Swain Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of 2022, Swain County, NC has a population of approximately 14,000. About 49.5% are male and 50.5% are female. The median age is 43 years. Racially, the county is 66% White, 30% Native American (predominantly Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), 2% Black or African American, and 2% Hispanic or Latino. The population under 18 constitutes 20%, while those 65 and older make up 19%.

Swain County, NC, had about 9,200 registered voters as of 2024, with registration divided mainly between Democrats (roughly 36%), Republicans (33%), and Unaffiliated (30%). The county administers local, state, and federal elections, with recent general election turnout exceeding 60%. Key issues include land management and tourism. Major polling locations include the Swain County Administration Building and Alarka Fire Department. The Swain County Board of Elections oversees administration. Recent results favored Republicans in presidential contests, but local offices see competitive races. Election security and absentee ballot accessibility remain top voter concerns.

Swain County, NC, has a homeownership rate of around 72%, with a median home value of approximately $210,000 in 2023. Median monthly rent is about $800. The housing market has seen steady growth, with home prices increasing by 6% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, cabins, and mobile homes, particularly in areas like Bryson City and Whittier. Popular neighborhoods offer proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. The county property tax rate is around 0.35%, lower than the national average, contributing to the area’s affordability and appeal for both homeowners and renters.

As of 2022, Swain County, NC, had an employment rate of approximately 54%. Key industries include accommodation and food services (22%), retail trade (13%), and health care and social assistance (12%). Most workers are employed in service occupations (30%) and sales/office roles (23%). The average commute time is 27 minutes, with 81% of residents driving alone to work. Major employment locations include Bryson City and nearby Cherokee, with tourism and government (National Park Service, tribal enterprises) as significant employers.

Swain County, NC has 6 public schools, including Swain County High School and Swain County Middle School. Approximately 80% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 15% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in Swain County schools are slightly below the state average. The district offers programs in career and technical education, along with adult education classes. School safety is prioritized, with an overall safety rating of 7/10. The student-to-teacher ratio averages 14:1, fostering personalized instruction and educational support.

Swain County, NC, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with 2022 reports indicating approximately 15.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime remains rare, with only 2.7 incidents per 1,000 people, while property crime accounts for the majority, at 12.7 per 1,000. The Swain County Sheriff's Office and Bryson City Police maintain regular crime reporting and encourage community vigilance. Overall, Swain County is considered safer than 60% of U.S. counties, but residents are advised to practice common-sense safety measures.