RANK #365 / 996 · POP 66,125 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.3%
Wilkes County, North Carolina, is recognized as a birthplace of NASCAR, stemming from its history as the "Moonshine Capital of the World" where bootleggers outran law enforcement in modified cars. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the county seat, Wilkesboro, is approximately a three-hour drive from Raleigh. The community offers a rural feel with access to extensive outdoor recreation, including Stone Mountain State Park, the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir for boating and fishing, and numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking, such as the Yadkin River Greenway.
Life in Wilkes County is characterized by a strong sense of community and a focus on outdoor activities. The Wilkes County Schools system serves nearly all of the county, operating 22 schools. While historically facing economic challenges, recent developments indicate a shift, with initiatives like the Golden LEAF SITE Program supporting industrial site development and an information technology outsourcing firm, Provalus, investing in North Wilkesboro to create new jobs. Wilkes Community College also plays a role in local success, doubling its graduation rate and establishing programs to address student needs.
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Wilkes County has a Boom Town Index score of 63/100, ranking #365 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.5% and a median household income of $49,119, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Wilkes County is $146,200 with median rent at $712/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.336, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.5%. Home values changed +2.5% in the past 12 months.