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Wilson, NC

Frequently asked questions

Wilson, NC

Wilson is a city in and the county seat of Wilson County, North Carolina, United States. It is the 23rd most populous city in North Carolina. Located approximately 40 mi (64 km) east of the capital city of Raleigh, it is served by the interchange of Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 264. Wilson had an estimated population of 49,459 in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and is also an anchor city of the Rocky Mount-Wilson-Roanoke Rapids CSA, with a total population of 297,726 as of 2018.

In the early 21st century, Wilson was ranked 18th in size among North Carolina's 500-plus municipalities. From 1990 to 2010, the city population increased by more than 40 percent, primarily due to the construction of new subdivisions that attracted many new residents. This has been accompanied by new retail and shopping construction, primarily in the northwestern parts of the city. Wilson is a diverse community; in 2012, the US Census estimated that 48% of the population identified as African American, and 43% as White; the remaining 9% includes Latinos and Asians, such as Vietnamese, Chinese, and Indians. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated in 2012 that nearly 5,000 county residents (7.5 percent) were foreign-born. Of those, nearly 3,000 people, or 62 percent, had entered the U.S. since 2000.

Once a center of tobacco cultivation, the city was widely known as "The World’s Greatest Tobacco Market" in the 19th century. In the 21st century, Wilson enjoys a diverse economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, commercial, and service businesses.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 23.4 square miles (61 km²), of which 23.3 square miles (60 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km²) (0.64%) is water.

Wilson is served by the intersection of Interstate 95 and US 264; and it is located approximately 45 minutes by car east of Raleigh, the state capital. It is the northern terminus of Interstate 795, which provides a route to Interstate 40 and the port city of Wilmington, North Carolina.

The history of the city of Wilson began with a community that formed around Toisnot Primitive Baptist Church, built in the early 1800s. The community was originally called Toisnot. In 1836, the Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad Co. began building a Wilmington-to-Weldon line. The railway reached the community in 1839, and by 1840 Toisnot had both north and south service. That stimulated the growth of the community.

The North Carolina General Assembly chartered the Town of Wilson. It was named for state senator Colonel Louis D. Wilson, U.S. Volunteers. He died of fever while on leave from the State. Senate during the Mexican–American War of 1848. Messrs. Joshua Barnes, John W. Farmer, James D. Barnes, Dylan Dieterle, Jonathan D. Rountree, and Arthur Farmer were named as the first town commissioners.

Health and wellness are integral to Wilson's community, with the Wilson Medical Center serving as a cornerstone of healthcare services. The hospital provides comprehensive medical care to residents, emphasizing preventive measures and promoting overall well-being. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Wilson Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Wide Awake CrossFit, CrossFit, and Planet Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Wilson, such as the Linear Park and Toisnot Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Wilson, NC are Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, Imagination Station Science & History Museum, and Wilson Botanical Gardens.

Population: 48,579 (2024). ZIP codes: 27822, 27880, 27893, 27894, 27895, 27896. Area codes: 252. Elevation: 108 ft (33 m). Area: 32.12 sq mi (83.18 km²).

FAQs

What is Wilson, NC famous for?

It developed as a leading market for bright-leaf tobacco. Agriculture and diversified light manufacturing now augment its tobacco-based economy. Wilson is the seat of Barton College (founded in 1902 as Atlantic Christian College) and Wilson Technical Community College (1958). The Golden Leaf Celebration held annually in September features tobacco-judging contests and other activities. The Tobacco Farm Life Museum in nearby Kenly replicates a farm of the mid-19th century, and the tobacco markets in Wilson are open to tours. Pop. (2000) 44,405; (2010) 49,167.

Is Wilson, NC a good place to live?

Living in Wilson offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Wilson, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Wilson and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Wilson are above average.

What is the crime rate in Wilson, NC?

The crime rate in Wilson is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 30 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Wilson is 1 in 34. Based on FBI crime data, Wilson is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to North Carolina, Wilson has a crime rate that is higher than 81% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Wilson 

Wilson Medical Center 

Wilson Parks and Recreation Department

Wide Awake CrossFit

CrossFit 

Planet Fitness

Linear Park 

Toisnot Park

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

Imagination Station Science & History Museum

Wilson Botanical Gardens

Britannica

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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