Wilson, North Carolina
Encyclopedia : W : WI : WIL : Wilson, North Carolina
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 60.7 km² (23.4 mi²). 60.3 km² (23.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (0.64%) is water.
Population
Wilson's population has grown about 25% since 1990, and will continue to grow quickly, thanks to the new US 264 highway connecting to Raleigh, the state's capitol. The new four-lane road puts Wilson about 30 minutes from Raleigh. It connects directly to I-540, the beltline that circles Raleigh.
Demographics
As of the census[Geographic references#2GR2] of 2000, there were 44,405 people, 17,296 households, and 11,328 families residing in Wilson. The population density was 736.1/km² (1,906.9/mi²). There were 18,660 housing units at an average density of 309.3/km² (801.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 46.67% White, 47.53% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.89% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.29% of the population.There were 17,296 households out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 19.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,169, and the median income for a family was $41,041. Males had a median income of $30,682 versus $22,363 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,813. About 16.5% of families and 21.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.5% of those under age 18 and 20.4% of those age 65 or over.
Transportation
Wilson is served by three airports: Wilson Industrial Airport, Rocky Mount-Wilson Airport (RWI) about 15 minutes from town, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) about 60 minutes from town. The city has an Amtrak station. The city owns and operates a bus transit system. The following highways travel through Wilson: I-95, U.S. 264, U.S. 301, U.S. 117, N.C. 42, and N.C. 58.
Entertainment
The Wilson community enjoys live theater, outdoor festivals and great music. The Edna Boykin Center for Performing Arts downtown is owned and operated by the Arts Council of Wilson. The beautifully-restored Vaudeville theater, built in 1919, seats about 1,000 guests. In the summer of 2006, the theater was home to the Theater of the American South, a production that celebrated southern history and culture. Live plays are a mainstay in the Boykin Center, thanks to adult, teenage and child actors who donate their time, talents, and love what they do.
The City of Wilson operates Wilson TV [link], a public information cable television channel announcing upcoming events and activities. Wilson TV features original programming such as "City Talk" and "Around Town", both of which address issues and events in the community. Wilson TV also shows meetings of the Wilson City Council and the city Planning Board and Board of Adjustment.
Wilson also hosts the Whirligig Festival [link], which celebrates local and regional artists in an event held the first weekend in November. Whirligigs are wind-driven works of art; many of which have been created by nationally recognized folk artist Vollis Simpson of Wilson County.
The City of Wilson Human Relations Commission [link] hosts the "1st Fridays" events [link] each August through October on the library lawn. Musical entertainment and children's activities are featured, and refreshments are served by local civic clubs.
Wilson is also home to the new Carmike 10 Cinema, the first all-digital commercial movie operation in North Carolina. The Carmike 10 opened in June 2006 at Wilson Mall [link]. The Regal Theater also carries new movies. The Regal Theater is located at 1705 Montgomery Drive.
Shopping
Wilson Mall (formerly Parkwood Mall) is currently undergoing a major renovation, thanks to the new owner, Hull Storey [link]. The mall is host to the new Cinema, and many new shops are expected. The Forest Hill's shopping center is also currently undergoing a major renovation.
Also, Heritage Shopping Center will open in Autumn 2006. Once construction is finished, the center will include a Target, Belk, Marshall's, PetSmart and other national chains.
Wilson also hosts Brentwood shoppes, Westwood shopping center (Wal-Mart) and other centers.
Real Estate
The cost of living, approximately 12% less than that of the Raleigh-Durham area, makes Wilson an attractive alternative. Average homes cost considerably less, enabling a willing commuter (30 minutes to the Raleigh Beltline) to have much more house for his/her dollar. Since January 2005, a typical 3 bedroom house sold for approximately $132,000, and larger 4 bedroom homes average $225,000.
In addition to new homes, Wilson is known for its numerous and varied historic bungalows. Historic homes dating from the mid-19th century feature outstanding architectural details and charm. They range from "fixer-uppers" (under $30,000) to beautifully restored (over $350,000). Most feature large front porches, some of which were included in Michael Dolan's book entitled "The American Porch".
Education
Dr. Larry Price, Wilson County Public School Superintendent, [link] was one of the finalists for National Superintendent of the Year for 2006. He was also named NC Superintendent of the Year in 2006. Wilson County Public Schools include three high schools; Beddingfield, Fike and Hunt.
Wilson is home to several private schools: Community Christian School, Garnett Christian Academy, Wilson Christian Academy, St. Therese Catholic School and Greenfield School (non-sectarian). Also, home to Barton College, a liberal arts college.
Newspaper
The local paper is the Wilson Daily Times; circulation of roughly 25,000.
Tallest Buildings
- BB&T Building
- Wilson Nash St. Office Building
- Wilson County Government Building (under construction)
- Belle Meade cooperate (under contruction start day June-07-2006)
External links
- [Official website of Wilson, NC]
- [Wilson Chamber of Commerce]
- [Wilson Visitors Bureau]
- [Wilson Daily Times]
- [Wilson Chat Discussion Board]
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