Lake Junaluska, NC
Population 2,903 · North Carolina
About Lake Junaluska, NC
Lake Junaluska is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,903 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,115 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lake Junaluska features a median home value of $329,600, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Lake Junaluska in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,135, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,912 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (959 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (303 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Junaluska shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Junaluska have an average one-way commute time of 11.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
51.3% of Lake Junaluska residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lake Junaluska, NC
Compared to national averages, Lake Junaluska has a median household income of $82,115 (9% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $329,600, which is 35% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,135 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Lake Junaluska's income is 27% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 44% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Lake Junaluska, NC?
Lake Junaluska offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,115, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,135/month, and a well-educated community where 51.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.8 minutes.
Lake Junaluska has a population of 2,903 with a median age of 53.2 years. Compare Lake Junaluska with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lake Junaluska
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy | 2,905 | $60,167 | $134,500 | Compare |
| Fairfield Harbour | 2,898 | $69,661 | $278,800 | Compare |
| River Bend | 2,896 | $68,314 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Bayshore | 2,870 | $97,174 | $498,300 | Compare |
| Lake Royale | 2,959 | $96,250 | $263,000 | Compare |
| Carthage | 2,840 | $62,177 | $194,100 | Compare |
| Pembroke | 2,823 | $22,940 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Yadkinville | 2,986 | $43,577 | $172,800 | 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 Lake Junaluska With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Junaluska
What is the population of Lake Junaluska, NC?
The population of Lake Junaluska, NC is 2,903 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 Lake Junaluska?
The median household income in Lake Junaluska, NC is $82,115 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Junaluska?
The median home value in Lake Junaluska, NC is $329,600, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Junaluska?
The median monthly rent in Lake Junaluska, NC is $1,135, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Junaluska?
The unemployment rate in Lake Junaluska, NC is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lake Junaluska, NC a good place to live?
Lake Junaluska offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,903 and a median age of 53.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lake Junaluska, NC?
51.3% of residents in Lake Junaluska aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lake Junaluska?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Junaluska, NC: median home value is $329,600 (35% above national), median rent is $1,135/month, and median household income is $82,115. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Junaluska?
The poverty rate in Lake Junaluska, NC is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake Junaluska, NC?
Lake Junaluska's population is 3.0% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.