Wake Forest, North Carolina
Wake Forest: town located in the U.
About
Wake Forest is a town located in the county of Wake in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Its population at the 2010 census was 30,117 and a population density of 715 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 47,314 inhabitants.
The town was created 146 years ago in 1879.
Wake Forest is a city located just north of Raleigh in Wake County, North Carolina. As of July 29, 2023, Wake Forest has an estimated population of 43,145 residents. Here are some key details about Wake Forest:
History
Wake Forest originated as a college town centered around Wake Forest University, which was founded in 1834 and moved its campus there in 1956. The town officially incorporated in 1970.
Location & Geography
Wake Forest lies among the rolling hills and forests of central North Carolina's Piedmont region. The Neuse River runs along the eastern side of town.
Economy & Culture
Education and research are major economic drivers thanks to Wake Forest University and the Wake Forest Innovative Quarter business park. The town has developed a thriving arts scene.
Parks & Recreation
Popular recreation options include the Neuse River Trail, Renaissance Park, Flaherty Park, and Reservoir Park. Wake Forest offers small town charm just minutes from Raleigh amenities.
Population Growth
Over the past few decades, Wake Forest has experienced rapid suburban growth as the Raleigh-Durham metro expanded. New housing, retail, and infrastructure continue to develop.
In summary, Wake Forest is a charming college town with scenic natural beauty that provides easy access to the Raleigh-Durham economic and cultural hub. Both families and students are attracted to Wake Forest's high quality of life.
Quick Facts about Wake Forest
| Population | 47,314 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | North Carolina (United States) |
| County | Wake County |
| Postal code | 27587–27588 |
| Area | 42.12 km2 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 35.9799,-78.5097 |
| Altitude | 387 feet / 118 meters |
| Establishment | January 01, 1880 (146 years ago) |
| Time Zone | America/New_York |
| Local time | 16:28:05 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 1,123 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 36.35% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 82℉ Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Wake Forest is located at 35°58'48"N 78°30'35"W (35.9798700, -78.5097200).
Wake Forest map
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Official website of Wake Forest
Official WebsiteDemographics
The population of Wake Forest increased by 36.35% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 30,117 | - | census |
| 2011 | 31,694 | 4.98% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 33,016 | 4% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 34,759 | 5.01% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 36,653 | 5.17% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 38,148 | 3.92% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 40,174 | 5.04% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 42,165 | 4.72% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 44,023 | 4.22% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 45,629 | 3.52% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 47,314 | 3.56% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Wake Forest
1Falls Lake State Recreation Area
13300 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States View details
Phone: +19196761027 | Website available
2Forest Ridge Park
2100 Old North Carolina 98 Hwy, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States View details
Phone: +19199965800 | Website available
3Falls Lake Tailrace Parking
12101 Old Falls of Neuse Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States View details
Phone: +19198469332 | Website available
4Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area
Falls Management Center Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States View details
5Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve
2900 Horse Shoe Farm Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States View details
Phone: +19198702871 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Wake Forest
1TripsWithPets
Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States View details
Phone: +18662121803 | Website available
2Wake Forest Town Hall
301 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 View details
Phone: +19194359400 | Website available
People born in Wake Forest (9)
People born in Wake Forest, including soccer player Justin Hughes, cartoonist Ray Billingsley, soccer player Tyler Lassiter, .
More notable people
- Vernon Malone (American politician) he was born in 20/12/1931
- Hubert McNeill Poteat (American classical philologist) he was born in 12/12/1886
- Dexter Lawrence (American football player (1997-)) he was born in 12/11/1997
- Bea Gaddy (politician and advocate for the poor and homeless) she was born in 01/01/1933
- Nick Retzlaff (American soccer player) he was born in 03/09/1996
- Rachel Harris Larson (American chemist)
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Wake Forest, NC. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 199759 | Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary | Wake Forest (NC) | 27587-1889 |
| 421832 | Living Arts College | Raleigh (NC) | 27614-7076 |
| 436632 | Gwinnett College | Raleigh (NC) | 27616 |
| 456205 | Platt College-Miller-Motte-Raleigh | Raleigh (NC) | 27604-6072 |
| 199670 | Sherrill's University of Barber & Cosmetology | Raleigh (NC) | 27604 |
Nearby Transit Stations (14)
Rail and bus stations connected to Wake Forest, NC. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| RGH | Raleigh Union Station | 320 West Cabarrus Street | RAIL |
| NSF | North Carolina State Fair station | 1025 Blue Ridge Blvd. | RAIL |
| CYN | Cary | 211 North Academy Street | RAIL |
| DNC | Durham | 400 W. Chapel Hill Street | RAIL |
| SSM | Selma–Smithfield | 500 East Railroad Street | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Wake Forest.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Wake For Post Office | Wake Forest (NC) | 27587 |
| Youngsvill Post Office | Youngsville (NC) | 27596 |
| Rolesvill Post Office | Rolesville (NC) | 27571 |
| Franklinton Post Office | Franklinton (NC) | 27525 |
| Neu Post Office | Raleigh (NC) | 27616 |
Other cities in Wake County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Wake County , NC.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | 474,414 | The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is a major center for business, government, and education. |
| Cary | 173,587 | Town in North Carolina, United States |
| Apex | 64,388 | The most populous city in Wake County, North Carolina. |
| Garner | 32,180 | Town in North Carolina, United States |
| Fuquay-Varina | 32,145 | City in North Carolina |
| Holly Springs | 31,377 | City in and county seat of Marshall County, Mississippi, United States |
| Morrisville | 30,495 | Town in Wake County, North Carolina, United States |
| Knightdale | 18,122 | City in Wake County, North Carolina, United States of America |
| Wendell | 9,387 | Town in North Carolina, United States |
| Rolesville | 8,882 | City in Wake County, North Carolina, United States of America |
| Zebulon | 6,514 | City in Pike County, Georgia, United States |
| Green Level | 2,158 | City in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States of America |
Distance to Other Cities
Wake Forest distances to largest North Carolina cities