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Transylvania County, NC growth snapshot

Transylvania County had an estimated 34,211 residents in 2025, up 2.9% (956 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 86th fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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Headline numbers

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration added 129 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 9,751 jobs in 2025, +9.5% since 2020 (61st of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $995.

Unemployment averaged 3.7% in 2025.

Builders were authorized to start 176 new homes in 2025, or 5.1 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $66,184 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +28.5% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 1,021st.

Part of the Brevard, NC micro area.

Transylvania County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202534,211+2
202434,209+279
202333,930+293
202233,637+145
202133,492+237
202033,255–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Transylvania County

Transylvania County grew by 956 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+1,728).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−241−1,223
International migrationfrom and to other countries+115+446
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+129+1,728
Census adjustmentbalancing residual−1+5
Total change+2+956

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn North CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth61st of 1001,021st of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents67th of 1001,253rd of 3,108
Private-sector job growth38th of 100825th of 3,092
Median household income34th of 1001,495th of 3,107
Average weekly wage42nd of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate42nd of 1001,204th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents57th of 100591st of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Over 2020–25, Transylvania County's population change (+2.9%) was ahead of 1 of its 7 neighbouring counties, behind 5 and level with Buncombe County.

3 of its 7 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Transylvania County's $66,184 (2020–24).

Transylvania County, NC and its 7 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Transylvania County, NC This county34,211+2.9%3.85.1$66,184
Henderson County, NC122,375+5.0%9.48.9$68,187
Jackson County, NC45,039+6.9%1.15.2$55,815
Haywood County, NC63,369+1.8%7.78.1$61,912
Pickens County, SC139,198+5.7%10.86.8$61,064
Buncombe County, NC277,417+2.9%−7.47.3$74,436
Greenville County, SC583,125+10.6%9.68.5$76,932
Oconee County, SC83,775+6.3%17.09.0$62,388

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 100 North Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Transylvania County?

About 34,211 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Transylvania County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 2.9% between 2020 and 2025, about 956 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 86th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Transylvania County?

On net, about 129 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Transylvania County?

Employers there reported 9,751 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +9.5% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $995 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Transylvania County?

It averaged 3.7% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Transylvania County?

Building permits authorized 176 new housing units in 2025, 5.1 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Transylvania County?

$66,184 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Transylvania County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 61st of 100 for population growth; 67th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 38th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 34th of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 1,021st of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.