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Wake Forest, NC Utility & Living Guide
Wake Forest is a town in Wake and Franklin counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located almost entirely in Wake County, it lies just north of the state capital, Raleigh. At the 2020 census, the population was 47,601, up from 30,117 in 2010. It is part of the Raleigh metropolitan area. Wake
Monthly Utility Costs
$120/mo
$50/mo
$45/mo
$25/mo
$65/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1200/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1600/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2100/mo |
| Median Home Price | $320,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1000 |
The housing market in Wake Forest is competitive, with steady demand driven by its proximity to Raleigh. Prices have been rising due to limited inventory and high desirability.
Cost of Living
105
+5% above national average
102
98
100
$1000
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 7.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| <p>State 4.75% + County 2.25% + City 0.5%</p> | |
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.99%.
Family & Relocation
50
6.5/10
$1000/mo
City Pulse
Public transit is limited; most families rely on cars. Sidewalks are common in newer neighborhoods.
- Wake Forest Community House
- Joyner Park
- Wake Forest Historical Museum
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Wake Forest based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Wake Forest has strict zoning laws and requires permits for most home renovations. Short-term rentals are regulated.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Wake Forest — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Summer AC use can double electric bills, while winter heating costs are moderate due to mild winters.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary slightly by ZIP, no local surtaxes specific to Wake Forest county
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
7/10 with explanation: good sidewalk quality in newer areas, excellent park access, limited elevator access in transit
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