Haywood County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Haywood County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 62,432. It is the 45th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Haywood County is 47.8 years. This is 22% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 10.7% 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 Haywood County is $61,001. This is 13% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%. This is 14% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $254,900. Housing costs are 2% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Haywood County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.9% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.7%. The Black or African American population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.7%) is well below the state average of 10.9%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

29.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% 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 91.6%.