Swain County

Swain County, NC, has a population of approximately 14,000 people. The racial composition is roughly 67% White, 29% Native American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% African American. The median age is around 40 years. The county has about 5,600 households with an average household size of 2.5 individuals. The median household income is approximately $35,000, and the poverty rate stands at about 23%. Educational attainment indicates that around 80% of residents have a high school diploma, while about 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Swain County, NC, has a median home value of approximately $188,000. The median rent is around $715 per month. Housing units total about 7,980, with a homeownership rate of 70%. The average household size is 2.3 people. The county has seen a 6.2% appreciation in home values over the past year. Vacancy rates stand at around 15%, attributed to seasonal and vacation properties. The area's mixed-use real estate market includes single-family homes, cabins, and mobile homes, reflecting its rural character and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Swain County, North Carolina, typically holds elections for local, state, and federal offices. The Board of Elections administers these, including voter registration and poll management. In recent elections, positions such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, and School Board members were contested.

For example, in the 2020 general election:

• Presidential election saw 2,639 votes for Donald J. Trump (Republican) and 1,106 votes for Joseph R. Biden (Democrat).

In 2022 local elections:

• County Commissioner candidates included incumbent David Monteith (Republican) and newcomer Joyce Cooper (Democrat).

Sheriff race:

• Curtis Cochran (Republican incumbent) vs. various challengers, which may include party and independent candidates.

Voter turnout and specific candidates can vary per election cycle, so it's advisable to check the Swain County Board of Elections' official website or contact them directly for the most current information and detailed numerical values.

Swain County, NC, has educational attainment levels that are below national and state averages. According to the latest available U.S. Census Bureau data, about 78.5% of Swain County residents aged 25 and over have completed high school, compared to the national average of 88% and North Carolina's state average of 87.8%. Furthermore, approximately 15.6% of Swain County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while the national average is around 33.1% and the state average is 31.4%. The lower educational attainment in Swain County may impact local economic opportunities and workforce development compared to broader statistics in North Carolina and the United States.

Swain County, NC, has a labor force of approximately 6,000 individuals. As of recent data, the unemployment rate stands at around 5.3%, slightly higher than the national average of approximately 3.7%, and the North Carolina state average of about 3.4%.

Top industries in Swain County include:

1. Tourism and Hospitality – Leveraging the Great Smoky Mountains and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
2. Retail Trade.
3. Health Care and Social Assistance.
4. Manufacturing.
5. Public Administration.

The dominance of tourism and hospitality is more pronounced in Swain County compared to national figures, reflecting the county's reliance on its natural attractions and entertainment venues. Manufacturing and healthcare sectors align more closely with state and national trends. Retail trade and public administration are also significant, consistent with broader patterns but skewed by the local economic emphasis on services supporting tourism.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Swain County, NC, is approximately $43,000 annually. In comparison, the average household income in North Carolina is around $56,000, while the national average is about $69,000. This indicates that Swain County's average income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages.

Statistics Table:

Swain County's lower average income can be attributed to a variety of factors, including its rural nature and limited access to high-paying industries.

As of the latest available data, Swain County, North Carolina, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is approximately 12.2. Property crimes and violent crimes are the most common types.

Crime Statistics Table for Swain County, NC (per 1,000 residents)

These values reflect averages and can fluctuate annually based on various factors. For more detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to local law enforcement reports or crime databases.