Wilkes County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

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

Map of Wilkes County, North Carolina

About Wilkes County, North Carolina

Wilkes County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Wilkesboro. As per 2020 census, the population of Wilkes County is 65806 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 760 sq mi (1,968 km2). Wilkes County was established on 1777.

Wilkes County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatWilkesboro
Largest City/TownNorth Wilkesboro
Established1777
Total Area757 sq mi (1,960 sq km)
Land Area756 sq mi (1,958 sq km)
Water Area1 sq mi (2 sq km)
Population65,969 (Census 2020)
Population Density87 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysUS-421, NC-16, NC-18, NC-268
Major RiversYadkin River, Reddies River
Neighboring CountiesAlleghany County, Ashe County, Watauga County, Caldwell County, Alexander County, Iredell County, Yadkin County
Famous ForMerleFest, Blue Ridge Mountains, moonshine history
Top AttractionsStone Mountain State Park, MerleFest, Kerr Scott Reservoir, Wilkes Heritage Museum
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Wilkes County, North Carolina

Wilkes County is located in the northwestern part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1777. The county seat is Wilkesboro, while North Wilkesboro is the largest town. The county lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its scenic beauty, musical heritage including the famous MerleFest, and its historical ties to early American moonshine production.

Cities and Towns in Wilkes County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
North Wilkesboro4,38236.1600°N, 81.1500°W
Wilkesboro (county seat)3,68736.1500°N, 81.1500°W
Ronda40036.2100°N, 80.9600°W
Moravian Falls2,000+36.1000°N, 81.0500°W
Millers Creek (CDP)2,000+36.2000°N, 81.2500°W

Golf Courses in Wilkes County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Oakwoods Country ClubWilkesboro36.1500°N, 81.1500°W
Roaring River Golf CourseRoaring River area36.2000°N, 81.0000°W

Roads and Highways in Wilkes County, North Carolina

Wilkes County is connected by highways serving northwestern North Carolina.

  • US-421 – major east–west route through the county
  • NC-16 – connects Wilkes County to Charlotte and Virginia
  • NC-18 – runs north–south through the region
  • NC-268 – provides local connectivity

Neighboring Counties of Wilkes County

  • Ashe County (north)
  • Alleghany County (northwest)
  • Watauga County (west)
  • Caldwell County (southwest)
  • Alexander County (south)
  • Iredell County (south)
  • Yadkin County (east)

Top Attractions in Wilkes County, North Carolina

The county offers mountain scenery, cultural events, and outdoor recreation.

  • Stone Mountain State Park – hiking, waterfalls, and scenic views
  • MerleFest – annual music festival honoring Doc Watson
  • Kerr Scott Reservoir – boating, fishing, and camping
  • Wilkes Heritage Museum – local history and culture
  • Yadkin River Greenway – trails and outdoor recreation
  • Downtown North Wilkesboro – shops and dining

Distance from Wilkes County to Nearby Cities

  • Wilkesboro to Winston-Salem – 45 mi (72 km)
  • Wilkesboro to Charlotte – 80 mi (129 km)
  • Wilkesboro to Asheville – 100 mi (161 km)
  • Wilkesboro to Raleigh – 150 mi (241 km)
  • Wilkesboro to Boone – 40 mi (64 km)

FAQs about Wilkes County

Where is Wilkes County located?

Wilkes County is located in northwestern North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What is the population of Wilkes County?

The population of Wilkes County is 65,969 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Wilkes County known for?

Wilkes County is known for MerleFest, its musical heritage, and scenic mountain landscapes.

What are the major highways in Wilkes County?

Major highways include US-421, NC-16, NC-18, and NC-268.

Are there golf courses in Wilkes County?

Yes, Wilkes County has golf courses including Oakwoods Country Club and Roaring River Golf Course.