Bryson City, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Bryson City, North Carolina had a total population of 1,902, the 351st largest town in North Carolina, with a median household income of $44,167, which is 39% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 39% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%.
Bryson City Quick Facts
How Bryson City Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,676 | 1,902 | +13.5% |
| Median household income | $43,387 | $44,167 | +1.8% |
| Median home value | $246,700 | $243,400 | -1.3% |
How Bryson City Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bryson City Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Bryson City
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sparta | 1,928 | $42,454 | $209,600 | 21.3% | 21.5% |
| Jefferson | 1,864 | $40,590 | $236,000 | 11.9% | 22.9% |
| Robbins | 1,893 | $53,438 | $99,100 | 15.2% | 22.1% |
| Walnut Cove | 2,115 | $44,815 | $217,300 | 22.7% | 18.4% |
| Biscoe | 2,116 | $45,190 | $128,700 | 9.4% | 34.9% |
Population Overview
Bryson City is a small community located in North Carolina, within Swain County. The total population is 1,902. It ranks as the 351st most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bryson City is 35.0 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 39.1 years. 13.0% 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 is $44,167. This is 39% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 45% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 24.3%. This is 87% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. 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 1.0%. This is 78% lower than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $243,400. Housing costs are 16% lower than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x. 42.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 36% lower than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Bryson City is White (non-Hispanic), making up 70.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.6%. The Black or African American population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 20.0%.
Education
25.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 28% lower than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 80.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bryson City, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bryson City, North Carolina?
Bryson City, North Carolina has a population of 1,902 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bryson City, NC?
The median household income in Bryson City is $44,167, which is 45% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Bryson City, NC?
The poverty rate in Bryson City is 24.3%. This means approximately 412 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bryson City, North Carolina?
Bryson City's population is 70.8% White, 1.8% Black, 7.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bryson City, NC?
The median home value in Bryson City is $243,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x.
How educated is Bryson City, North Carolina?
25.5% of adults (25+) in Bryson City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.