Sylva, NC
Population 2,600 · North Carolina
About Sylva, NC
Sylva is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,600 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,926 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sylva features a median home value of $195,500, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sylva in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $768, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,272 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (420 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (623 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 Sylva shows an unemployment rate of 13.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sylva have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.4% of Sylva 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 9.2% White, 9.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 9.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sylva, NC
Compared to national averages, Sylva has a median household income of $41,926 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $195,500, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $768 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Sylva's income is 35% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 15% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Sylva, NC?
Sylva offers affordable housing with a median home value of $195,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $768/month, and a well-educated community where 34.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,926) that falls below the national average. However, Sylva’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sylva has a population of 2,600 with a median age of 30.3 years. Compare Sylva with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Sylva
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Carteret | 2,598 | $75,313 | $347,500 | Compare |
| Marshville | 2,586 | $60,784 | $147,100 | Compare |
| Haw River | 2,581 | $67,366 | $142,200 | Compare |
| Youngsville | 2,581 | $61,813 | $404,500 | Compare |
| St. Pauls | 2,628 | $33,667 | $118,300 | Compare |
| Tobaccoville | 2,632 | $78,591 | $227,200 | Compare |
| Franklinton | 2,562 | $64,053 | $195,800 | Compare |
| Sneads Ferry | 2,556 | $59,783 | $233,500 | 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 Sylva With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sylva
What is the population of Sylva, NC?
The population of Sylva, NC is 2,600 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 Sylva?
The median household income in Sylva, NC is $41,926 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sylva?
The median home value in Sylva, NC is $195,500, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Sylva?
The median monthly rent in Sylva, NC is $768, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sylva?
The unemployment rate in Sylva, NC is 13.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sylva, NC a good place to live?
Sylva offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,600 and a median age of 30.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sylva, NC?
34.4% of residents in Sylva 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 Sylva?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sylva, NC: median home value is $195,500 (20% below national), median rent is $768/month, and median household income is $41,926. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sylva?
The poverty rate in Sylva, NC is 26.6%, 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 Sylva, NC?
Sylva's population is 9.2% White, 9.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 9.0% of residents are foreign-born.