Bryson City town, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Bryson City town, North Carolina has a total population of 1,676, the 363rd largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $43,387, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 21.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%.
Bryson City town Quick Facts
How Bryson City town Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bryson City town Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Bryson City town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertford town | 1,703 | $40,096 | $178,600 | 13.2% | 24.8% |
| Tryon town | 1,713 | $47,604 | $222,700 | 43.7% | 28.0% |
| Sharpsburg town | 1,629 | $39,792 | $116,700 | 13.0% | 19.8% |
| Cherokee CDP | 1,631 | $48,173 | $192,700 | 20.3% | 25.0% |
| Nebo CDP | 1,608 | $47,907 | $104,100 | 12.0% | 14.9% |
Population Overview
Bryson City town is a small community located in North Carolina. The total population is 1,676. It ranks as the 363rd most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bryson City town is 40.2 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 13.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Bryson City town is $43,387. This is 38% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 45% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%. This is 64% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 1.2%. This is 75% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $246,700. Housing costs are 5% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x. 48.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 27% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Bryson City town is White (non-Hispanic), making up 68.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.3%. The Black or African American population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 20.3%.
Education
30.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bryson City town, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bryson City town, North Carolina?
Bryson City town, North Carolina has a population of 1,676 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bryson City town, NC?
The median household income in Bryson City town is $43,387, which is 45% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Bryson City town, NC?
The poverty rate in Bryson City town is 21.5%. This means approximately 316 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bryson City town, North Carolina?
Bryson City town's population is 68.7% White, 2.0% Black, 8.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bryson City town, NC?
The median home value in Bryson City town is $246,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x.
How educated is Bryson City town, North Carolina?
30.4% of adults (25+) in Bryson City town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.