Quality of life
Living
in
Wilkes
Wilkes County, located in Northwest North Carolina, is situated among rolling foothills and mesmerizing landscapes, and panoramic mountain views created by the Brushy Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This county has a fusion of rich history, cultural liveliness, and overall beauty that nature provides. Established in 1777, the county became home to German and Scotch-Irish settlers bringing traditions to the region. These traditions continue to be a part of life in this unique flourishing area occupied by citizens filled with hospitality and a love for life in rural North Carolina.
The demographics are important to any community. Wilkes is the 13th largest North Carolina County in land mass, 753.68 square miles. The population as of the 2020 census is reported as 65,827 with 4.9% under 5 years of age 19.6 under 18, and 23.1% over 65. There are 31,838 housing units and a median value of homes estimated at $146,000. There are 27,249 households and with the median income in 2022 dollars reported as $49,119.
The skies are sunnier in Wilkes as there is an average of 212 days with sunshine. July is the warmest month of the year with an average of 86 degrees as the high temperature. The average low in winter is 24 degrees and an average amount of snow for the year is less than 10 inches. Wilkes rainfall is around 49 inches annually which is greater than the average US annual rainfall of 39 inches.
Wilkes’ business and industry is flourishing with expansions and new business development. The county’s largest industry sector is building materials with eighteen manufacturers affiliated. Businesses involved in the manufacturing of lumber, exterior siding, doors, windows, stair parts, moldings, and kitchen cabinets. These are businesses creating quality products with distribution nationally and exported globally.
Wilkes County’s agriculture cultural contributes to the development and growth of the food processing industry with 98,800,000 chickens processed annually by Tyson Foods and $17.5M in country ham sales. Wilkes’ agriculture production ranks well in North Carolina: #2 in the production of poultry boilers; #3 in the production of beef cattle; #4 in all cattle and milk cows, #6 in the production of hay; and #10 in the production of poultry layers. These rankings make Wilkes County the state’s seventh largest county in agriculture cash receipts, $287,429,836 reported in 2019.
Adding to the agriculture industry is the wine and grape industry in Wilkes. There are ten vineyards/wineries located throughout the eastern region of the county and additional facilities are scheduled to open in 2024. Contributing to the success of the viticulture area are the moderate elevations, proximity to the Yadkin River and the mineral-rich soil of the Brushy Mountains allow a variety of grapes to thrive in the area. Wilkes is part of two federally approved American Viticulture Areas, the Yadkin Valley AVA, and the Swan Creek AVA. The wine industry contributes over $1.97B in economic impact to the State of North Carolina.
The overall agricultural impact on Wilkes County is around $551M, making up thirty-six percent of the county’s GDP and providing twenty-two percent of the county’s jobs.
Good schools are extremely important to the success of any community. Wilkes County has twenty-two schools located throughout with approximately 8,700 students in attendance. The 2021-2022 NC School Report Card for Wilkes County Schools reflects the strengths and identifies the areas for improvement. The report card indicates the percentage of students achieving proficiency on End of Grade tests in grades third through seventh exceeded the average for the State of North Carolina. The reading and math proficiency in grades fifth through seventh also exceeded the State’s average and was accompanied by science scores in grades fifth through eighth. Overall Wilkes County students achieved proficiency on End of Course or End of Grade tests that exceeded the state average by more than 6%. Wilkes County Schools currently rank 20th out of the 115 traditional school districts.
Healthcare for all ages is an essential element for healthy living in any county. Wilkes County is fortunate to have Atrium Health Wilkes Regional Medical Center licensed for 130 beds, including a 10-bed skilled nursing unit. The Medical Center has outpatient services that includes a Dialysis Center, a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Center, Diagnostic Imaging Center, and Wound Healing Center. Providing healthcare in Wilkes is also Hugh Chatham Health, an independent, not-for-profit community health care network of physician clinics and an 81-bed acute care hospital. Hugh Chatham employs than 1,000 team members, includes a medical group with more than 70 providers across 29 locations and six counties. Hugh Chatham has been nationally recognized for patient satisfaction, patient safety, and clinical quality. Bethany Medical, Bethany Medical, a multi-specialty medical group is also located in North Wilkesboro and provides medical care to a diverse population of patients. The Wilkes Health Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was formed to create and sustain community coalitions to increase access to health providers. The Health Foundation has a rich tradition of inclusively addressing the health care needs of the people who live, work, play, pray, and learn.
Quality of living in Wilkes County is enhanced by the outdoor activities, festivals, and a charming small-town atmosphere. This county caters to all ages with varied interests, making it a perfect place to call home. There’s live entertainment abundant year-round with features such as the rhythmic melodies of Merlefest, Faithfest, Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, and the warmer month outdoor concerts held in the Wilkesboro Commons and North Wilkesboro’s Yadkin Valley Marketplace. Music and entertainment are also an entertainment feature at the many vineyards/wineries and distillers.
Getting outdoors to enjoy nature is easy in the county as there are many walking, biking, and horseback riding trails. W. Kerr Scott Lake provides access to boating, fishing, and camping. The county has the Yadkin River for paddling and tubing. Wilkes is known for racing and with the drag cars at Wilkesboro Dragway and the modified and NASCAR All-Star races at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, the love of speed can be experienced.
Wilkes County beckons locals and visitors with its blend of rich history, cultural vibrancy, and natural beauty. From the music shared, the tranquil trails waiting exploration, and the flowing rivers and beautiful waterfalls, every individual citizen can experience the heart and soul of Wilkes County. It’s a great place to live.
