Editing Haywood County, North Carolina

{{Short description|County in North Carolina, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Haywood County
 | state                = North Carolina
 | seal                 = Haywood County Seal.jpg
 | founded              = 1808
 | named for            = [[John Haywood (politician)|John Haywood]]
 | seat wl              = Waynesville
 | largest city wl      = Waynesville
 | city type            = community
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 554.50
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 553.56
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 0.94
 | area percentage      = 0.17
 | population_as_of     = 2020
 | population_total     = 62089
 | pop_est_as_of        = 2023
 | population_est       = 62969 {{gain}}
 | population_density_sq_mi = 112.16
 | coordinates          = {{coord|35.56|-82.98|type:adm2nd_region:US-NC_source:USCensusBureau2020gazetteerfiles|display=inline,title}}
 | ex image             = Haywood County Courthouse, Waynesville, NC (45800478465).jpg
 | ex image cap         = [[Haywood County Courthouse (North Carolina)|Haywood County Courthouse]]
 | web                  = www.haywoodcountync.gov
 | district             = 11th
 | time zone            = Eastern
}}

'''Haywood County''' is a county located in the U.S. state of [[North Carolina]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 62,089.<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> The [[county seat]] and its largest community is [[Waynesville, North Carolina|Waynesville]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>

Haywood County is part of the Waynesville, NC [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]].<ref name="2023OMB">{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2023 |title=OMB Bulletin No. 23-01: Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OMB-Bulletin-23-01.pdf |access-date=August 10, 2023 |website=[[United States Office of Management and Budget]]}}</ref>

==History==
The earliest inhabitants of the area eventually comprising Haywood County were [[Cherokee]] Native Americans. Their local population was severely impacted by a [[smallpox]] outbreak in 1715.<ref name= vocci/> In July 1776, during the early stages of the [[American Revolutionary War]], Cherokee warriors began attacking white settlements in western North Carolina. In response, a militia led by General [[Griffith Rutherford]] led an expedition through the region and destroyed dozens of Cherokee villages.{{sfn|Beadle|Yurko|2010|p=7}} White settlement increased after the war, with most of the settlers being of English, Scotch-Irish, German, and Dutch descent.<ref name= vocci>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncpedia.org/geography/haywood| title = Haywood County| last = Vocci| first = Robert Blair| date = 2006| website = NCPedia| publisher = North Carolina Government & Heritage Library| access-date = May 27, 2023}}</ref> The county was formed in 1808 from the western part of [[Buncombe County, North Carolina|Buncombe County]]. It was named for [[John Haywood (politician)|John Haywood]], who served as the [[North Carolina State Treasurer]] from 1787 to 1827.{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|p=117}} The county seat was designated at Mount Pleasant, which was renamed [[Waynesville, North Carolina|Waynesville]] in 1811.{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|pp=117–118}} The first county courthouse was completed the following year.{{sfn|Beadle|Yurko|2010|p=14}} In 1828, a part of Haywood County was split off and made [[Macon County, North Carolina|Macon County]].{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|p=118}} In 1851, parts of Haywood and Macon counties were combined to form [[Jackson County, North Carolina|Jackson County]].{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|p=119}}

The last shot of the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] east of the Mississippi was fired in [[Waynesville, North Carolina|Waynesville]] on May 9, 1865, when elements of the Thomas Legion ([[Confederate States Army|Confederate]]) skirmished with the 2nd North Carolina Mounted Infantry ([[Union Army|Union]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title="Last Shot" Confederate Memorial |url=https://www.ncpedia.org/monument/last-shot-confederate |access-date=August 10, 2023 |website=www.ncpedia.org |publisher=[[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|UNC Libraries]] |publication-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ross |first=Kathy N. |date=May 2, 2022 |title=State's last Civil War surrender like no other |url=https://www.themountaineer.com/news/state-s-last-civil-war-surrender-like-no-other/article_57a1ddce-c71d-11ec-806a-030c7e80dbb0.html |access-date=August 10, 2023 |website=The Mountaineer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Fisher |first1=Bernard |last2=Morfe |first2=Don |date=June 16, 2016 |orig-date=July 19, 2014 |title=Waynesville Engagement - Among the Last to Die |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=75490 |access-date=August 10, 2023 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}</ref> In the 1880s, the Western North Carolina Railroad extended lines through the county, creating new economic industries centered on logging and tourism.<ref name= vocci/>

