Wilkesboro, located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains on the bank of the Yadkin River, offers laid-back living along with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as mountain biking, birding and canoeing. The city hosts several festivals, including MerleFest, which celebrates Americana music and is held on the Wilkes Community College campus. The community is home to locations for several well-known brands, including Tyson Foods and Lowe's, which contribute to the business climate along with textile and furniture companies. Long known for its moonshine-running heritage (credited for establishing stock-car racing's roots), the area has recently experienced a rebirth of (now legal) moonshine distilleries lending a historic twist to new business and tourism opportunities.
New Distilleries Celebrate Wilkes County's Moonshine Heritage
Things to Do
Once illegal 'white lightning' now part of growing legitimate business
Agriculture Industry Strong in Wilkes County
Business
The cattle and poultry industries spell success for western N.C.
Best Places to Eat in Wilkesboro, NC
Things to Do
Don't miss local favorites in the growth of new franchises
Discover the Outdoors in Wilkes County, NC
Things to Do
Multiple attractions and amenities grace the entire community
Wilkesboro, NC City Profile
Quick Facts
| Population | 3,548 |
| Median Age | 42 |
| Median Household Income | $33,450 |
| Median Home Price | $181,400 |
Wilkesboro, NC Real Estate
Wilkesboro, NC Health and Health Care
Wilkesboro, NC Business and Economy
Wilkesboro, NC Schools
Wilkesboro, NC Demographics
Population By Gender
| Male | 52.5% | |
| Female | 47.5% |
Median Population
| Median Age | 41.5% |
| Age 18 Over | 74.4% |
| Age 21 Over | 67.7% |
| Age 62 Over | 24.6% |
| Age 65 Over | 21.8% |
Race
| Ethnicity White | 77.9% | |
| Ethnicity Black | 14.1% | |
| Ethnicity Asian | 1.4% | |
| Ethnicity Hispanic | 2.7% | |
| Ethnicity Other | 1.8% |
The vistas in Wilkes County are breathtaking. It's an incredibly beautiful county from a geographic point of view.
Language
| English Only | 97.4% | |
| English Other | 2.6% |
Commute Types
| Walked | 0% | |
| Worked at Home | 2.2% | |
| Public Transportation | 0% | |
| Other Means | 0% | |
| Drove Alone | 89.2% | |
| Carpooled | 8.6% |