Wilson, NC Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Wilson, NC: What You Need to Know

Wilson, a city in east-central North Carolina, proudly carries its heritage as the World’s Greatest Tobacco Market.

Local History

Wilson is the government seat of Wilson County. Both city and county were named after Louis D. Wilson, a general who also served as a state senator. Wilson was originally called Toisnot because it was the site of the Toisnot Primitive Baptist Church. In 1849, the city was chartered and renamed Wilson. After the Civil War, local business leaders established a tobacco market instead of relying on growing tobacco. It was believed the city even hired an auctioneer away from a larger tobacco market and enticed him to start the market in Wilson. 

Job Opportunities

Today, the city of Wilson and Wilson County maintain an economic base beyond the tobacco industry. Its diverse manufacturing base, with more than 90 companies located in the area, includes companies in the pharmaceutical, automotive parts, aerospace, and packaging sectors. Among the top employers are Bridgestone Americas (tires), UTC Aerospace Systems (aerospace fire protection equipment), Alliance One (tobacco processing), and Novartis (generic prescription drugs).

Cost of Living in Wilson

Relocating to Wilson? The good news is, the city’s housing cost is 18.6% lower than the national average with median gross rent at $762. On the downside, the cost of living rate and food costs are 4.4% and 14.8% higher than the national average respectively. North Carolina imposes a flat rate of 5.25% in income tax. It levies 4.75% in statewide sales tax plus counties charge their own sales taxes. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

The folksy charm of Wilson (population: 49,459 people) is best represented by the city’s Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park where you’ll find 31 kinetic sculptures that dance in the breeze. Residents enjoy the Farmers and Artisan Market under the pavilion at the park twice a week from April to October. 50% of city residents rent. Families with school-age children are drawn to suburban communities such as Taylor Township and Old Fields Township for their superb schools. 

Schools and Higher Education

Wilson has two higher-education institutions: Barton College (1,059 students) and Wilson Community College (1,692 students). Barton, a four-year private university, was founded in 1902 as Atlantic Christian College. The college offers more than 40 majors and programs. There are 25 other colleges and universities within 50 miles of the city. In primary and secondary education, Wilson has 21 public schools serving 10,566 students. New Hope Elementary School and Rock Ridge Elementary School are among the city’s top-ranked schools.