Haywood
North Carolina

What stands out

Against every county in America, Haywood County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is in the top 11% of American counties (33 per 100,000), the school test score is in the top 12% of American counties (3.35 where 3.0 is grade level), and the restaurant count per person is in the top 14% of American counties (1.1 per 1,000). Within North Carolina it ranks 24th of 100 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Haywood County, North Carolina. 62,152 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +775).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $56,596 a year, lower than 62% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,227. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 58% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,258 a year.

Home

The median home costs $349K, pricier than 79% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $952 a month. Property tax is 0.65% of home value, roughly $1,476 a year on that median home, lower than 71% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 69% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 33 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.5 years, shorter than 54% of American counties. There are 125 active physicians in the county, about 20.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 9.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.27 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 88% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 27 points. 73% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 62 and lows near 42, colder than 68% of American counties. About 47 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 62 out of 100, riskier than 62% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 183 Mbps down, slower than 57% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries.