Wake County Map, North Carolina, USA

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated: November 01, 2025, 13:30 ET

Map of Wake County - Wake County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Wake County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Wake County located in the map, major cities in Wake county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Wake County, North Carolina

About Wake County, North Carolina

Wake County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Raleigh. As per 2020 census, the population of Wake County is 1150204 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 857 sq mi (2,220 km2). Wake County was established on 1771.

Facts about Wake County, North Carolina

CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
RegionCentral Piedmont / Research Triangle area
County SeatRaleigh
Named AfterMargaret Wake Tryon (wife of colonial Governor William Tryon)
Established1771 (from parts of Cumberland, Johnston & Orange counties)
Coordinates~35.82° N, 78.64° W
Total Area~857 sq mi
Land Area~835 sq mi
Water Area~22 sq mi
Population (2020)~1,129,410
Estimated Population (2025)~1,261,494
Population Rank (NC)Largest county in North Carolina
Largest CityRaleigh
Main Towns & CommunitiesCary, Apex, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Garner, Morrisville, Fuquay‑Varina, Clayton, Wendell, Zebulon, Knightdale, Rolesville
Main IndustriesTechnology, Education, Healthcare, Research, Government, Services
Major Geographic FeaturesNeuse River & tributaries, Falls Lake, rolling Piedmont terrain
Time ZoneEastern Time (UTC−05:00 / −04:00 DST)
Known ForState capital Raleigh; Research Triangle Park innovation hub; rapid growth & cultural diversity
Websitehttps://www.wakegov.com

Top Attractions in Wake County, North Carolina

  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – Science exhibits and IMAX theater.
  • North Carolina Museum of Art – Art collections and gardens.
  • North Carolina Museum of History – State history exhibits.
  • William B. Umstead State Park – Hiking, biking, and lakes.
  • Downtown Raleigh – Shops, dining, and historic landmarks.
  • JC Raulston Arboretum – Botanical gardens and walking paths.
  • PNC Arena – Concerts and sports events.
  • Marbles Kids Museum – Interactive children’s exhibits.
  • Neuse River Trail – Walking and biking along the river.
  • Raleigh City Market – Local crafts and seasonal events.

Cities & Towns in Wake County, North Carolina

Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, Knightdale, Zebulon, Wendell, Rolesville, Clayton, Stony Hill