Stokes County Public RecordsNorth Carolina

Stokes County, NC has approximately 32,500 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 76% voted Republican and 23% voted Democrat. There are 18 polling locations operated by the Stokes County Board of Elections. Key issues include economic development and education. The county is administrated by a five-member Board of Commissioners, with Republicans comprising the majority of voters and officials. Third-party registration remains under 2%.

As of the 2020 Census, Stokes County, NC, had a population of 44,520. The median age was approximately 45 years. Females comprised 50.6% and males 49.4% of the population. Racially, 90.6% identified as White, 4.5% as Black or African American, 0.4% as Asian, and 2.1% as of two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 4.5% of the total population.

Stokes County, NC, hosts 18 public schools, including 2 high schools, with nearly 6,000 students enrolled. About 83% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 16% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average graduation rate is 85%, with average standardized test scores slightly below state averages. School safety initiatives include student resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational programs feature Advanced Placement courses, career-technical education, and adult GED classes, providing comprehensive learning opportunities for diverse learners.

Stokes County, NC has an employment rate of approximately 55%, with a labor force of about 20,400 as of 2022. Leading industries are healthcare and social assistance (18%), manufacturing (16%), and retail trade (12%). Top occupation types include production (13%), office/administrative support (11%), and sales (10%). The majority of employed residents (about 80%) commute to work by car, with a mean travel time of 30 minutes. Key employment locations include Winston-Salem and nearby Forsyth County, where over 40% of commuters work.

Stokes County, NC, has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with the median home value around $174,000 as of 2023. The median monthly rent is about $880. Detached single-family homes make up the majority of housing, with some mobile homes and limited multi-family units. Popular neighborhoods include King and Walnut Cove. Property values have risen roughly 6% year-over-year. Property tax rates average $0.60 per $100 assessed value, making it relatively affordable. Rental inventory is limited, reflecting high demand for owner-occupied homes in this mostly rural county.

Stokes County, NC, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was about 1.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime occurred at 10.6 per 1,000. The Stokes County Sheriff's Office actively encourages community reporting, contributing to a 92% crime clearance rate for violent offenses. Overall, the county’s crime rate is 36% lower than the North Carolina average, making it one of the safer regions in the state.