Bryson City, NC
Population 1,676 · North Carolina
About Bryson City, NC
Bryson City is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,676 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,387 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bryson City features a median home value of $246,700, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Bryson City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $721, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 927 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (348 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (368 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bryson City shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bryson City have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.4% of Bryson City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 20.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bryson City Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Bryson City, NC
Compared to national averages, Bryson City has a median household income of $43,387 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $246,700, which is 1% above the national median. Monthly rent at $721 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Bryson City's income is 33% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 8% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Bryson City, NC?
Bryson City offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $721/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,387) that falls below the national average. However, Bryson City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bryson City has a population of 1,676 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Bryson City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Bryson City
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut Creek | 1,684 | $145,417 | $423,800 | Compare |
| Lake Waccamaw | 1,666 | $79,844 | $294,800 | Compare |
| Horse Shoe | 1,699 | $67,703 | $396,400 | Compare |
| Hertford | 1,703 | $40,096 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Atlantic Beach | 1,705 | $58,056 | $466,400 | Compare |
| Plain View | 1,647 | $75,058 | $205,700 | Compare |
| Tryon | 1,713 | $47,604 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Cherokee | 1,631 | $48,173 | $192,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bryson City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bryson City
What is the population of Bryson City, NC?
The population of Bryson City, NC is 1,676 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Bryson City?
The median household income in Bryson City, NC is $43,387 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bryson City?
The median home value in Bryson City, NC is $246,700, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bryson City?
The median monthly rent in Bryson City, NC is $721, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bryson City?
The unemployment rate in Bryson City, NC is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bryson City, NC a good place to live?
Bryson City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,676 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bryson City, NC?
30.4% of residents in Bryson City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bryson City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bryson City, NC: median home value is $246,700 (1% above national), median rent is $721/month, and median household income is $43,387. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bryson City?
The poverty rate in Bryson City, NC is 21.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bryson City, NC?
Bryson City's population is 1.0% White, 20.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.