Wake County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, according to U.S. Census figures. Newcomers are drawn by a strong economy, good schools and affordable housing. In 2006, the population was 769,244. By 2008, the population was expected to rise to 850,126. In 2005 the per capita income was $30,466, according to the county. The 2005 median household income was $57,284.

The county seat is Raleigh, which is also the state capitol. Other Wake County municipalities within the county are Angier, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon.

What's the history?

The county was created in 1771 by the General Assembly from Johnston, Cumberland and Orange counties, according to the North Carolina Gazetteer by William S. Powell. The county was named for the London heiress Margaret Wake Tryon, wife of William Tryon, the Royal Governor of the British colony of North Carolina.

Who runs the county?

Wake County is governed by a board of seven commissioners who are elected at-large to four-year terms. Six of the commissioners, though elected-at-large, represent districts.

The Commissioners Are:

Tony Gurley - Chair
Paul Coble - Vice Chair
Lindy Brown
Joe Bryan
Kenn Gardner
Betty Lou Ward
Harold Webb

Commissioners typically meet on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings begin at 2 p.m., with a public comment period beginning at 3 p.m. The comment period is scheduled for 30 minutes, but may end sooner. Citizens wishing to address the Board will be asked to sign up to speak, though the floor may be opened to those who did not sign up if a request is made during the comment period. All meetings are conducted in the Commissioners' Chambers in Room 700 (7th floor) of the Wake County Courthouse, unless otherwise stated, and are open to the public. Meeting agendas and minutes.

The county manager, David Cooke, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Wake County government.

The county adopted a 2008 budget that totals more than $914 million.

The Wake County Public Library System includes six regional libraries and 12 community branch libraries. The county also operates a genealogy and local history library, an electronic information center library and two bookmobiles. Search the catalog.

The county is home to many parks and open space areas. Find one near you.

Wake County's government Web site: Information about the county and its services.

Wake County property records search: Use to find the tax value of a property, acreage, sale price, previous owners, and more.

Who lives here?

The median age in Wake County was 32.9 as of the 2000 census. The racial breakdown is 72.4 percent white, 19.7 percent black, and 3.4 percent Asian. Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 5.4 percent of the population. Bachelors degrees or higher are held by 43.9 percent of the population over 25.

 

What about public safety?

Wake County's elected Sheriff is Donnie Harrison. The sheriff is the top law enforcement officer in the county. The office is primarily responsible for law enforcement in unincorporated areas of the county. However, the sheriff and his deputies have jurisdiction in every part of the county, including incorporated cities and towns.

The sheriff's office also runs the jail and runs security in the courthouse.

Useful numbers at the sheriff's office.

Here are the crime statistics for 2006 (source: SBI):

Murder: 4

Rape: 22

Robbery: 35

Aggravated Assault: 147

Burglary: 1,062

Larcenies: 1,487

Motor Vehicle Theft: 279

 

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