Waynesville, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Waynesville, North Carolina is 10,408 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 95th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $50,554, the median home value is $254,800, and the median age is 47.4.
The population has grown 8.7% since 2010 (9,848 → 10,709).
10,408
Population
1161
People / sq mi
$50,554
Median Income
$254,800
Median Home Value
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Waynesville covers 9.0 sq mi of land at 1161 people per square mile.
About Waynesville, NC
Age is the most distinctive thing about Waynesville: a median age of 47.4, older than the national median. Waynesville is a city in North Carolina with a population of 10,408.
The typical household earns $50,554, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $254,800, with typical rent around $1,105.
31.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 12.2%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Waynesville — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Waynesville town Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Waynesville town had a population of 9,848 in 2010 and 10,709 in 2024, a 8.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,709 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.61%.
10,709
Population (2024)
9,848
Population (2010)
10,709
Peak (2024)
0.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,848 |
| 2011 | 9,809 |
| 2012 | 9,656 |
| 2013 | 9,708 |
| 2014 | 9,698 |
| 2015 | 9,770 |
| 2016 | 9,895 |
| 2017 | 9,969 |
| 2018 | 10,093 |
| 2019 | 10,141 |
| 2020 | 10,244 |
| 2021 | 10,292 |
| 2022 | 10,614 |
| 2023 | 10,647 |
| 2024 | 10,709 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$50,554
Median Household Income
$34,577
Per Capita Income
10.3%
Poverty Rate
1.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$254,800
Median Home Value
$1,105
Median Rent
58.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
87.1%
High School+
31.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
68.4%
Public Transit
12.2%
Work From Home
18.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
42.8%
Foreign Born
94.8%
Non-English at Home
10.0%
Veterans
21.5%
With Disability
84.5%
Health Insurance
89.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 20.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.7% |
| Manufacturing | 7.5% |
| Construction | 7.4% |
| Information | 7.0% |
| Public Administration | 3.0% |
| Retail Trade | 2.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
Waynesville, North Carolina has a population of 10,408 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 95th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Waynesville, North Carolina is $50,554, with 10.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Waynesville, North Carolina is $254,800, with median monthly rent at $1,105 and a homeownership rate of 58.2%.
The median age in Waynesville, North Carolina is 47.4 years. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The population has grown 8.7% since 2010 (9,848 → 10,709).
Waynesville town, NC Climate
Waynesville town, NC has an average annual temperature of 11.1°C (52°F) and receives about 1587 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.1°C
Avg Temp
1587
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 137 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 133 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 163 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 121 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 145 mm |
| June | 19° / 65° | 136 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 129 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 134 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 121 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 106 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 132 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 130 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Waynesville town, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Waynesville town, NC are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Waynesville
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Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.