Is Wingate Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wingate

Wingate, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility to a larger metropolitan area. Located in Union County, it is part of the greater Charlotte metropolitan region, providing residents with a quieter lifestyle while maintaining proximity to urban amenities and job markets. The town’s history is deeply intertwined with Wingate University, which significantly influences its demographic and cultural landscape, contributing to a youthful and diverse population.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to Wingate, covering essential aspects such as safety, cost of living, job opportunities, climate, and education. Understanding these factors is crucial for making an informed decision about relocating to this North Carolina town.

Is it Safe to Live in Wingate?

Crime Rates

Wingate’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than both the national and state averages. The total crime rate is approximately 1,488 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 36% lower than the national average (as reported by Make A Move). Violent crime rates are also significantly lower, being 34% below the national average, and property crime rates are 36% lower than the national average (as reported by Make A Move).

However, other reports indicate a different perspective. One analysis suggests that Wingate’s crime rate is 32.64 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the average US city, and ranks it in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 29% of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes). Another source states that the overall crime rate is 72% above the national average, and Wingate has a higher crime rate than 93% of major U.S. cities (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of being a victim of crime can vary by neighborhood, with the northeast part of the city generally considered safer than the central neighborhoods (as reported by AreaVibes).

Safety Perceptions and Statistics

While some data points suggest Wingate is safer than national averages, with violent crimes being 21% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes), other statistics paint a less favorable picture. Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Wingate is about 1 in 57 (as reported by AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout reports that Wingate is not one of the safest communities in America, with a crime rate higher than 63% of North Carolina’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The cost of crime per resident in Wingate is approximately $545 per year, which is higher than both the national and state averages (as reported by AreaVibes). This total projected cost of crime for 2025 is estimated at $5,200,125, accounting for about 2.3% of the median household income (as reported by AreaVibes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Wingate

Cost of Living

Wingate offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index for the Charlotte metro area, which includes Wingate, is 96.5, indicating it is 3.5% lower than the rest of the country (as reported by Make A Move). Housing expenses in Wingate are notably lower, being 29% below the national average (as reported by Payscale). A typical family of four would need to earn approximately $99,639 annually to afford the cost of living in Wingate (as reported by Make A Move).

However, some sources suggest Wingate’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. One report states that living costs in Wingate are 1% higher than the U.S. national average, driven by housing, transportation, and food expenses (as reported by Salary.com). Another source indicates that the average rent in Wingate is $1,845 per month, which is 3% lower than the national average (as reported by Trulia).

Housing Market

The housing market in Wingate is characterized by relative affordability. The median property value in Wingate was $229,800 in 2024, which is significantly lower than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate is 60.9%, which is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Homes for sale have a median listing price of $345,000 (as reported by Realtor.com), with the average home value being $318,363, showing a slight increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Rental prices in Wingate show some variation. The average rent for a two-bedroom rental is around $1,401 per month, while a three-bedroom rental averages $1,995 per month (as reported by Trulia). RentCafe indicates that apartments can start at $1,400 for a one-bedroom and go up to $2,300 for four or more bedrooms (as reported by Make A Move). The average rent across all property types is approximately $1,939 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Wingate’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector. Between 2023 and 2024, employment in Wingate grew by 8.66%, increasing the number of employees from 1.81k to 1.97k (as reported by Data USA). The most common industries for residents are Educational Services, Accommodation & Food Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA).

The average salary in Wingate is around $43,378 per year, with the median wage being $41,000 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some roles, like Police Officer or Professor of English, can pay significantly more than the city average (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Wingate stands at 5.6%, which is considered typical for the area (as reported by Point2Homes).

Major Employers

Wingate University is a significant institution in Wingate, influencing the local economy and job market (as reported by Data USA). Other major employers in the broader Union County area include those in manufacturing, aerospace, and agriculture, reflecting the diverse economic landscape of the region (as reported by Business North Carolina). Companies like Aramark, Dollar General, and Food Lion are also noted as significant employers in the Wingate area (as reported by Lensa).

Atrium Health Union is another key employer, with partnerships aimed at benefiting the community through education and employment pipelines (as reported by Business North Carolina). The proximity to Charlotte also provides access to a wider range of major employers and job opportunities within the metropolitan area.

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Weather Patterns

Wingate experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures typically range between 34°F and 90°F throughout the year, with occasional drops to 21°F in winter and highs reaching 96°F in summer (as reported by Make A Move). The warmest month is July, with average maximum temperatures around 89-90°F, while January is the coldest, with average minimums around 31-34°F (as reported by NOAA and myPerfectWeather).

The transition between seasons is generally pleasant, with spring and fall offering moderate temperatures. The area enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine annually, though humidity can increase during the summer months, particularly in June and August (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Wingate receives an average of about 46 inches of rain annually, with precipitation fairly evenly distributed throughout the year (as reported by Make A Move and myPerfectWeather). August is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of around 3.6 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). March also sees significant rainfall, with an average of 4.85 inches (as reported by IDcide).

Wet days, defined as days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common during the summer months, particularly in July. The drier season extends through the majority of the year, from late August to mid-May (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings and Districts

Public schools in Wingate are part of the Union County Public Schools district. Central Academy of Technology & Arts is highly rated with a 4.39 out of 5, earning an A+ (as reported by Niche). Union County Early College also receives a good rating of 3.65 out of 5, with an A (as reported by Niche).

Wingate Elementary School has a rating of 4 out of 5 and is served by the Union County Public Schools (as reported by Niche and Homes.com). While Union Elementary is noted as a top performer, Wingate Elementary shows strong mathematics proficiency but lags in reading proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Population and Demographics

Wingate is home to a population of approximately 4,425 to 4,621 residents (as reported by Data USA, Point2Homes, and World Population Review). The town has a notably young population, with a median age of around 21.8 years (as reported by Point2Homes, Data USA, and World Population Review). This is largely due to the presence of Wingate University, which enrolls a significant number of students.

The racial and ethnic composition of Wingate includes a substantial percentage of White (Non-Hispanic) residents, alongside Black or African American and Hispanic populations (as reported by Data USA). As of recent data, about 86.2% of residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The population is also slightly skewed towards females, with approximately 56.7% identifying as female and 43.3% as male (as reported by Point2Homes).