75% |
| Asian | 385 | 0.58% |
| Native American | 150 | 0.23% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 79 | 0.12% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Wilkes County's average per capita income is $36,540. Household income levels show a median of $50,438. The poverty rate stands at 16.43%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $76,627 | $85,994 |
| Families | $62,018 | $75,759 |
| Households | $50,438 | $66,225 |
| Non Families | $31,421 | $41,891 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate