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
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
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).
Where to stay in Waynesville
Visiting or relocating to Waynesville, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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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.