If you live in Sylva, NC and need health insurance WNC Health Insurance can help. Our agents are well versed in the health insurance changes under the Affordable Care Act, and we are here to help residents of Sylva, NC find the health insurance plan that best fits their lifestyle. If you need health insurance in Sylva, NC, simply click on the free rate quote button above for a no obligation health insurance quote or give us a call at: 828-348-2583.
The beautiful town of Sylva, NC is a landlocked town located in the Plott Balsam Mountains of Western North Carolina sitting at an altitude of 2,051 feet above sea level. Some of the closest larger cities located within 200 miles of Sylva are Atlanta, GA at 130 miles, Charlotte, NC at 135 miles, Lexington-Fayette, KY at 198 miles and Greensboro, NC at 199 miles. Sylva was incorporated on March 9, 1889 in the central Jackson County subdivision and according to the 2012 census, has a population of approximately 2,588. The total area of Sylva, NC is about 3.19 square miles, which puts its population density at 811 persons per square mile.
Luckily, the majority of the population has health insurance, leaving only about 16% without any. Health insurance or health coverage are the terms used for any program that helps an individual out financially in case of a medical emergency. While most health insurance plans cover a large percentage of health related costs, there are some premium health insurance plans that will pay for all of the health care expenses. Health insurance not only pays for the emergency medical bills, but it also covers the patients in times of any unforeseen circumstance that may leave the patient disabled. Many people that are unable to afford a private health care insurance plan opt for public assistance with their health care coverage. Seniors and children from low income families often seek medical assistance with public health care coverage.
Owing to its location, Sylva receives an average of 132 precipitation days in a year, which is significantly higher than the national average of 100 days. The majority of precipitation in Sylva is in the form of rain which is estimated to be about 51 inches per year compared to the national average of 37 inches. The month of June has been recorded as the month with the maximum average precipitation occurrence in Sylva NC. The remaining precipitation comes from snowfall which is averaged at 9.2 inches per year. July is the hottest month for Sylva with a recorded average high of 85°F and January, the coldest, with an average low of 26.4°F.
According to the history of Sylva, it is believed that this small town was named after William D. Sylva, a man from Denmark who worked as a handyman for General E. R. Hampton, the owner of the majority of the land. It is rumored that Hampton’s little daughter, who was very fond of the handyman, suggested to have the town named after Sylva. While this piece may provide a good story for the history of Sylva, the authenticity of the claims are often disputed by the investigators of the present times. The history of Sylva also holds the attainment of the county seat when Sylva won the county vote over Webster, which was the former seat. Although small in size, Sylva is equipped with every necessity its residents would need such as a high school, a library, railroad, hospital, and two elementary schools.
Sylva, NC has many popular and well-defined neighborhoods. Downtown is by far the most popular and well-loved area of Sylva. It holds many picturesque treasures such as the historic areas between Main Street and Mill Street, as well as plenty of churches. There are also many historic buildings in downtown Sylva – namely the Sylva First Baptist Church, the First Citizens Bank, and the C.J. Harris Building, among others. The town of Sylva also possesses a community pool, plenty of green open spaces, and four lovely parks that have large playgrounds. Whether you’d like to plan a picnic, or take a historic walking tour, these parks provide the best of everything. Another neighborhood worth noting is the Court House Hill, which still has a magnificent display of older homes along its streets.
In 2013 the population makeup of Sylva based on gender, comprised of 1,249 males and 1,339 females. The median age is 36 years, with 15% of the population being over age 60. The demographic and social statistics based on the household types and families of Sylva suggests that out of the 1,138 total households, about 600 households are families with children, while 400 households are married couples only. The number of people living by themselves or with non-family members totaled 963. Single parent homes are also prevalent with 55 households run by the fathers and 147 households run by the mothers. The average household size in Sylva, NC is about 2 persons. In terms of the language spoken at home, the largest percentage of the population of Sylva (about 83%) speaks English only. Spanish is the second most widely spoken language, followed by other European, Asian and Pacific Islander languages.
The economic profile of Sylva, NC as of 2012 showed the highest percentage of employed workers as working in the service occupations, followed closely by management, business, science, arts, sales and office occupations. The industry with the highest employment rate (30%) was the Arts/Entertainment/Recreation industry, followed by Educational and Health Care services.
The average annual income of a household in Sylva NC is around $26,432, and the income per person for Sylva is comparatively low at $19,148. Men are reportedly earning more than the women, with the average annual salaries being $25,526 and $22,401 respectively. It is also noted that the lower 10% of the median income distribution earned less than $10,000, while the higher 10% made a median household income of greater than $200,000. A majority of working individuals earned between $10,000 and $20,000 annually.
Comparing age with income, it is seen that individuals with an annual income of $40,000-$45,000 are between the ages of 25 and 44. A large number of working individuals below the age of 25 earn an average annual income of $30,000-$40,000. The highest concentration of individuals between the ages of 45-65 is seen on a pay scale of $15,000-$20,000. Unfortunately, due to the lower income groups, as much as 20% of the population is below the poverty line with a higher number of children under the age of 18 as compared to seniors over the age of 65.
Looking at the health-related census, it was found that not only did Sylva have a high adult obesity rate – it also had a relatively high diabetes rate in adults. It is not shocking knowing that only 64% of adults lead a healthy and active lifestyle. With numbers like these, it is a good idea for residents of Sylva to commit to a health insurance plan for their safety.
For tourists planning a trip to Sylva NC, it is safe to assume that you will fall in love with this little town. You can fill your trip with adventure, great food and history. One of the attractions of Sylva that you should not miss at any cost, especially if you have kids accompanying you, is the Poteet Park located at 29 Central Street. It is a magnificent park beautifully designed by children.
With plenty of lakes and streams around Sylva NC, it is almost necessary to book your own fly fishing adventure with the guided services offered in the area. With a license, you are permitted to fish on the pristine lakes for rainbow trout, brook trout and more. You can also drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy nature and wildlife or the historic buildings carefully preserved in the park. You can explore the park on your own if you are feeling brave, or you can sign up for one of the ranger-led programs. Whatever tourist activity that you choose, it is almost guaranteed that you will have the time of your life during your stay at Sylva, North Carolina.