Economy

Wake County has witnessed high population growth due to its strong job market and rising levels of income. Job growth throughout the Triangle has benefited the residents of Wake County.

Wake County has experienced a relatively steady rise in per capita income over the last 45 years. Unlike population and housing growth, per capita income growth has been relatively linear. Income levels were rising at a slightly increased rate between 1959 and 1989 (from $4,400 to $5,700 every 10 years) but fell off slightly between 1989 and 1999 (an increase of only $3,900).

Median Household Income
On a countywide level, the trend is very similar to that shown for per capita income, with a relatively linear growth pattern, and a slight slowing of growth between 1989 and 1999. According to the American Community Survey, by 2006 median household income was $60,903, and the median family income was $78,369.

Poverty
Despite the rise in per capita and median household incomes, Wake County had more people in poverty in 2000 than 1990. By 2006, the American Community Survey estimated that 69,224 (9.1%) Wake County Residents were in poverty. Poverty numbers based on population within households.

Employment
With the influx of new residents and rising incomes, employment has changed significantly since 1990. These changes are not only in rising levels of employment, but also structural changes in the employment industries and occupations of Wake County residents and in the industries and occupations of workers employed in Wake County.

Agriculture, retail trade and wholesale trade all declined in total employment numbers between 1990 and 2000. The biggest increases were in professional services, health care and construction.

Wake County Economy Statistics

*** Employment Security Commission of North Carolina