Bryson City, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,902
13.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,167/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,013
9.3% year-over-year change

Bryson City population

How many people live in Bryson City

Bryson City is home to 1,902 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of Bryson City locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
1,902
13.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
876
Female
53.9%
1,026
Value Percent YoY change
Male 876 46.1% 11.7%
Female 1,026 53.9% 15.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bryson City is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.7% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.8% of the population, while another 17.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.7%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
31.8%
45 to 64
17.8%
Over 65
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 356 18.7% 21.5%
15 to 24 215 11.3% 33.5%
25 to 44 605 31.8% 27.6%
45 to 64 338 17.8% 3.7%
Over 65 388 20.4% -8.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bryson City, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 10.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,831 96.3% 10.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 22 1.2% 69.2%
Non-citizens 49 2.6% 308.3%
Racial breakdown
White
72.4%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
15.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,378 72.4%
Black or African American 34 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 287 15.1%
Two or more races 203 10.7%

Households in Bryson City

A peek inside Bryson City households

Bryson City has 806 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.8% are families, while the remaining 40.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
806
12.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
324
Family households
482
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 324 40.2% 1.6%
Family households 482 59.8% 21.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bryson City

The housing landscape of Bryson City

Bryson City's housing consists of 1,013 units, with 51.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 12.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,013
9.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 519 51.2%
1 unit, attached 21 2.1%
2 units 62 6.1%
3 or 4 units 89 8.8%
5 to 9 units 161 15.9%
20 to 49 units 21 2.1%
Mobile home 129 12.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
16
33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bryson City

In Bryson City, the median construction year is 1977. About 7.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 78 7.7% -23.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 44 4.3% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 98 9.7% 15.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 150 14.8% 33.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 185 18.3% 17.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 82 8.1% -6.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 134 13.2% -23.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 169 16.7% 87.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 57 5.6% -6.6%
Built in 2020 or later 16 1.6% 33.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bryson City occupancy rates

Out of the 806 occupied housing units in Bryson City, 42.8% are owner-occupied, while 57.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
806
12.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
461
Owner occupied
345
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 461 57.2% 25.3%
Owner occupied 345 42.8% -0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
20.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bryson City housing costs

Housing costs in Bryson City come to a median of $750 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $783.

Median housing costs per month
$750/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bryson City
$783/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bryson City

Bryson City education at a glance

About 48.6% of the population in Bryson City went to high school, while 16.1% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 17.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 82 5.5% 60.8%
High school diploma 727 48.6% 20.2%
College diploma 241 16.1% 6.2%
Associate degree 76 5.1% 1.3%
Bachelor's degree 266 17.8% -2.6%
Graduate degree 105 7% -4.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bryson City

How much people earn in Bryson City

The average annual household income in Bryson City was $59,246 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,167, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bryson City
$59,246/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bryson City
$44,167/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Bryson City income by age

In Bryson City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,657. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,556 overall. Overall, 75.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $78,657 0.1%
45 - 64 $50,556 14.2%
Over 65 $27,188 -6.3%
Above poverty level
1,283
Below poverty level
408
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,283 75.9% 11.5%
Below poverty level 408 24.1% 30.8%

Employment in Bryson City

Workforce and job types in Bryson City

The job market in Bryson City is powered by 864 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 62.3% are employed by private companies, and 25.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
864
15.7% year-over-year change
White collar
778
Blue collar
86
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 778 90% 12.8%
Blue collar 86 10% 50.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
62.3%
Governmental workers
25.4%
Not for profit companies
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 87 10.1% -5.4%
Private companies 538 62.3% 21.7%
Governmental workers 219 25.4% 25.1%
Not for profit companies 20 2.3% -47.4%
Unemployment rate
1.0%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bryson City stands at 1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bryson City

How people get around in Bryson City

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 783 90.7% 18.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bryson City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28713 8,425 3,827 $50,882 $74,218

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Bryson City demographics 

What is the total population of Bryson City?

Bryson City has a total population of 1,902 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +13.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bryson City?

The gender ratio in Bryson City is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (876 residents)
  • 53.9% females (1,026 residents)

What is the median age in Bryson City?

The median age in Bryson City is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bryson City?

The age distribution in Bryson City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.7% (356 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (215 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.8% (605 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.8% (338 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.4% (388 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bryson City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bryson City is as follows:
  • White: 72.4% (1,378 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (34 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 15.1% (287 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.7% (203 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bryson City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Bryson City.

How many housing units are there in Bryson City?

There are 1,013 housing units in Bryson City, reflecting a +9.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bryson City and what is the average household size?

Bryson City has a total of 806 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bryson City?

Bryson City has a median household income of $44,167, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bryson City?

The employment rate is 99% in Bryson City, with a workforce of 864 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90% (778 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10% (86 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (87 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.3% (538 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.4% (219 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.3% (20 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025