==Geography==
{{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=8|id=Q502496|type=shape-inverse|text=Interactive map of Haywood County}}
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|554.5|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|553.56|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.94|sqmi}} (0.17%) is water.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2022 |title=2020 County Gazetteer Files – North Carolina |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_counties_37.txt |access-date=September 9, 2023 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> It is bordered by [[Madison County, North Carolina|Madison]], [[Buncombe County, North Carolina|Buncombe]], [[Henderson County, North Carolina|Henderson]], [[Transylvania County, North Carolina|Transylvania]], [[Jackson County, North Carolina|Jackson]], [[Swain County, North Carolina|Swain]] counties in North Carolina, and [[Cocke County, Tennessee|Cocke]] and [[Sevier County, Tennessee|Sevier]] counties in Tennessee.<ref name= censusprofile/>

Haywood County lies within the [[French Broad River]] basin.<ref name= vocci/> Since the county's borders follow mountain ridgelines, all water in the county derives from rain fallen over it or from local springs, with no external watercourses crossing its boundaries.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.haywoodchamber.com/edc-business-climate/edc-water/| title = Water| date = March 3, 2015| publisher = Haywood County Chamber of Commerce| access-date = May 26, 2023}}</ref> The [[Pigeon River (Tennessee - North Carolina)|Pigeon River]] originates in Haywood County.<ref>{{cite web|title=Did you know: Fast Facts about Haywood County|url=http://www.haywoodnc.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169:fast-facts&catid=83:about-haywood-co&Itemid=106|website=Haywood County North Carolina|publisher=Haywood County Government|access-date=July 4, 2017|archive-date=January 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106064008/http://www.haywoodnc.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169:fast-facts&catid=83:about-haywood-co&Itemid=106|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Haywood County is situated amidst the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] and contains parts of several major subranges of the Blue Ridge, namely the [[Great Smoky Mountains]] in the west and the [[Plott Balsams]] and [[Great Balsam Mountains]] in the south. Notable peaks in the county include [[Cold Mountain (North Carolina)|Cold Mountain]], at {{convert|6030|ft|m}}, [[Mount Sterling (Great Smoky Mountains)|Mount Sterling]], at {{convert|5835|ft|m}}, and Richland Balsam, at {{convert|6410|ft|m}} in elevation. [[Mount Guyot (Great Smoky Mountains)|Mt. Guyot]], the county's highest point at {{convert|6621|ft|m}}, is the 4th highest mountain east of the [[Mississippi River]]. [[Black Balsam Knob]], in the [[Great Balsam Mountains]] in the southeastern section of the county, is the highest [[Appalachian balds|grassy bald]] in the entire Appalachian range. Haywood County is believed to be the highest county (by mean elevation) east of the [[Mississippi River]], with a mean elevation of {{convert|3597|ft|m|0|disp=or}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cohp.org/records/mean_elevation/mean_elevations.html|title=Mean County Elevation Lists|website=cohp.org|access-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref> About 40 percent of the county's land lies within the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]] and the [[Pisgah National Forest]].<ref name= vocci/>

===National protected areas===
* [[Blue Ridge Parkway]] (part)
* [[Middle Prong Wilderness]]
* [[Mount Pisgah (mountain in North Carolina)|Mount Pisgah]] (part)
* [[Nantahala National Forest]] (part)
* [[Pisgah National Forest]] (part)
* [[Shining Rock Wilderness]]
* [[Waterrock Knob]] (part)

===State and local protected areas===
{{See also|Category:Protected areas of Haywood County, North Carolina}}
* [[Cold Mountain Game Land]]<ref name="NCWRC Game Lands">{{Cite web |title=NCWRC Game Lands |url=https://www.ncpaws.org/ncwrcmaps/gamelands |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=www.ncpaws.org}}</ref>
* [[Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area]] (part)
* [[Nantahala National Forest Game Land]] (part)<ref name="NCWRC Game Lands"/>
* [[Pisgah National Forest Game Land]] (part)<ref name="NCWRC Game Lands"/>
* [[Pisgah View State Park]] (part)
* [[William H. Silver Game Land]] (part)<ref name="NCWRC Game Lands"/>

