Wilkes County's estimated 2026 population is 66,214 with a growth rate of -0.03% 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 -4.4% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
Overall: 45.7 years
Female: 46.7 years
Male: 43.9 years
There are 52,776 adults, (15,110 of whom are seniors) in Wilkes County.
Female: 33,269 (50.5%)
Male: 32,666 (49.5%)
The racial composition of Wilkes County includes 86.96% White, 3.64% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 57,339 | 86.96% |
| Two or more races | 4,062 | 6.16% |
| Black or African American | 2,403 | 3.64% |
| Other race | 1,607 | 2.44% |
| Asian | 396 | 0.6% |
| Native American | 128 | 0.19% |
Wilkes County's average per capita income is $36,977. Household income levels show a median of $51,721. The poverty rate stands at 16.73%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $74,873 | $86,472 |
| Families | $62,806 | $76,666 |
| Households | $51,721 | $66,361 |
| Non Families | $29,686 | $39,488 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate