Gravel driveway cost in Wilmington, NC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (1,000 sq ft)
- $2,300 – $9,450
- Per sq ft
- $2.30 – $9.30
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −7%
- US $6,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #203
- 1 = most expensive
Wilmington homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $9,450 to install a gravel driveway at 1,000 sq ft, or $2.30 to $9.30 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Wilmington is 7% lower. Construction laborers earn a median of $22.16 an hour in the Wilmington area, 2% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 1,000 sq ft in Wilmington, NC, standard level
$4,450 to $7,300
About $4.40 to $7.20 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 48% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,250 | $3,750 |
| Labor | $2,150 | $3,450 |
| Permits and fees | $60 | $130 |
| Total | $4,450 | $7,300 |
Cost breakdown for 1,000 sq ft in Wilmington, NC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $3,000 | $4,850 | 51% |
| Labor | $1,150 | $2,800 | $4,450 | 48% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $95 | $190 | 2% |
| Total | $2,300 | $5,900 | $9,450 | 100% |
Where the Wilmington price comes from
Labor is 48% of the midpoint bill here, against 50% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is construction laborers (50%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (50%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Wilmington the blended ratio comes out at 0.89.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Wilmington metro is 96.6 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 1,000 sq ft comes to $3,000, compared with $3,100 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (96.4) and land at $0 to $190.
When to schedule gravel driveway in Wilmington
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Wilmington Intl Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
August through June is the stretch where digging, grading and setting material in the ground runs into the fewest weather problems in Wilmington (11 of 12 months). July has an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Wilmington gets about 60 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are July, August and September (8.7 inches in September). Inside the workable window, February and April are the driest, at 3.5 and 3.1 inches. The station averages about 45 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57 | 36 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Feb | 60 | 38 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Mar | 67 | 44 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Apr | 75 | 53 | 3.1 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 61 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 69 | 5.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 73 | 6.9 | Hot |
| Aug | 88 | 72 | 8.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 84 | 67 | 8.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 76 | 56 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Nov | 67 | 45 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Dec | 60 | 39 | 3.7 | Workable |
How Wilmington compares
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Wilmington. Myrtle Beach is the lowest at about $5,600 (midpoint, 1,000 sq ft), 60 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, NCthis page | $2,300 – $9,450 | $5,900 | |
| Myrtle Beach, SC60 miles | $2,200 – $9,000 | $5,600 | −5% |
| Fayetteville, NC75 miles | $2,300 – $9,350 | $5,800 | −1% |
| Greenville, NC100 miles | $2,250 – $9,250 | $5,750 | −2% |
| Florence, SC100 miles | $2,300 – $9,400 | $5,850 | −1% |
| Raleigh, NC105 miles | $2,350 – $9,600 | $5,950 | +1% |
| North Carolina (statewide) | $2,300 – $9,450 | $5,900 | level |
| United States | $2,500 – $10,200 | $6,350 | +8% |
Across 300 US metros, Wilmington comes in at #203 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $9,500; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $5,200 (midpoints, 1,000 sq ft). Statewide, Wilmington is 0% above the North Carolina figure.
Other North Carolina metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,358,370 jobs | $2,350 – $9,600 | $5,950 | +1% |
| Raleigh, NC | 743,120 jobs | $2,350 – $9,600 | $5,950 | +1% |
| Greensboro, NC | 365,410 jobs | $2,250 – $9,200 | $5,750 | −3% |
| Durham, NC | 344,020 jobs | $2,350 – $9,600 | $6,000 | +2% |
| Winston, NC | 271,980 jobs | $2,250 – $9,250 | $5,750 | −2% |
| Asheville, NC | 180,620 jobs | $2,350 – $9,550 | $5,950 | +1% |
Cities with a workforce like Wilmington's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Wilmington against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 192,390 jobs | $2,600 – $10,500 | $6,550 | +11% |
| Pensacola, FL | 190,480 jobs | $2,250 – $9,300 | $5,800 | −2% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 192,580 jobs | $2,250 – $9,150 | $5,700 | −3% |
| Salem, OR | 188,620 jobs | $2,800 – $11,500 | $7,150 | +21% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: gravel driveway pricing in Wilmington
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Wilmington wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$2,300 to $5,200
Crusher-run spread and compacted on firm ground
Standard
$4,450 to $7,300
Excavated base plus top course, fabric, light grading
Premium
$6,600 to $9,450
Deep multi-layer build, edging, culvert or drainage
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| single car (500 sq ft) | $1,150 – $2,650 | $2,250 – $3,750 | $3,350 – $4,850 |
| two car (1,000 sq ft) | $2,300 – $5,200 | $4,450 – $7,300 | $6,600 – $9,450 |
| 100 ft x 10 ft (1,000 sq ft) | $2,300 – $5,200 | $4,450 – $7,300 | $6,600 – $9,450 |
| long rural (2,000 sq ft) | $4,650 – $10,300 | $8,850 – $14,500 | $13,100 – $18,700 |
Optional extras in Wilmington
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Wilmington by the average of the local wage index (0.89) and goods index (0.97), a factor of 0.93. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add edging (approx. 1 ft per 10 sq ft) | $460 – $1,650 |
Planning more than one job in Wilmington?