=== Major water bodies ===
* [[Bald Creek (North Carolina)|Bald Creek]]
* [[Big Creek (North Carolina)|Big Creek]]
* [[Cataloochee Creek (North Carolina) |Cataloochee Creek]]
* [[Cooks Creek (North Carolina)|Cooks Creek]]
* [[Cove Creek (North Carolina Creek)|Cove Creek]]
* [[Crabtree Creek (North Carolina)|Crabtree Creek]]
* [[Jonathans Creek (North Carolina) |Jonathans Creek]]
* [[Fines Creek (North Carolina) |Fines Creek]]
* [[Lake Junaluska (North Carolina) |Lake Junaluska]]
* [[Lake Logan (North Carolina)|Lake Logan]]
* [[Laurel Creek (North Carolina)|Laurel Creek]]
* [[Little Creek (North Carolina)|Little Creek]]
* [[Pigeon River (Tennessee–North Carolina)|Pigeon River]]
* [[Richland Creek (North Carolina) |Richland Creek]]
* [[Rocky Branch Lake (North Carolina)|Rocky Branch Lake]]
* [[Waterville Lake (North Carolina)|Waterville Lake]]

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1810= 2780
|1820= 4073
|1830= 4578
|1840= 4975
|1850= 7074
|1860= 5801
|1870= 7921
|1880= 10271
|1890= 13346
|1900= 16222
|1910= 21020
|1920= 23496
|1930= 28273
|1940= 34804
|1950= 37631
|1960= 39711
|1970= 41710
|1980= 46495
|1990= 46942
|2000= 54033
|2010= 59036
|2020= 62089
|estyear=2023
|estimate=62969
|estref=<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 17, 2015}}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=January 17, 2015}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nc190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|editor-last=Forstall|editor-first=Richard L.|date=March 27, 1995|access-date=January 17, 2015}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=January 17, 2015}}</ref> 2010<ref name="QF">{{cite web |title=State & County QuickFacts |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37087.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=October 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607000043/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37087.html |archive-date=June 7, 2011 }}</ref> 2020<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/haywoodcountynorthcarolina|title=QuickFacts: Haywood County, North Carolina|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 21, 2024}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Haywood County, North Carolina – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Haywood County, North Carolina |url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=050XX00US37087&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|website=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Haywood County, North Carolina |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=050XX00US37087&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Haywood County, North Carolina |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=050XX00US37087&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|51,870
|55,368
|style='background: #ffffe6; |55,685
|96.00%
|93.79%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |89.69%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|674
|615
|style='background: #ffffe6; |656
|1.25%
|1.04%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1.06%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|251
|270
|style='background: #ffffe6; |308
|0.46%
|0.46%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.50%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|113
|212
|style='background: #ffffe6; |360
|0.21%
|0.36%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.58%
|-
|[[Native Hawaiian]] or [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|17
|8
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1
|0.03%
|0.01%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.00%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
|17
|30
|style='background: #ffffe6; |156
|0.03%
|0.05%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.25%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|328
|534
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2,094
|0.61%
|0.90%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3.37%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|763
|1,999
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2,829
|1.41%
|3.39%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.56%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''54,033'''
|'''59,036'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''62,089'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 62,089 people, 26,653 households, and 17,170 families residing in the county.

===2000 census===
At the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 54,033 people, 23,100 households, and 16,054 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|98|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 28,640 housing units at an average density of {{convert|52|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 96.85% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 1.27% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.49% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.21% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.44% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.71% from two or more races. 1.41% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 30.8% were of [[United States|American]], 12.9% [[English people|English]], 12.0% [[German people|German]], 10.4% [[Irish people|Irish]] and 8.3% [[Scotch-Irish American|Scots-Irish]] ancestry according to [[Census 2000]]. 97.1% spoke [[English language|English]] and 1.9% [[Spanish language|Spanish]] as their first language.

