Waynesville, NC
Population 10,408 · North Carolina
About Waynesville, NC
Waynesville is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 10,408 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,554 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.4 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 Waynesville features a median home value of $254,800, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Waynesville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,105, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,866 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (2,834 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,039 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waynesville shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waynesville have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.3% of Waynesville 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 2.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waynesville, NC
Compared to national averages, Waynesville has a median household income of $50,554 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $254,800, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,105 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Waynesville's income is 22% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 11% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Waynesville, NC?
Waynesville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,105/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,554) that falls below the national average. However, Waynesville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waynesville has a population of 10,408 with a median age of 47.4 years. Compare Waynesville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Waynesville
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolesville | 10,200 | $148,250 | $467,400 | Compare |
| Winterville | 10,624 | $82,783 | $226,600 | Compare |
| Mount Airy | 10,631 | $39,873 | $176,600 | Compare |
| Tarboro | 10,705 | $49,386 | $155,500 | Compare |
| Pineville | 10,780 | $64,257 | $344,700 | Compare |
| Summerfield | 11,031 | $151,131 | $490,100 | Compare |
| Washington | 9,754 | $41,723 | $193,800 | Compare |
| Spout Springs | 11,073 | $87,905 | $310,100 | 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 Waynesville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waynesville
What is the population of Waynesville, NC?
The population of Waynesville, NC is 10,408 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Waynesville?
The median household income in Waynesville, NC is $50,554 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waynesville?
The median home value in Waynesville, NC is $254,800, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waynesville?
The median monthly rent in Waynesville, NC is $1,105, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waynesville?
The unemployment rate in Waynesville, NC is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waynesville, NC a good place to live?
Waynesville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,408 and a median age of 47.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Waynesville, NC?
31.3% of residents in Waynesville 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 Waynesville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waynesville, NC: median home value is $254,800 (4% above national), median rent is $1,105/month, and median household income is $50,554. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waynesville?
The poverty rate in Waynesville, NC is 15.3%, 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 Waynesville, NC?
Waynesville's population is 2.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.