Yancey County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 83rd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Yancey County, North Carolina is 18,676 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 83rd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $54,961, the median home value is $222,300, and the median age is 47.9.
The population of Yancey County has grown 6.7% since 2010 (17,805 → 18,993), a +0.46% annualized rate.
18,676
Population
+0.46%
Annual growth
60
People / sq mi
$54,961
Median Income
$222,300
Median Home Value
Yancey County covers 313 sq mi of land at 59.7 people per square mile.
About Yancey County, NC
Yancey County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 18,676. It ranks #83 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 47.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Yancey County is $54,961, below the US median of $74,580. 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $222,300, with monthly rent averaging $807. The homeownership rate of 77.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Yancey County reflects 23.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.6 minutes each way.
Yancey County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Yancey County had a population of 17,805 in 2010 and 18,993 in 2024, a 6.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,993 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.47%.
18,993
Population (2024)
17,805
Population (2010)
18,993
Peak (2024)
0.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,805 |
| 2011 | 17,691 |
| 2012 | 17,625 |
| 2013 | 17,550 |
| 2014 | 17,543 |
| 2015 | 17,550 |
| 2016 | 17,590 |
| 2017 | 17,709 |
| 2018 | 17,893 |
| 2019 | 18,059 |
| 2020 | 18,496 |
| 2021 | 18,767 |
| 2022 | 18,790 |
| 2023 | 18,940 |
| 2024 | 18,993 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.9
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
26.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 26.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,961$-14,943 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,969 |
| Per-capita income | $34,699 |
| Poverty rate | 8.5%-0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Yancey County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
80.4%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
27.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$222,300$-37,100 vs state
Median home value
$807
Median rent
77.2%
Homeownership rate
11,317
Total housing units
72.4%
Occupied
27.6%
Vacant
22.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.6%
With health insurance
86.9%
With broadband internet
29.1%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
19.9%
With a disability
95.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.1%
High School+
23.0%
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
Yancey County, North Carolina has a population of 18,676 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 83rd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 60 people per square mile.
The population of Yancey County has grown 6.7% since 2010 (17,805 → 18,993), a +0.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Yancey County, North Carolina is $54,961, with mean (average) household income of $78,969 and per-capita income of $34,699. 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Yancey County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Yancey County, North Carolina is 47.9 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Yancey County is $222,300 and median monthly rent is $807. 77.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,317 total housing units, 27.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Yancey County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Yancey 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.