Swain County, North Carolina
2 ZIP codes · Avg score 60/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-04
The systems supplying Swain County's 2 ZIP codes vary in performance — most meet minimum standards, but violations in select areas are on record.
How Swain County Compares
How Swain County Compares
Swain County scores 13 points below the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 8 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15.9 (asthma 12.1%, diabetes 15.2%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,645, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.35% avg pipe failure probability
48% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,645
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
8,938 housing units in Swain County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Swain County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Swain County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Swain County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Swain County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryson City, Town of | 4,395 | 15 |
| 2 | SMOKY MTN COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES | 318 | 15 |
| 3 | Nantahala Village | 135 | 15 |
| 4 | Pelohi Cove | 46 | 15 |
| 5 | Nantahala Outdoor--flint Ridge | 46 | 15 |
All ZIP Codes in Swain County
2 ZIP codes tracked in Swain County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28713 | Bryson City | 65 | C | 15 | $231K |
| 2 | 28719 | Cherokee | 55 | C | 0 | $145K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Swain County
Below: editorial picks, no sponsored placements.
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Overview
Swain County in North Carolina covers 2 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (60/100).
1 of 2 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
← Back to North Carolina water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.