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Population Review

Haywood County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in North Carolina

The population of Haywood County, North Carolina is 62,432 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $61,001, the median home value is $254,900, and the median age is 47.8.

The population of Haywood County has grown 7.0% since 2010 (58,930 → 63,048), a +0.48% annualized rate.

Haywood County within North Carolina · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

62,432

Population

+0.48%

Annual growth

113

People / sq mi

$61,001

Median Income

$254,900

Median Home Value

Haywood County covers 554 sq mi of land at 112.8 people per square mile.

About Haywood County, NC

Haywood County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 62,432. It ranks #45 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 47.8, older than the national median. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

The median household income in Haywood County is $61,001, below the US median of $74,580. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $254,900, with monthly rent averaging $1,052. The homeownership rate of 75.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Haywood County reflects 29.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.0 minutes each way.

Haywood County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Haywood County had a population of 58,930 in 2010 and 63,048 in 2024, a 7.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 63,048 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.49%.

2024 · 63K20102024

63,048

Population (2024)

58,930

Population (2010)

63,048

Peak (2024)

0.49%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201058,930
201158,731
201258,666
201359,006
201459,192
201559,724
201660,493
201761,167
201862,170
201962,510
202062,218
202162,527
202262,595
202362,922
202463,048

Race & Ethnicity

White91.9%
Black or African American1.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

47.8

Median Age

51.2%

Female

48.8%

Male

25.4%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.2%
5–9
5.4%
10–14
4.8%
15–19
5.2%
20–24
4.7%
25–34
11.8%
35–44
10.7%
45–54
12.5%
55–59
7.5%
60–64
7.7%
65–74
14.6%
75–84
8.0%
85+
2.8%

Children (under 15): 14.4% · Seniors (65+): 25.4%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$61,001$-8,903 vs state
Mean household income$79,327
Per-capita income$35,580
Poverty rate7.9%-1.5% vs state
Unemployment rate1.9%
Employment-to-population53.6%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
24.3%
Education & health care
13.4%
Manufacturing
13.1%
Finance & real estate
9.5%
Construction
6.5%
Information
5.5%
Public administration
5.0%
Retail trade
4.8%

The largest employment sector in Haywood County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.3% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

2.6%

Carpool

79.0%

Public transit

7.7%

Work from home

23.0 min

Avg commute

Housing

$254,900$-4,500 vs state

Median home value

$1,052

Median rent

75.0%

Homeownership rate

35,307

Total housing units

75.8%

Occupied

24.2%

Vacant

25.0%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

88.7%

With health insurance

91.8%

With broadband internet

40.3%

Foreign-born

9.7%

Veterans (18+)

17.3%

With a disability

96.8%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

91.6%

High School+

29.4%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in North Carolina

Other counties in North Carolina

Part of North Carolina

Metro areas in North Carolina

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Haywood County, North Carolina has a population of 62,432 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 113 people per square mile.

The population of Haywood County has grown 7.0% since 2010 (58,930 → 63,048), a +0.48% annualized rate.

The median household income in Haywood County, North Carolina is $61,001, with mean (average) household income of $79,327 and per-capita income of $35,580. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Haywood County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Haywood County, North Carolina is 47.8 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.

The median home value in Haywood County is $254,900 and median monthly rent is $1,052. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 35,307 total housing units, 24.2% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Haywood County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.

Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Haywood County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.