Lake Junaluska, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina had a total population of 3,175, the 251st largest community in North Carolina, with a median household income of $66,165, which is 9% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- 54.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in North Carolina.
Lake Junaluska Quick Facts
How Lake Junaluska 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 | 2,903 | 3,175 | +9.4% |
| Median household income | $82,115 | $66,165 | -19.4% |
| Median home value | $329,600 | $389,200 | +18.1% |
How Lake Junaluska 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
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lake Junaluska Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Haywood County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waynesville | 10,502 | $54,923 | 15.9% | $281,700 |
| Canton | 4,419 | $69,924 | 15.0% | $246,700 |
| Maggie Valley | 2,112 | $68,125 | 14.6% | $320,500 |
| West Canton | 1,412 | $34,464 | 7.9% | $197,000 |
| Clyde | 1,359 | $56,406 | 8.2% | $200,000 |
Cities Similar to Lake Junaluska
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda Run | 3,211 | $69,301 | $347,600 | 47.3% | 4.6% |
| Enochville | 3,321 | $66,225 | $265,700 | 11.2% | 18.6% |
| Elroy | 3,251 | $63,238 | $133,100 | 15.8% | 14.0% |
| Spencer | 3,349 | $65,465 | $201,700 | 25.6% | 11.2% |
| Lake Park | 3,431 | $66,411 | $334,500 | 41.4% | 8.0% |
Population Overview
Lake Junaluska is a small community located in North Carolina, within Haywood County. The total population is 3,175. It ranks as the 251st most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lake Junaluska is 46.8 years. This is 20% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 17.0% 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 Lake Junaluska is $66,165. This is 9% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 18% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%. This is 28% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.6%. This is 41% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $389,200. Housing costs are 35% higher than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x. 74.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Junaluska has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.5%) is well below the state average of 11.3%. The Asian population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.
Education
54.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Lake Junaluska in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 54% higher 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 94.1%. Notably, 18.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lake Junaluska, 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 Lake Junaluska, North Carolina?
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina has a population of 3,175 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lake Junaluska, NC?
The median household income in Lake Junaluska is $66,165, which is 18% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Junaluska, NC?
The poverty rate in Lake Junaluska is 9.4%. This means approximately 296 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lake Junaluska, North Carolina?
Lake Junaluska's population is 88.5% White, 0.0% Black, 5.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lake Junaluska, NC?
The median home value in Lake Junaluska is $389,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x.
How educated is Lake Junaluska, North Carolina?
54.9% of adults (25+) in Lake Junaluska hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.