There were 23,100 households, out of which 26.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.50% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.80% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 27.10% from 45 to 64, and 19.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 92.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,922, and the median income for a family was $40,438. Males had a median income of $30,731 versus $21,750 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $18,554. About 8.10% of families and 11.50% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 17.40% of those under age 18 and 10.30% of those age 65 or over.

==Government, law, and public safety==
===Government===
Haywood County is governed by an elected five-member board of commissioners. Each member is popularly-elected to serve a four-year term. The board is responsible for adopting the county budget, setting the local property tax rate, making zoning decisions, and hiring the county attorney and county manager.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/315/Board-of-County-Commissioners| title = Board of County Commissioners| website = Haywood County, North Carolina| publisher = Haywood County Government| access-date = May 26, 2023}}</ref> The county manager oversees county government administration.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/162/County-Manager| title = Office of the County Manager| website = Haywood County, North Carolina| publisher = Haywood County Government| access-date = May 26, 2023}}</ref>

Haywood County is a member of the regional [[Councils of governments in North Carolina|Southwestern Commission]] council of governments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2022 |title=Haywood County, NC |url=https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |website=www.haywoodcountync.gov}}</ref> It is located in the [[North Carolina Senate]]'s [[North Carolina's 47th Senate district|47th district]], the Senate's [[North Carolina's 50th Senate district|50th district]], the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]]' [[North Carolina's 118th House district|118th district]],<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/CountyRepresentation/haywood| title = Haywood County Representation : 2023-2024 Session| publisher = North Carolina General Assembly| access-date = May 27, 2023}}</ref> and [[North Carolina's 11th congressional district]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Democratic candidates for US House to debate| newspaper = The McDowell News | pages = A1, A4| date = April 6, 2022| url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-mcdowell-news/125669989/}}</ref>

Haywood County contains a small portion of the [[Qualla Boundary]], a tribal reservation for the [[Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.usetinc.org/nahm/ebci/| title = Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians| date = September 23, 2021| publisher = United South and Eastern Tribes| access-date = May 28, 2023}}</ref>

===Public safety===
The Haywood County Sheriff's Office provides court protection and jail management for the entire county and provides patrol and detective services for the unincorporated portions of the county.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome |url=https://www.haywoodncsheriff.com/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |website=Haywood County Sheriff's Office |language=en-US}}</ref> The towns of [[Waynesville, North Carolina|Waynesville]], [[Canton, North Carolina|Canton]], and [[Maggie Valley, North Carolina|Maggie Valley]] have municipal police departments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Police |url=https://www.waynesvillenc.gov/departments/police |access-date=July 20, 2023 |website=www.waynesvillenc.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Police Department |url=https://www.cantonnc.com/police-department/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |website=Town of Canton |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Police Department |url=https://maggievalleync.gov/government/departments/police-department/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |website=Town of Maggie Valley |language=en-US}}</ref> On October 1, 2020, the Haywood County Sheriff's Office took over all law enforcement service for the town of [[Clyde, North Carolina|Clyde]]. They are expected to continue operations in the town until June 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vaillancourt |first1=Cory |title=County will assume Clyde PD duties |url=https://www.smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/29909-county-will-assume-clyde-pd-duties |website=Smoky Mountain News |date=September 23, 2020}}</ref>

Fire protection and rescue services are provided by the Clyde, Cruso, North Canton, Saunook, Waynesville, Crabtree-Ironduff, Maggie Valley, Junaluska, Center Pigeon, Canton, Jonathan Creek, Fines Creek, and Lake Logan-Cecil Fire Departments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Links {{!}} Haywood County Fire Departments |url=https://www.waynesvillenc.gov/departments/fire/links |access-date=September 26, 2022 |publisher= The Town of Waynesville, NC}}</ref>