Because every project leans on different trades, Wilmington's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, sod installation runs −4% and concrete driveway −12%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,850 – $6,900 | −7% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,250 – $8,100 | −12% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $560 – $2,000 | −6% |
| Sod installation | 1,500 sq ft | $1,450 – $3,150 | −4% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,200 – $4,800 | −9% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,800 – $5,100 | −7% |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 2 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Wilmington is 0.89 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 50% of the weighting: a median of $22.16 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.02 and $26.94 an hour. About 1,870 work in the metro. That is 97.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 50%) the local median is $23.03 an hour, which is 20% below the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $21.55 and $27.13 an hour. BLS counts 790 of them working in the area, 41.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($26.94 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $330. At the 25th percentile ($18.02) it shrinks by about $290. The total moves by 5.6% or 4.9%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 191,280 jobs in the Wilmington area. That makes it the 120th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.12% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 50% | $18.02 | $22.16 | $26.94 | $22.66 | 0.98 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 50% | $21.55 | $23.03 | $27.13 | $28.78 | 0.80 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.89 | |||||
Specs and site conditions that change a Wilmington bid
Stone is sold by weight
Stone is priced by the ton, so every extra inch of depth or foot of width adds loads of delivery.
Permit
A driveway permit is typically $50-$200 where one is needed for a new curb cut or connection; plenty of rural counties require none.
Depth and layers
A proper driveway is a 4-inch base plus a 2-inch top course. Each extra inch of stone adds weight in tons and money.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $4,450 to $7,300 for Wilmington, NC is attached.
Detailed gravel driveway report for Wilmington, NC, $9
Multi-page report for Wilmington, NC: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Gravel driveway in Wilmington: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a gravel driveway in Wilmington?
For 1,000 sq ft, expect $2,300 to $9,450 in the Wilmington area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,450 to $7,300. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for gravel driveway in Wilmington?
About $2.30 to $9.30 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $0 to $190 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $2.50 to $10.
+Is gravel driveway cheaper in Wilmington or Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 1,000 sq ft there is $5,600, which is 5% less than Wilmington ($5,900). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Wilmington?
About 48% at the midpoint, or $2,800 out of $5,900. Materials are 51% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 100 ft x 10 ft (1,000 sq ft) cost in Wilmington?
$2,300 to $9,450. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does gravel driveway need a permit in Wilmington?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $190 for fees in the Wilmington area (our national range of $0 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Wilmington expensive for gravel driveway compared with the rest of North Carolina?
Wilmington is 0% above the North Carolina statewide estimate ($5,900 at the midpoint). We cover 11 metros in North Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Wilmington?
The BLS median is $22.16 an hour in the Wilmington area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.02 to $26.94.
+What do basic and premium gravel driveway work cost in Wilmington?
For 1,000 sq ft, basic work runs $2,300 to $5,200 and premium work $6,600 to $9,450. Basic means: crusher-run spread and compacted on firm ground. Premium means: deep multi-layer build, edging, culvert or drainage.
+When is the best time to install a gravel driveway in Wilmington?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are August through June. February and April are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add edging" add in Wilmington?
$460 to $1,650 for 1,000 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Gravel driveway near Wilmington
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- CalculateGravel: Gravel Driveway Cost in 2026 (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Installed range spans a basic spread-and-compact job ($2.50/sq ft low, CalculateGravel) to a full build with excavation ($10/sq ft high, HomeGuide). Materials low end is DIY stone ($1.20/sq ft, CalculateGravel); high end is half of HomeGuide's $10 because it says labor is about 50% of the project.