Skip to main content
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 skews on age — the median resident is 47.8, older than the national median. With 62,432 residents, Haywood County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #45 among counties in North Carolina by population.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $61,001 — below the US median of $78,538. About 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $254,900, with typical rent around $1,052.

About 29.4% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. About 7.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.

The age structure shapes everything downstream in Haywood County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.

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
Haywood County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

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.


Haywood County, NC Climate

Haywood County, NC has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C (53°F) and receives about 1355 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

11.9°C

Avg Temp

1355

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°142mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Haywood County, NC — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January2° / 35°120 mm
February3° / 38°118 mm
March7° / 45°142 mm
April11° / 53°105 mm
May16° / 60°125 mm
June20° / 67°116 mm
July22° / 71°108 mm
August21° / 70°120 mm
September18° / 65°101 mm
October12° / 54°83 mm
November7° / 45°106 mm
December3° / 38°111 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 Haywood County, NC

The most comfortable months to visit Haywood County, NC are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). March is usually the wettest month.

AugustJulyJune

Where to stay near Haywood County

Visiting or relocating to Haywood County, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Haywood County

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Planning a move to Haywood County?

Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Haywood County, NC by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

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

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