===Politics===
{| role="presentation"
|
|- 
| {{PresHead|place=Haywood County, North Carolina|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|23,393|13,913|545|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|22,834|13,144|564|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|18,929|10,473|1,325|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|15,633|11,833|508|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|14,910|12,730|427|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|14,545|11,237|150|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|12,118|9,793|362|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|7,995|9,350|2,724|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|7,292|10,385|3,332|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|8,957|9,010|61|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|10,146|7,958|27|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|7,217|9,814|431|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|5,885|10,692|71|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|8,903|4,515|313|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|6,205|5,703|3,898|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|5,575|10,664|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|8,583|8,044|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|6,955|7,598|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1952|Democratic|6,124|8,761|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|2,684|7,373|209|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|2,919|7,755|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|2,357|8,631|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|3,331|8,175|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|3,082|6,790|34|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|4,472|4,173|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|2,440|4,582|8|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|3,000|4,229|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,523|2,403|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|354|2,068|867|North Carolina}}
|}

Voter Registration Statistics: 
Republicans=16,956 
Democrats=11,338 

Prior to the Civil War, Haywood County elected several [[Whig Party (United States)|Whigs]] to office. After the war ended in 1865, [[Southern Unionists|Unionists]] established a local branch of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]]. Republicans dominated local offices until 1870, when the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]—often as a member of [[Electoral fusion in the United States|fusionist]] anti-[[Reconstruction era|Reconstruction]] "Conservative" coalitions alongside former Whigs as well as [[Moderate Republicans (Reconstruction era)|Moderate Republicans]] and [[Independent politician|independents]] opposed to Reconstruction—experienced a resurgence across the state. By 1876, the county was firmly dominated by Democrats.<ref name= hyattpolitics/> Democrats remained dominant in the county into the early 21st century. Over the subsequent 20 years, the Republican Party's presence rapidly increased due to the increase of new residents and the defection of local [[Southern Democrat]]s.<ref>{{cite news| last = Johnson| first = Becky| title = GOP election sweep ousts long-time Haywood County commissioner| newspaper = The Mountaineer| date = November 9, 2022| url = https://www.themountaineer.com/news/gop-election-sweep-ousts-long-time-haywood-county-commissioner/article_c33a8ccc-5fe6-11ed-8d6c-cf796897c3fc.html| access-date = May 27, 2023}}</ref> In November 2022, Republicans won all contested local races in Haywood, making the county commission entirely occupied by Republicans for the first time in its history.<ref name= hyattpolitics>{{cite news| last = Hyatt| first = Vicki| title = Republican dominance in election marks historic time for Haywood politics| newspaper = The Mountaineer| date = December 7, 2022| url = https://www.themountaineer.com/news/republican-dominance-in-election-marks-historic-time-for-haywood-politics/article_f86640ca-74c3-11ed-a929-a7cb0eba2dcf.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221207154059/https://www.themountaineer.com/news/republican-dominance-in-election-marks-historic-time-for-haywood-politics/article_f86640ca-74c3-11ed-a929-a7cb0eba2dcf.html| archive-date =December 7, 2022| access-date = May 26, 2023}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[Pactiv Evergreen]] is largest employer in Haywood County, and operates a large paper mill in Canton and another facility in Waynesville. In March 2023, the company announced it would close the Canton mill by the end of June.<ref name=rash1/> The closure is projected to result in the loss of hundreds of jobs and $500 million in overall economic impact,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://wlos.com/news/local/regional-economy-to-feel-ripple-effects-of-pactiv-evergreen-paper-mill-closure-canton-haywood-county-western-north-carolina-500-million| title = Ripple effects on economy from Pactiv Evergreen paper mill closure estimated to be $500M| last = Perez| first = Charles| date = March 8, 2023| website = WLOS News 13| access-date = May 26, 2023}}</ref> and [[Haywood County Schools (North Carolina)|Haywood County Schools]] is expected to become the largest employer.<ref name=rash1/>

==Transportation==
[[File:Canton, NC.png|thumb|Rail line in Canton]]
The [[Blue Ridge Southern Railroad]] operates a rail line with freight service through Haywood County.<ref>{{cite news| last = Hyatt| first = Vicki| title = Expanded rail service in Haywood? There are plenty of obstacles| newspaper = The Mountaineer| date = February 20, 2023| url = https://www.themountaineer.com/news/expanded-rail-service-in-haywood-there-are-plenty-of-obstacles/article_5edecbfc-a218-11ed-8cde-bfca2cb11847.html| access-date = May 26, 2023}}</ref>

