Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 65,983 ↑ 0.0% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $50,438 32% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $161,400 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.9% |
| Median Age | 45.3 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 15.0% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 198 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 99 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $10,112 |
| Recent Sales | 169 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 96 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 28.30 acres |
| Active Listings | 162 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 20.99 | $510,000 | $24,295 | Laurel Springs |
| Mar 2026 | 20.99 | $510,000 | $24,297 | Laurel Springs |
| Mar 2026 | 3.45 | $54,000 | $15,652 | Traphill |
| Mar 2026 | 11.52 | $130,000 | $11,285 | Thurmond |
| Mar 2026 | 33.51 | $113,934 | $3,400 | North Wilkesboro |
| Feb 2026 | 5.27 | $55,000 | $10,436 | Traphill |
| Feb 2026 | 1.59 | $50,000 | $31,447 | Wilkesboro |
| Feb 2026 | 4.77 | $20,000 | $4,193 | Millers Creek |
| Feb 2026 | 59.23 | $260,000 | $4,390 | North Wilkesboro |
| Feb 2026 | 23.60 | $98,000 | $4,153 | Purlear |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Dec 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $16,500 |
| Recent Sales | 31 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 114 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.70 acres |
| Active Listings | 36 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.52 | $13,100 | Moravian Falls |
| Feb 2026 | 0.49 | $4,000 | North Wilkesboro |
| Feb 2026 | 0.36 | $5,000 | North Wilkesboro |
| Jan 2026 | 0.56 | $17,500 | Wilkesboro |
| Jan 2026 | 0.69 | $10,000 | Wilkesboro |
| Jan 2026 | 0.63 | $28,000 | Wilkesboro |
| Jan 2026 | 0.63 | $28,000 | Wilkesboro |
| Dec 2025 | 0.80 | $12,000 | North Wilkesboro |
| Dec 2025 | 0.43 | $10,500 | Hays |
| Dec 2025 | 0.70 | $8,000 | North Wilkesboro |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 65,983 |
| Population (2020) | 65,969 |
| Population Growth | 0.02% |
| Median Household Income | $50,438 |
| Median Home Value | $161,400 |
| Total Housing Units | 31,744 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 4,769 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 15.0% |
| Median Age | 45.3 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 5,515 (8.4%) |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.9% |
Market Overview
Wilkes County, North Carolina has a population of 65,983, which has grown 0.02% since 2020. The median household income is $50,438, below the national median of $74,580 by 32.4%. The housing vacancy rate of 15.0% suggests soft market conditions. As part of North Carolina, Wilkes County benefits from the state's growing interest in vacant land investment. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $10,112 per acre, with properties averaging 28.30 acres. There are currently 198 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Wilkes County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Wilkes County has a population of 65,983. The county has grown 0.02% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Wilkes County?
The median household income in Wilkes County is $50,438, which is 32.4% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Wilkes County growing or shrinking?
Wilkes County is growing. The population has increased 0.02% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Wilkes County?
The median home value in Wilkes County is $161,400. The housing vacancy rate is 15.0%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, reflecting the local economic conditions. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $10,112 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $16,500.
Does Reelvest buy land in Wilkes County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Wilkes County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.