Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.7 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
| Below Poverty | 17.5% ▲ 75% above avg |
| College Grads | 32.2% ▼ 17% below avg |
| Unemployment | 8.2% ▲ 68% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 113 (1.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,000 (31.5%) |
| Some College | 1,433 (15.1%) |
| Associates | 1,824 (19.2%) |
| Bachelors | 967 (10.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,176 (22.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $54,018 ▼ 29% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $197,112 ▼ 29% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.6x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $692/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 9,351 |
| Vacant Units | 2,770 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Swain County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 3 ZIP codes spanning 3 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 15,489 residents. With a median age of 42.66, it is a middle-aged county.
Swain County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $54,017 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 8.2%, significantly above the national average. The poverty rate of 17.5% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in Swain County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $197,112 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $692. Homeownership rates are high at 74.6%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Swain County are majority White (52.19%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 32.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average.
Swain County, NC is a working-class area in North Carolina. The 3 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.