The county seat is Raleigh, the state capital and largest city, with a population of approximately 480,000. Raleigh makes up the vast majority of the county’s residents and serves as the economic, political, and cultural center.

Other key cities and towns include:

• Cary – about 180,000 residents, a major suburban city known for its tech industry and high quality of life.
• Apex – roughly 75,000 people, one of the fastest-growing towns in the Triangle.
• Morrisville – around 30,000, a growing tech and airport-adjacent community.
• Holly Springs – approximately 45,000 residents.
• Fuquay-Varina – about 35,000 (partly shared with Harnett County).
• Garner – around 32,000.
• Knightdale – about 20,000.
• Wendell – roughly 12,000.
• Rolesville – about 9,000.
• Zebulon – around 6,500.

The total population of Wake County is approximately 1,150,000, making it the most populous county in North Carolina. It blends a large urban core in Raleigh with extensive suburban growth in the west and south, while the eastern part of the county remains more rural with small towns and farmland. Wake is known for its strong economy, excellent schools, and rapid development.