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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Yancey County: a median age of 47.9, older than the national median. With 18,676 residents, Yancey County is a county in North Carolina.
The typical household earns $54,961, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $222,300, with typical rent around $807.
23.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 8.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Yancey County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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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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.