Transylvania County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 69th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Transylvania County, North Carolina is 33,243 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 69th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $64,523, the median home value is $336,100, and the median age is 51.9.
The population of Transylvania County has grown 3.1% since 2010 (33,087 → 34,103), a +0.22% annualized rate.
33,243
Population
+0.22%
Annual growth
88
People / sq mi
$64,523
Median Income
$336,100
Median Home Value
Transylvania County covers 378 sq mi of land at 87.9 people per square mile.
About Transylvania County, NC
Transylvania County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 33,243. It ranks #69 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 51.9, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Transylvania County is $64,523, below the US median of $74,580. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $336,100, with monthly rent averaging $909. The homeownership rate of 75.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Transylvania County reflects 38.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.5 minutes each way.
Transylvania County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Transylvania County had a population of 33,087 in 2010 and 34,103 in 2024, a 3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,270 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.22%.
34,103
Population (2024)
33,087
Population (2010)
34,270
Peak (2019)
0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,087 |
| 2011 | 32,812 |
| 2012 | 32,849 |
| 2013 | 32,847 |
| 2014 | 32,971 |
| 2015 | 33,185 |
| 2016 | 33,433 |
| 2017 | 33,812 |
| 2018 | 34,182 |
| 2019 | 34,270 |
| 2020 | 33,258 |
| 2021 | 33,494 |
| 2022 | 33,668 |
| 2023 | 33,934 |
| 2024 | 34,103 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.3% |
| Black or African American | 3.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
51.9
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
30.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.9% · Seniors (65+): 30.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,523$-5,381 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,211 |
| Per-capita income | $38,899 |
| Poverty rate | 8.7%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Transylvania County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
76.4%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
23.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$336,100+$76,700 vs state
Median home value
$909
Median rent
75.1%
Homeownership rate
19,147
Total housing units
76.2%
Occupied
23.8%
Vacant
24.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.2%
With health insurance
92.2%
With broadband internet
49.7%
Foreign-born
11.2%
Veterans (18+)
14.5%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.8%
High School+
38.6%
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
Transylvania County, North Carolina has a population of 33,243 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 69th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 88 people per square mile.
The population of Transylvania County has grown 3.1% since 2010 (33,087 → 34,103), a +0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Transylvania County, North Carolina is $64,523, with mean (average) household income of $86,211 and per-capita income of $38,899. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Transylvania County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.3%), Black or African American (3.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Transylvania County, North Carolina is 51.9 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Transylvania County is $336,100 and median monthly rent is $909. 75.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,147 total housing units, 23.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Transylvania County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Transylvania County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
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.