Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waynesville, NC
Considering a move to Waynesville, NC? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of about 10,500, Waynesville offers affordable living—median home prices are around $292,000 and average rents are just $980. Crime rates are low, with only 166 violent crimes per 100K, and you’ll enjoy short 19-minute commutes plus a mild mountain climate with 55% sunny days. Waynesville boasts good public schools, accessible healthcare, and a welcoming, close-knit community—perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in western North Carolina.
Demographics - Waynesville, NC
Demographics - Waynesville, NC
Waynesville is home to approximately 10,500 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 51.7, reflecting its appeal to both retirees and families. The community is fairly compact, offering a close-knit atmosphere, and about 5.6% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
10,515
Density:
1,120 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.7
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.3%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waynesville, NC?
Waynesville offers a cost of living below the national average, with median home values around $292,000 and average rent at $980 per month. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, making the town an attractive option for affordable mountain living.
Median House Value:
$292,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
84.1
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
99.7
Miscellaneous:
94.4
Crime
Is Waynesville, NC a safe place to live?
Waynesville experiences low crime rates compared to many towns its size, with just 166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 602 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime is more common but still manageable for a small community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
166
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,286
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 602
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Waynesville, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild four-season climate, with summer highs reaching 84°F and winter lows around 28°F. The area receives about 48.5 inches of rain annually and sees sunshine 55% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Waynesville's community has a median household income of $48,900, with a poverty rate of 14.9% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Most residents commute less than 20 minutes to work, and a high school education or higher is common among locals.
Median Income:
$32,300
Household Income:
$48,900
Family Income:
$58,100
Per Capita Income:
$27,200
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
14.9%
Non English Speakers:
5.6%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
28.8%
Education
How are the schools in Waynesville, NC?
Waynesville provides quality education through public and private schools, including Waynesville Middle and Hazelwood Elementary, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Haywood Community College is located just five miles away, and Western Carolina University is within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
Waynesville Middle School
Street:
495 Brown Ave
Phone:
828-456-2403
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Hazelwood Elementary School
Street:
1111 Plott Creek Rd
Phone:
828-456-2406
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Private Schools
Name:
Haywood Christian Academy
Street:
1404 Asheville Rd
Phone:
828-627-0229
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Haywood Community College
City:
Clyde
State:
NC
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
1,300
Name:
Western Carolina University
City:
Cullowhee
State:
NC
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
12,243
Healthcare
The town is served by Haywood Regional Medical Center, offering general and emergency care just minutes away. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% of the population insured, quality healthcare is readily accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Haywood Regional Medical Center
Address:
262 Leroy George Dr, Clyde, NC 28721
Phone:
(828) 456-7311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waynesville, NC?
Waynesville's housing market features a median home price of $292,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 62.4%. Home values have appreciated by 4.7% over the past year, and rental options remain affordable with a low vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$292,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Waynesville residents access motor vehicle services through the North Carolina DMV office located nearby in Canton, with convenient online and in-person options available. The state’s DMV provides assistance for licensing, registration, and other driving needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
339 New Clyde Hwy, Canton, NC 28716
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.