What to know when moving to Wilmington, NC
Wilmington at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 59.5% of residents are renters and the median household income is $52,159.
- The Major Draw:
- Close to Cape Fear Community College and University of North Carolina Wilmington, providing local higher education options.
- The Reality Check:
- Approximately 22.1% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Commute:
- Only 0.9% use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,183.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Wilmington has a population of about 21,820, with a median household income of $52,159, reflecting a mix of income levels. Education is a focus here, with 33.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. However, nearly one in five residents lives below the poverty line, indicating economic diversity.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a low renter percentage or are concerned about the higher poverty rate of 22.1%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,183, which means you might need to budget carefully if you are renting.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $263,000, indicating a higher entry point for home buyers.
- With 59.5% of the population renting, it might be easier to find rental options compared to owner-occupied homes.
- The poverty rate is 22.1%, which can impact the overall economic landscape.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In North Carolina, crime rates have shown a downward trend recently, particularly in violent crime and property crime.
- Violent crime rate: 321 per 100,000, slightly lower than the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime rate: 1,780.6 per 100,000, higher than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 23.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Wilmington offers access to several postsecondary institutions in the area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 4
- With College Scorecard data: 4
- Notable institutions include Cape Fear Community College and University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Wilmington experiences about 32.8 inches of rain per year, spread over approximately 80 rainy days, so be prepared for wet weather. There are no snow days, making it relatively mild for winter activities.
- Long Leaf Park - 4.7 stars (3,432 reviews)
- Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park - 4.4 stars (3,030 reviews)
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park - 4.5 stars (2,017 reviews)
- Wilmington Railroad Museum - 4.7 stars (899 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.