Is Swain County, NC good for real estate investing?

Swain County has an investment score of 51/100, rated as "Hold". The county ranks #575 nationally among 1000 counties analyzed.

What is the median home price in Swain?

The median home price in Swain County is $329,658. This ranks #769 in affordability among all US counties.

Can you cash flow on rental properties in Swain?

Based on median values with 20% down at current rates, a typical rental in Swain County would generate positive cash flow of $0/month. Individual property performance varies based on purchase price, rent, and operating expenses.

Swain County

North CarolinaPopulation: 14,130

/100

Hold

#575 of 1,000 counties

#49 in North Carolina (100 counties)

Analysis by RentalCalcs ResearchIndependent data + algorithm-driven scoring

Updated July 28, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$329,658

Median Home Price

44% above national median

$19,919/mo

Est. Rent

Based on regional data

6.04%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

Estimated from price data

+$0

Est. Monthly Cash Flow

With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Price History

Median Home Price

Median Rent

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score

51/100

Cash Flow(30%)

0/100

Rent data not available for cash flow calculation.

Appreciation(25%)

47/100

Based on -0.7% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)

50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)

59/100

Based on price relative to estimated local incomes.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

No significant strengths identified based on current data.

Challenges

-Declining home values (-0.7% YoY)
-Negative leverage (cap rate 0.0% < mortgage rate 6.9%)
-Limited rent data (estimates used)

Economic Indicators

Population

14,130

Median Income

—

Data pending

Unemployment Rate

—

Data pending

Price-to-Income

—

Data pending

Who this market fits

Skip if

−You can't tolerate negative leverage (cap rate below mortgage rate today)
−You expect appreciation to carry the deal, but prices have declined year over year

Compare to Nearby Counties

County					Verdict
ChowanNC	53	$218,693	Est. pending	—	Hold	View
GreeneNC	52	$174,742	Est. pending	—	Hold	View
CurrituckNC	52	$541,876	$2,725	6.03%	Hold	View
CurrentSwainNC	51	$329,658	Est. pending	—	Hold
ClevelandNC	51	$202,617	$1,158	6.86%	Hold	View
CaldwellNC	51	$231,573	$1,074	5.56%	Hold	View

The Bottom Line

HoldSwain is a neutral market.

Swain County in North Carolina scores 51/100, ranking #575 of 1,000 US counties (top 73%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental roughly breaks even on cash flow. The deal works on appreciation or with better terms, not on month-one cash flow.

Monthly Cash Flow

+$0/mo

Cap Rate

0.0%

Cash-on-Cash

0.0%