RANK #380 / 996 · POP 78,667 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.2%
Wilson County, North Carolina, is known for the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, an outdoor art installation featuring large, kinetic sculptures made from salvaged metal that spin in the wind. Located in the Coastal Plain region, the county seat, Wilson, is approximately 40 miles east of Raleigh, a commute that typically takes under an hour. The community offers a blend of small-town Southern living with access to larger city amenities. Outdoor recreation includes numerous parks, walking trails, and opportunities for boating and fishing at places like Buckhorn Reservoir and Lake Wilson.
Life in Wilson County often appeals to families seeking a more relaxed pace. The public schools in Wilson County are highly rated, and the county offers a world-class broadband system. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture and once known for its tobacco market, has diversified to include manufacturing, commercial, and service businesses. Recent economic developments include significant investments from healthcare companies like Johnson & Johnson, which is building multiple manufacturing facilities and creating hundreds of new jobs. Other companies, such as IDEXX and Schott Pharma, are also establishing a presence, contributing to job growth.
Below national median
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — 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.
Wilson County has a Boom Town Index score of 62/100, ranking #380 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.8% and a median household income of $49,827, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Wilson County is $153,800 with median rent at $853/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.324, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.8%. Home values changed +0.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.93% of Wilson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.