Wake County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. As of 2000, the population is 627,846. Its county seat is Raleigh⁶, also the state capital.

History

The county was formed in 1771 from parts of Cumberland County, Johnston County, and Orange County. It was named for Margaret Wake, wife of Governor William Tryon.

In 1881 parts of Wake County and Orange County were combined to form Durham County. In 1911 Cedar Fork Township of Wake County was transferred to Durham County and became Carr Township.

Law and government

Wake County is a member of the regional Triangle J Council of Governments.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,220 km² (857 mi²). 2,155 km² (832 mi²) of it is land and 66 km² (25 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.95% water.

Townships

The county is divided into twenty townships: Bartons Creek, Buckhorn, Cary, Cedar Fork, Holly Springs, House Creek, Leesville, Little River, Marks Creek, Meredith, Middle Creek, Neuse, New Light, Panther Branch, Raleigh, St. Mary's, St. Matthew's, Swift Creek, Wake Forest, and White Oak.

Adjacent Counties

• Granville County, North Carolina - north
• Franklin County, North Carolina - northeast
• Johnston County, North Carolina - southeast
• Harnett County, North Carolina - southwest
• Chatham County, North Carolina - west
• Durham County, North Carolina - northwest

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 627,846 people, 242,040 households, and 158,778 families residing in the county. The population density is 291/km² (755/mi²). There are 258,953 housing units at an average density of 120/km² (311/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 72.40% White, 19.72% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 3.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.48% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. 5.41% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 242,040 households out of which 34.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% are married couples living together, 9.80% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.40% are non-families. 25.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.51 and the average family size is 3.06.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.10% under the age of 18, 10.70% from 18 to 24, 36.50% from 25 to 44, 20.40% from 45 to 64, and 7.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 98.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $54,988, and the median income for a family is $67,149. Males have a median income of $44,472 versus $31,579 for females. The per capita income for the county is $27,004. 7.80% of the population and 4.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.60% of those under the age of 18 and 8.90% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

Municipalities

• Apex
• Cary
• Fuquay-Varina
• Garner
• Holly Springs
• Knightdale
• Morrisville
• Raleigh
• Rolesville
• Wake Forest
• Wendell

Unincorporated communities

• Bonsal
• Feltonville
• Friendship
• Green Level
• New Hill

External links

• Wake County government official website (http://www.wakegov.com)