Wake Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of 2022, Wake County, NC has an estimated population of 1,175,021. The median age is approximately 37 years. The gender distribution is about 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the population is 59% White (non-Hispanic), 21% Black or African American, 9% Asian, and 10% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and multiracial individuals make up the remaining 1%. Wake County is among the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, reflecting significant diversity and demographic shifts in recent years.

Wake County, NC, had approximately 805,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections held include primaries, general, and municipal races. In the 2020 presidential election, 62.6% voted Democratic, 35.6% Republican. Over 200 polling locations operate countywide. Key issues include affordable housing, education funding, and transportation. Administration is managed by the Wake County Board of Elections. Democrats and Republicans are the main parties, with unaffiliated voters comprising nearly 35% of registrants. Early voting participation in 2022 reached 52%.

Wake County, NC, features a median home value of approximately $410,000 (2024) and a median monthly rent near $1,600. Homeownership rates hover around 65%. Popular neighborhoods include Cary, Apex, and North Raleigh, offering single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year, reflecting strong demand. The average property tax rate is roughly 0.86%, with annual taxes on median-priced homes around $3,500. Wake County’s vibrant communities and diverse housing types attract residents seeking both urban amenities and suburban comfort.

Wake County, NC, boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.9% (2023). Major employment sectors include Education & Health Services (18%), Professional & Business Services (20%), and Government (15%). Top occupations are management (13%), sales (11%), and office/admin support (13%). About 83% of workers commute by car, with an average one-way commute of 26 minutes; 14% work from home. Employment is concentrated in Raleigh, Cary, and Research Triangle Park, reflecting the region’s strong tech, education, and healthcare industries.

Wake County, NC boasts over 190 public schools, including 31 high schools, with a graduation rate of 90%. Approximately 54% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average SAT score is 1172, surpassing state averages. School safety is prioritized, with more than 90% of parents expressing satisfaction in surveys. Wake County offers diverse educational programs, including STEM, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate options, as well as extensive adult education and career training opportunities, supporting ongoing community development and lifelong learning.

Wake County, NC, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was about 220 incidents per 100,000 residents, while property crime stood at approximately 1,600 per 100,000. Major cities like Raleigh have enhanced public safety with community policing and reporting tools, resulting in a 5% decrease in overall crime since 2020. Residents can report incidents through local police websites and mobile apps, contributing to timely responses and transparent statistics, which are published annually by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.