Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem: The fifth most populous city in North Carolina.
About
Winston-Salem is a city located in the county of Forsyth in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Its population at the 2010 census was 229,617 and a population density of 663 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 248,112 inhabitants.
The city was created 260 years ago in 1765.
Winston-Salem is a city located in central North Carolina, part of the Piedmont Triad metro area. With nearly 250,000 residents, it is North Carolina’s fifth largest city.
History and Origins
Winston-Salem was formed through a merger between the towns of Winston and Salem in 1913. It was historically known for tobacco, textiles, and furniture.
Key historical facts:
- Salem founded in 1766 by German Moravian settlers
- Winston established as a separate town in 1849
- The two towns officially merged in 1913
- Economy historically reliant on tobacco, textiles, and furniture
Economy and Major Industries
While manufacturing remains important, the city now relies on sectors like healthcare, education, financial services, technology, and tourism. Major employers are:
- Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
- Hanesbrands Inc.
- Wells Fargo
- City of Winston-Salem
- Winston-Salem State University
Attractions and Things to Do
Popular sites include:
- Old Salem historic district
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
- SECCA contemporary art museum
- Winston-Salem Dash minor league baseball
- Wake Forest innovation and research centers
Winston-Salem provides tourism, culture, innovation, and economic opportunity within central North Carolina.
Quick Facts about Winston-Salem
| Population | 248,112 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | North Carolina (United States) |
| County | Forsyth County |
| Twitter username | CityofWS |
| Postal code | 27104 |
| Phone Area Codes | 336 |
| Area | 346.35 km2 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.0999,-80.2442 |
| Altitude | 984 feet / 300 meters |
| Capital city | Winston-Salem is capital of Forsyth County |
| Establishment | January 01, 1766 (260 years ago) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone |
| Local time | 04:45:39 (14th April 2026) |
| Density | 716 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 7.45% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 87℉ Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Winston-Salem is located at 36°5'59"N 80°14'39"W (36.0998600, -80.2442200).
Winston-Salem map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
- Freeport
- Kumasi
- Nassau
- Shanghai (2006 )
- Ungheni
Demographics
The population of Winston-Salem increased by 7.45% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 229,617 | - | census |
| 2011 | 231,867 | 0.97% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 233,867 | 0.86% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 235,728 | 0.79% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 238,478 | 1.15% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 239,755 | 0.53% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 241,776 | 0.84% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 244,501 | 1.11% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 246,535 | 0.83% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 247,945 | 0.57% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 248,112 | 0.07% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Winston-Salem
1Old Salem Museums & Gardens Administrative Offices
600 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States View details
Phone: +13367217300 | Website available
2Quarry Park
1790 Quarry Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, United States View details
Phone: +13367278000 | Website available
3Bailey Park
445 Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States View details
Phone: +13367168672 | Website available
4Rockin' Jump Winston-Salem
7840 North Point Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States View details
Phone: +13368969100 | Website available
5Kaleideum Downtown
390 S Liberty St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States View details
Phone: +13367239111 | Website available
Where to Eat in Winston-Salem
1Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
850 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States View details
Phone: +13367289998 | Website available
2Mellow Mushroom Winston-Salem
314 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States View details
Phone: +13362452820 | Website available
3Genghis Grill
3298 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States View details
Phone: +13367742154 | Website available
4LongHorn Steakhouse
955 Hanes Mall Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States View details
Phone: +13367601700 | Website available
5Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
1215 Creekshire Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States View details
Phone: +13366593973 | Website available
Where to Stay in Winston-Salem
1Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
401 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States View details
Phone: +13367241009 | Website available
2Hilton Garden Inn Winston-Salem/Hanes Mall
1325 Creekshire Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States View details
Phone: +13367651298 | Website available
3Courtyard by Marriott Winston-Salem University
3111 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, United States View details
Phone: +13367271277 | Website available
4Home2 Suites by Hilton Winston-Salem Hanes Mall
1010 Marriott Crossing Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States View details
Phone: +13369301037 | Website available
5Residence Inn by Marriott Winston-Salem Hanes Mall
3885 Oxford Station Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States View details
Phone: +13368373960 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Winston-Salem
1US Rural Development
1450 Fairchild Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, United States View details
Phone: +13367670720 | Website available
2Forsyth Board-Commissioners
201 N Chestnut St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States View details
Phone: +13367032020
People born in Winston-Salem (199)
People born in Winston-Salem, including American-Georgian basketball player Ricky Hickman, actress Pam Grier, actress from the United States Kathryn Grayson, .
More notable people
- Jennifer Ehle (American actress) she was born in 29/12/1969
- Julianna Guill (actress) she was born in 07/07/1987
- 9th Wonder (American rapper, DJ and producer) he was born in 15/01/1975
- Gary Chapman (American relationship counselor, author and radio host) he was born in 10/01/1938
- Tim Sparks (American musician) he was born in 31/10/1954
- Randy Jones (bobsledder) he was born in 24/06/1969
- Harold Nicholas (American dancer (1921-2000)) he was born in 27/03/1921
- Josh Howard (American basketball player) he was born in 28/04/1980
- Jackée Harry (American actress) she was born in 14/08/1956
- Jill Wagner (American actress) she was born in 13/01/1979
- Ben Folds (American musician) he was born in 12/09/1966
- Peter Joseph (filmmaker and social activist) he was born in 04/02/1979
- Camille Little (American basketball player) she was born in 18/01/1985
- Wess (American-born Italian singer) he was born in 13/08/1945
- Francis Edwin Shober (American politician (1831-1896)) he was born in 12/03/1831
- Herm Gilliam (American basketball player) he was born in 05/05/1946
- Rusty LaRue (American basketball player-coach) he was born in 10/12/1973
- David Testo (American soccer player) he was born in 07/08/1981
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Winston-Salem, NC. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 489937 | Piedmont International University | Winston-Salem (NC) | 27101 |
| 199607 | Salem College | Winston-Salem (NC) | 27101 |
| 199999 | Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem (NC) | 27110-0001 |
| 199184 | University of North Carolina School of the Arts | Winston Salem (NC) | 27127-2738 |
| 198552 | Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston-Salem (NC) | 27103-5197 |
Nearby Transit Stations (10)
Rail and bus stations connected to Winston-Salem, NC. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WNS | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | 100 West 5th Street | BUS |
| UWS | Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car | 601 South Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr | BUS |
| HPT | High Point | 100 West High St | RAIL |
| LEX | Lexington | Center St. and railroad tracks | RAIL |
| GRO | J. Douglas Galyon Depot | 236 East Washington Street | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Winston-Salem.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Center City Post Office | Winston Salem (NC) | 27101 |
| Winston Salem Post Office | Winston Salem (NC) | 27105 |
| Waughtown Post Office | Winston Salem (NC) | 27107 |
| Hanes Mall Post Office | Winston Salem (NC) | 27103 |
| Manor Post Office | Winston Salem (NC) | 27103 |
Other cities in Forsyth County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Forsyth County , NC.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Kernersville | 24,891 | City in North Carolina, United States of America |
| Clemmons | 21,089 | Town in North Carolina |
| Lewisville | 14,369 | Town in Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States |
| Walkertown | 4,969 | City in Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States of America |
| Rural Hall | 3,299 | Town in North Carolina, United States of America |
| Tobaccoville | 2,748 | Village in North Carolina, United States of America |
| Bethania | 367 | Town in North Carolina |
Distance to Other Cities
Winston-Salem distances to largest North Carolina cities