===Major highways===
{{div col}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|40}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|19}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Truck|19|dab1=Bryson City–Lake Junaluska}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|23}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Bus|23|dab1=Waynesville}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Truck|64|dab1=Franklin–Hendersonville}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|74}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|276}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|110}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|209}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|215}}
{{div col end}}

==Education==
[[Haywood County Schools (North Carolina)|Haywood County Schools]] operates 15 schools: an [[Early college high school|early college]] ([[Haywood Early College High School]]), three [[High school (North America)|high schools]] ([[Tuscola High School|Tuscola]], [[Pisgah High School (North Carolina)|Pisgah]], and Central Haywood), three [[Middle school#Canada and the United States|middle schools]], eight [[Elementary school#United States|elementary schools]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facts about HCS|url=http://www.haywood.k12.nc.us/about-us/facts-about-hcs/|access-date=May 26, 2023 |website=Haywood County Schools |language=en-US}}</ref> The districts has no low-performing schools and had the seventh highest combined test results among school districts in the state in 2021–22. The county also hosts [[Haywood Community College]].<ref name=rash1>{{cite web| url = https://www.ednc.org/canton-nc-mill-closing-impact-community-schools-jobs-history-challenge-opportunity-papertown/| title = When the lights go out in a mill town that truly loves being a mill town| last = Rash| first = Mebane| date =  March 20, 2023| website = EducationNC| access-date = May 26, 2023}}</ref> According to the 2021 American Community Survey, an estimated 27.7 percent of county residents have attained a bachelor's degree or higher level of education.<ref name= censusprofile>{{cite web| url = https://data.census.gov/profile/Haywood_County,_North_Carolina?g=050XX00US37087| title = Haywood County, North Carolina| publisher = [[U.S. Census Bureau]]| access-date = June 2, 2023}}</ref>

==Culture==
===Tuscola–Pisgah rivalry===
{{Main|Tuscola–Pisgah rivalry}}
Two county high schools' football teams, the [[Tuscola High School]] Mountaineers of Waynesville and [[Pisgah High School (North Carolina)|Pisgah High School]] Black Bears of Canton, have maintained [[List of sports rivalries|a rivalry]] dating back to the school teams' predecessors' first game in 1922.<ref name= auffhammer>{{cite news| last = Auffhammer| first = Tyler| title = A great American rivalry continues| newspaper = The Mountaineer| date = October 13, 2022| url = https://www.themountaineer.com/100-years-of-football/a-great-american-rivalry-continues/article_0824df44-3392-11ed-9783-97eb3b9ebab6.html| access-date = May 28, 2023}}</ref> Annual football games between the two teams are popular events for locals and sometimes attract over 10,000 spectators.<ref name= auffhammer/><ref>{{cite news| last = Thompson| first = David| title = Planning a rivalry: Behind the scenes of how the Pisgah-Tuscola game comes together| newspaper = Asheville Citizen-Times| date = September 5, 2019| url = https://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/high-school/hshuddle/2019/09/05/planning-rivalry-pisgah-tuscola-football-game-depends-community/2142030001/| access-date = May 28, 2023}}</ref>

===Festivals===
Since the 1930s, Haywood County has hosted an annual ramp (''[[Allium tricoccum]]'') convention.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncpedia.org/ramps| title = Ramps| last = Tetterton| first = Beverly| date = 2006| website = NCPedia| publisher = North Carolina Government & Heritage Library| access-date = April 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.bpr.org/news/2018-05-14/ramps-cuisine-meets-culture-in-the-mountains-of-western-north-carolina| title = Ramps: Cuisine Meets Culture In The Mountains Of Western North Carolina| last = Vaillancourt| first = Cory| date = May 14, 2018| publisher = Blue Ridge Public Radio| access-date = April 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last = Harrell| first = Shelby| title = Get ready for Ramps| newspaper = The Mountaineer| date = April 28, 2021| url = https://www.themountaineer.com/life/get-ready-for-ramps/article_7a514388-a6cf-11eb-a3ac-ab28ebf483df.html| access-date = April 22, 2024}}</ref>

