Wilmington Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Wilmington: The Data Profile (2026)

Wilmington presents a distinct profile for the 2026 post-remote workforce. The city supports a population of 122,695, creating a mid-sized environment that balances urban amenities with coastal accessibility. The economic baseline reveals a slight deviation from national averages; the median household income sits at $71,362, which is 4.3% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, this is offset by a highly educated workforce, where 50.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "educated coastal achiever"—professionals aged 25-45 who prioritize lifestyle and educational attainment over maximum raw salary, leveraging the 50.9% education rate for competitive remote or hybrid roles that pay above the local median.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the median income is slightly lower, the cost of living structure offers specific relief valves, particularly in utilities and groceries.

Disposable Income Analysis:
The critical data point here is the utility cost. At 14.13 cents/kWh, Wilmington residents pay 11.7% less than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. For a home utilizing 1,500 kWh monthly, this results in annual savings of approximately $340 compared to the national average, directly improving disposable income despite the housing index being 2.5% above average.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary economic differentiator. It sits slightly above the national average, driven by coastal demand, but remains accessible compared to major metros.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Despite the Housing Index of 102.5, the actual asset prices are lower than the US average. The median home price of $385,000 is $35,000 below the national median. For a household earning the local median of $71,362, buying is statistically favorable. The price-to-income ratio is approximately 5.4, which is within the historically "affordable" range (under 5.5). Renting a 2-bedroom unit at $1,659 costs roughly 27.7% of the median monthly household income, suggesting renting is viable but buying builds equity more efficiently against the national curve.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute:
In the 2026 landscape, Wilmington's economy is anchored by the 50.9% college-educated workforce, indicating a high penetration of knowledge-based and remote-first roles. The weighted commute time averages 20.5 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27.6 minutes. This reduction in transit time equates to roughly 58 hours of reclaimed time annually per commuter.

Industry Stability:
Local industry remains stable with a focus on healthcare, education (UNCW), and film production. The unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, beating the national average of 4.0% by 0.2 percentage points, signaling a tight labor market for skilled workers.

Quality of Life Audit

Wilmington scores high on health metrics and air quality, though crime rates require context.

Safety:

• Violent Crime: 419 incidents per 100k people (US Avg: 380). This is rated AVERAGE, representing a 10.3% increase over the national baseline.
• Property Crime: 2,457 incidents per 100k people (US Avg: 2,000). This is rated AVERAGE, representing a 22.9% increase over the national baseline.

Air Quality & Weather:
The city excels in environmental health. With an AQI of 39 and PM2.5 levels at 6.0 µg/m³ (well below the WHO guideline of 5.0 µg/m³), the air is cleaner than 85% of US urban areas. Current weather shows a high of 74°F and a low of 57°F, offering a temperate climate for year-round outdoor activity.

Schools:
The region is anchored by a 50.9% college-educated population, which statistically correlates with higher public school funding and performance compared to areas with lower education attainment.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Median home price of $385,000 is $35,000 cheaper than the US average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 39 and low PM2.5 levels (6.0 µg/m³) offer significant respiratory health benefits.
• Commute: Average commute of 20.5 minutes saves significant time vs national average.
• Talent Pool: A workforce that is 50.9% college-educated provides a robust environment for professional networking.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income of $71,362 is $3,218 below the national median, potentially capping local earning potential without remote work.
• Crime: Property crime is 22.9% higher than the national average.
• Housing Premium: The housing index of 102.5 suggests housing costs are rising faster than the national trend.

Recommendation:
Wilmington is a Strong Buy for remote workers earning above the local median of $71,362. The data supports a relocation if your income is derived from higher-paying coastal markets, allowing you to capitalize on the 8.3% discount in home prices and the 11.7% savings on electricity.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Wilmington?
To cover the $2,944 monthly budget (excluding rent/mortgage) and housing costs comfortably, a single earner should target a gross income of at least $85,000, which places them in the top 25% of local earners.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other coastal cities?
Wilmington is 8.3% cheaper for housing than the national average, whereas comparable coastal cities like Charleston or Savannah are often 15-25% higher than the national average.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
While property crime is 22.9% above the national average, the violent crime rate is only 10.3% higher. It is statistically "average" rather than dangerous, but property security measures are recommended.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
The current weather shows highs of 74°F and lows of 57°F. Moving in late Q1 or early Q2 is optimal to avoid the summer humidity spikes and the $1,659 peak rental pricing that typically hits in June.