Tryon, Polk County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,810
5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,721/yr
21.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,054
0.9% year-over-year change

Tryon population

How many people live in Tryon

Tryon is home to 1,810 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.1% of Tryon locals are male, and 55.9% are female.

Total population
1,810
5.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.1%
798
Female
55.9%
1,012
Value Percent YoY change
Male 798 44.1% 2.8%
Female 1,012 55.9% 8.0%
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 Tryon is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.2% are children under 15, then 5.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.6% of the population, while another 28.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 37.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.2%
15 to 24
5.8%
25 to 44
21.6%
45 to 64
28.8%
Over 65
37.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 112 6.2% -31.3%
15 to 24 104 5.8% 76.3%
25 to 44 391 21.6% 9.8%
45 to 64 522 28.8% 0.0%
Over 65 681 37.6% 11.1%
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 Tryon, 90.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.3% of locals are Caucasian, 9.5% are African American and 5.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,630 90.1% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 144 8% 67.4%
Non-citizens 36 2% 56.5%
Racial breakdown
White
79.3%
Black or African American
9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,435 79.3%
Black or African American 172 9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.3%
Asian 107 5.9%
Two or more races 91 5%

Households in Tryon

A peek inside Tryon households

Tryon has 980 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.9% are families, while the remaining 54.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
980
9.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
530
Family households
450
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 530 54.1% 5.2%
Family households 450 45.9% 14.2%
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 Tryon

The housing landscape of Tryon

Tryon's housing consists of 1,054 units, with 65.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,054
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 690 65.5%
1 unit, attached 10 1%
2 units 82 7.8%
3 or 4 units 44 4.2%
5 to 9 units 176 16.7%
10 to 19 units 36 3.4%
20 to 49 units 3 0.3%
50 or more units 5 0.5%
Mobile home 8 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
40
300.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tryon

In Tryon, the median construction year is 1967. About 19.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 210 19.9% 60.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 54 5.1% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 160 15.2% 3.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 150 14.2% -21.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 115 10.9% -39.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 195 18.5% 14.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 31 2.9% 6.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 99 9.4% -12.4%
Built in 2020 or later 40 3.8% 300.0%
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.

Tryon occupancy rates

Out of the 980 occupied housing units in Tryon, 56% are owner-occupied, while 44% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
980
9.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
431
Owner occupied
549
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 431 44% 12.2%
Owner occupied 549 56% 6.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.0%
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.

Tryon housing costs

Housing costs in Tryon come to a median of $1,233 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,288.

Median housing costs per month
$1,233/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 Tryon
$1,288/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 Tryon

Tryon education at a glance

About 20.8% of the population in Tryon went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 31.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 1.1% 350.0%
High school diploma 341 20.8% -20.3%
College diploma 338 20.6% -0.6%
Associate degree 128 7.8% 21.9%
Bachelor's degree 510 31.1% 18.1%
Graduate degree 306 18.6% 39.1%
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 Tryon

How much people earn in Tryon

The average annual household income in Tryon was $74,114 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,721, reflecting a +21.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tryon
$74,114/year
15.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tryon
$57,721/year
21.2% year-over-year change

Tryon income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,352 overall. Overall, 77.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $73,352 25.8%
Over 65 $65,833 17.3%
Above poverty level
1,349
Below poverty level
388
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,349 77.7% 14.3%
Below poverty level 388 22.3% -15.3%

Average renter income in Tryon

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tryon, their median household income was $31,029 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 49.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,029
Rent-to-income ratio
49.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Tryon

Workforce and job types in Tryon

The job market in Tryon is powered by 810 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 24.1% run their own businesses, 56.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
810
8.1% year-over-year change
White collar
562
Blue collar
248
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 562 69.4% 8.1%
Blue collar 248 30.6% 8.3%
Employer type
Self employees
24.1%
Private companies
56.3%
Governmental workers
14.6%
Not for profit companies
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 195 24.1% 11.4%
Private companies 456 56.3% -5.2%
Governmental workers 118 14.6% 78.8%
Not for profit companies 41 5.1% 51.9%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
16.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tryon stands at 2.5%, 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 Tryon

How people get around in Tryon

Commuting methods vary: 77.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 626 77.3% 2.6%
Walk 45 5.6% 7.1%
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 Tryon by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28782 6,519 3,240 $72,946 $106,447

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FAQs about Tryon demographics 

What is the total population of Tryon?

Tryon has a total population of 1,810 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 +5.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tryon?

The gender ratio in Tryon is as follows:
  • 44.1% males (798 residents)
  • 55.9% females (1,012 residents)

What is the median age in Tryon?

The median age in Tryon is 58.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tryon?

The age distribution in Tryon is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.2% (112 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.8% (104 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.6% (391 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.8% (522 residents)
  • Over 65: 37.6% (681 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tryon?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tryon is as follows:
  • White: 79.3% (1,435 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.5% (172 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 5.9% (107 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5% (91 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.1% of the population in Tryon.

How many housing units are there in Tryon?

There are 1,054 housing units in Tryon, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Tryon has a total of 980 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tryon?

Tryon has a median household income of $57,721, representing a +21.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Tryon?

The employment rate is 97.5% in Tryon, with a workforce of 810 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.4% (562 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.6% (248 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 24.1% (195 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.3% (456 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.6% (118 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.1% (41 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