Wiklesboro was the home of Chang and Eng Bunker, the famous Chinese American Siamese twins who were a popular attraction in the early years of the 19th century.
As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 3,159. It is the county seat of Wilkes County6.
Geography
Wilkesboro is located at 36°8'33" North, 81°9'45" West (36.142490, -81.162533)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.3 km² (5.5 mi²). 14.3 km² (5.5 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 3,159 people, 1,305 households, and 805 families residing in the town. The population density is 221.0/km² (572.0/mi²). There are 1,382 housing units at an average density of 96.7/km² (250.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 85.38% White, 9.81% African American, 0.19% Native American, 2.72% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.27% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. 4.12% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,305 households out of which 27.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% are married couples living together, 13.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.3% are non-families. 35.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.16 and the average family size is 2.79.
In the town the population is spread out with 20.3% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 82.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 78.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $40,982, and the median income for a family is $53,355. Males have a median income of $37,931 versus $23,893 for females. The per capita income for the town is $24,300. 11.6% of the population and 9.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 14.4% are under the age of 18 and 9.4% are 65 or older.