Sylva, NC
Population 2,600 · North Carolina
About Sylva, NC
Sylva is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 2,600 residents. The median household income is $41,926 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Sylva is 30.3 years.
Housing in Sylva has a median home value of $195,500 and median monthly rent of $768. Of the 1,272 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 420 owner-occupied and 623 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Sylva is 13.3% and the poverty rate is 26.6%. 34.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.6 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Sylva?
The median household income in Sylva, NC is $41,926 per year.
What is the median home value in Sylva?
The median home value in Sylva, NC is $195,500.
What is the average rent in Sylva?
The median monthly rent in Sylva, NC is $768.
What is the unemployment rate in Sylva?
The unemployment rate in Sylva, NC is 13.3%.