City profile
Winston-Salem, NC
Forsyth County · Population 252,037
Winston-Salem is a city in Forsyth County, NC with about 252,037 residents and a typical home value near $234,000. It is 26 miles from Greensboro, NC, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Mild & temperate
Winter avg
39°F
Summer avg
79°F
Sunny days / yr
212
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$233,800
Typical monthly housing
$1,436
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
87
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.85%
- State income tax (top)
- 4.25%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 7.00%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate · county score 92/100
Top hazards: Ice storm, Riverine flooding, Winter weather
Nearest major airport
18 mi to Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Democratic · 56% Democratic / 43% Republican
Community
Population
252,037
Black population
32.1%
County
Forsyth County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸NC is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Part of the New Great Migration — a growing Black community in the South
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast), inland flooding
Highlights
- About 252,037 residents
- Typical home value about $234,000
- 26 miles from Greensboro, NC
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.