Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 14,065 ↓ 0.4% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $55,429 26% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $209,800 |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.3% |
| Median Age | 42.6 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 31.6% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 200 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 233 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $19,345 |
| Recent Sales | 169 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 235 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 6.80 acres |
| Active Listings | 182 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 5.39 | $33,000 | $6,122 | Bryson City |
| Mar 2026 | 1.52 | $23,000 | $15,082 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 10.02 | $85,000 | $8,486 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 23.29 | $625,000 | $26,832 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 5.00 | $85,000 | $17,000 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 1.63 | $32,500 | $19,939 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 1.63 | $32,500 | $19,939 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 1.37 | $12,000 | $8,759 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 2.63 | $50,000 | $19,012 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 1.21 | $500 | $413 | Whittier |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Sep 2025 – Feb 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $22,500 |
| Recent Sales | 31 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 225 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.70 acres |
| Active Listings | 18 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 0.60 | $2,000 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 0.31 | $22,500 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 0.93 | $500 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 0.29 | $40,000 | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 0.55 | $6,000 | Bryson City |
| Feb 2026 | 0.55 | $6,000 | Whittier |
| Feb 2026 | 0.79 | $6,000 | Whittier |
| Oct 2025 | 0.44 | $24,000 | Bryson City |
| Oct 2025 | 0.97 | $2,200,000 | Bryson City |
| Sep 2025 | 0.50 | $20,000 | Bryson City |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 14,065 |
| Population (2020) | 14,117 |
| Population Growth | -0.37% |
| Median Household Income | $55,429 |
| Median Home Value | $209,800 |
| Total Housing Units | 8,529 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 2,692 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 31.6% |
| Median Age | 42.6 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 1,196 (8.5%) |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.3% |
Market Overview
Swain County, North Carolina has a population of 14,065, which has declined 0.37% since 2020. The median household income is $55,429, below the national median of $74,580 by 25.7%. The housing vacancy rate of 31.6% suggests soft market conditions. Swain County is part of North Carolina's land market, attracting both local and out-of-state buyers. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $19,345 per acre, with properties averaging 6.80 acres. There are currently 200 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Swain County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Swain County has a population of 14,065. The county has declined 0.37% since the 2020 Census.
What is the median household income in Swain County?
The median household income in Swain County is $55,429, which is 25.7% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Swain County growing or shrinking?
Swain County is shrinking. The population has declined 0.37% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Swain County?
The median home value in Swain County is $209,800. The housing vacancy rate is 31.6%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 8.3%, reflecting the local economic conditions. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $19,345 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $22,500.
Does Reelvest buy land in Swain County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Swain County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.