Forsyth County Demographics
As of 2023, Forsyth County, NC, has an estimated population of approximately 390,000. The median age is about 39 years, with 51% female and 49% male residents. Racially, the population is 56% White, 27% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 4% identifying as multiracial or other. The county sits in the Piedmont Triad region, with Winston-Salem as its largest city.
Forsyth County Elections
Forsyth County, NC, has over 260,000 registered voters as of 2024, split roughly as 39% Democrat, 31% Republican, and 30% unaffiliated. The county administers primary, general, and special elections, with 108 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 56.7% voted for Biden, 41.8% for Trump. Key issues include education, economic growth, and public safety. Elections are managed by the Forsyth County Board of Elections, ensuring fair and accessible voting. Both major parties maintain active local chapters, with voter turnout often exceeding 68% in general elections.
Forsyth County Housing
Forsyth County, NC has a homeownership rate of around 60%, with median home values at approximately $240,000 as of early 2024. The average monthly rent is about $1,300. Property values have risen by roughly 7% in the last year. Housing types range from historic homes in neighborhoods like Ardmore and West End to new developments in Clemmons and suburban Winston-Salem. Property tax rates average $0.745 per $100 of assessed value. Popular neighborhoods offer diverse amenities and access to schools, parks, and downtown Winston-Salem.
Employment in Forsyth County
As of 2023, Forsyth County, NC, reports an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (19%), manufacturing (13%), and retail trade (11%). The most common occupations are in office and administrative support (13%), sales (9%), and production (9%). About 83% of residents commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Key employment hubs include Winston-Salem, which accounts for the majority of jobs in the county.
Education in Forsyth County
Forsyth County, NC hosts over 80 public schools, including 15 high schools, and is served primarily by Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. The high school graduation rate is around 86%, and approximately 33% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures are regularly updated, contributing to an above-average statewide safety ranking. The district offers specialized educational programs, including STEM and arts magnet schools. Average test scores are near the state mean, with recent SAT averages around 1070. Adult education is supported through Forsyth Tech, serving over 10,000 students in technical and continuing education annually.
Forsyth County Crime & Safety
Forsyth County, NC, reported a crime rate of approximately 3,200 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, with violent crime making up about 15%, including 28 homicides and over 400 aggravated assaults. Property crimes accounted for 85%, led by 2,500 thefts and 900 burglaries. The Sheriff's Office encourages public reporting, offering online and phone resources. Efforts in community policing and neighborhood watch programs have contributed to a 7% decrease in overall crime compared to 2022, improving safety perceptions countywide.
Popular names in Forsyth County
- Michael Smith
- James Smith
- John Smith
- David Smith
- Robert Smith
- Christopher Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Michael Johnson
- James Williams
- Michael Jones
- David Brown
- James Brown
- Jose Hernandez
- James Johnson
- Michael Brown
- Christopher Brown
- Daniel Smith
- Christopher Williams
- Jessica Smith
- Christopher Jones
- Elizabeth Smith
- Jeffrey Smith
- Robert Jones
- James Moore
- Michael Moore
- Patricia Smith
- John Williams
- Robert Williams
- Elizabeth Johnson
- David Johnson
Table of Contents
Other Counties in North Carolina
- Alexander
- Ashe
- Brunswick
- Buncombe
- Burke
- Camden
- Carteret
- Cherokee
- Chowan
- Clay
- Cleveland
- Craven
- Cumberland
- Dare
- Davidson
- Duplin
- Durham
- Edgecombe
- Gaston
- Gates
- Greene
- Halifax
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Hyde
- Jackson
- Johnston
- Macon
- Mecklenburg
- Mitchell
- Montgomery
- New Hanover
- Northampton
- Pamlico
- Perquimans
- Pitt
- Richmond
- Rockingham
- Rutherford
- Sampson
- Scotland
- Stanly
- Stokes
- Union
- Vance
- Warren
- Watauga
- Wilkes
- Wilson
- Yancey