[[Folkmoot USA]] is an international [[folk festival]] held since 1984 in [[Waynesville, North Carolina]] and surrounding communities. During its history, the two-week event has featured around 200 groups from approximately 100 countries. The [[Southeast Tourism Society]] has named Folkmoot USA one of its top twenty events for 20 years. The [[North Carolina General Assembly]] declared Folkmoot USA to be the state's official international folk festival in 2003.<ref name=Beadle>{{cite news|url=http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/07_07/07_18_07/fm_world_diff.html|title=A World of Difference|last=Beadle|first=Michael|work=Smoky Mountain News|date=July 18, 2007|access-date=June 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716231347/http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/07_07/07_18_07/fm_world_diff.html|archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="romantic">{{cite web |date=June 17, 2010 |title=Folkmoot USA International Festival |url=http://www.romanticasheville.com/folkmoot.htm |access-date=June 17, 2010 |website=www.romanticasheville.com}}</ref><ref name="festival">{{cite web |date=June 17, 2010 |title=Folkmoot USA&mdash;The State International Festival of North Carolina |url=http://www.folkmootusa.org/ |access-date=June 17, 2010 |website=www.folkmoot.org}}</ref>

==Communities==
[[File:Map of Haywood County North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels.PNG|thumb|250px|Map of Haywood County with municipal and township labels]]

===Towns===
* [[Waynesville, North Carolina|Waynesville]] (county seat and largest community)
* [[Canton, North Carolina|Canton]]<ref name= community>{{cite web| url = https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/356/Our-Community| title = Our Community | website = Haywood County, North Carolina| publisher = Haywood County Government| access-date = May 28, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Clyde, North Carolina|Clyde]]<ref name= community/>
* [[Maggie Valley, North Carolina|Maggie Valley]]<ref name= community/>

===Census-designated places===
* [[Lake Junaluska, North Carolina|Lake Junaluska]]
* [[West Canton, North Carolina|West Canton]]

===Unincorporated communities===
* [[Cruso, North Carolina|Cruso]]
* [[Saunook, North Carolina|Saunook]]

===Townships===
Haywood County [[Township (United States)|townships]] include:{{sfn|Powell|1976|p=219}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* Beaverdam
* Cataloochee
* Cecil
* Clyde
* Crabtree
* East Fork
* Fines Creek
* Iron Duff
* Ivy Hill
* Jonathan Creek
* Pigeon
* Suttontown
* Waynesville
* White Oak
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[List of counties in North Carolina]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Haywood County, North Carolina]]
* [[Great Smoky Mountains Expressway]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Works cited==
* {{cite book| last1 = Beadle| first1 = Michael| last2 = Yurko| first2 = Peter| title = Waynesville| publisher = Arcadia Publishing| date = 2010| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vPif_b6R384C| isbn = 9780738586236}}
* {{cite book| last = Corbitt| first = David Leroy| title = The formation of the North Carolina counties, 1663-1943| publisher = North Carolina Division of Archives and History | edition = reprint| date = 2000| location = Raleigh| url = https://digital.ncdcr.gov/Documents/Detail/the-formation-of-the-north-carolina-counties-1663-1943/3692099?item=4798800| oclc= 46398241}}
* {{cite book| last = Powell| first = William S.| title = The North Carolina Gazetteer: A Dictionary of Tar Heel Places| publisher = The University of North Carolina Press| date = 1976| location = Chapel Hill| isbn = 9780807812471}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{osmrelation|2528708}}
* {{official website|https://www.haywoodcountync.gov}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Haywood County, North Carolina
|North     = [[Cocke County, Tennessee]]
|Northeast = [[Madison County, North Carolina|Madison County]]
|East      = [[Buncombe County, North Carolina|Buncombe County]]
|Southeast = [[Transylvania County, North Carolina|Transylvania County]]
|South     =
|Southwest = [[Jackson County, North Carolina|Jackson County]]
|West      = [[Swain County, North Carolina|Swain County]]
|Northwest = [[Sevier County, Tennessee]]
}}
{{Haywood County, North Carolina}}
{{North Carolina}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Haywood County, North Carolina}}
[[Category:Haywood County, North Carolina| ]]
[[Category:Asheville metropolitan area]]
[[Category:1808 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1808]]
[[Category:Haywood family]]