Transylvania County saw 19.9% increase in transfer dependency percentage since 1970 as of 2022

In 2022, government transfers made up 27.6% of total income in Transylvania County, North Carolina—an alarming 19.9% surge from 7.7% in 1970 and a 1.5% decrease from 2012’s 29.1%. This marks the fourth smallest increase among all North Carolina counties over the past decade, according to information from the Economic Innovation Group.

On a per capita basis, this translates to $15,268 per resident in 2022, up from $11,828 in 2012 and $1,281 in 1970, ranking Transylvania County as the 40th fastest-growing in per capita government transfers among North Carolina counties over the past 10 years.

Meanwhile, Transylvania County had the 46th smallest share of income derived from government transfers, making it one of the smallest dependent counties in the state.

Among North Carolina’s counties, Cherokee County saw the largest increase in transfer dependency over the past 10 years, surging 4.4% from 38.1% in 2012 to 42.5% in 2022, and up 28.2 percentage points from just 14.3% in 1970. In dollar terms, government transfers per capita in Cherokee County jumped from $13,202 in 2012 to $17,000 in 2022, contrasting to the $1,923 recorded in 1970.

For comparison, the statewide average was 19.8% in 2022, showing a higher dependency than the national average of 17.6%. On a per capita level, this translates to $11,491 per resident, compared to $11,542 nationwide.

Government transfer payments are non-repayable funds provided by federal, state, or local governments to support individuals in need. These payments aim to stabilize economic conditions and provide financial support during hardships. Key programs include Social Security transfers (retirement benefits), Medicare transfers (healthcare for seniors), Medicaid transfers (healthcare for low-income individuals), and income maintenance transfers (financial assistance for basic needs).

In Transylvania County, reliance on government transfers was just 7.7% (or $1,281 per capita in inflation-adjusted 2022 dollars) in 1970. This has since increased to a total of 19.9% since 1970. This shift is largely influenced by an aging population increased healthcare costs, and economic transformations that have reshaped income sources across the U.S.

In 2022, the primary government transfer programs in Transylvania County included:

• Social Security: $6,360 per capita (41.7% of total transfers)
• Medicare: $3,888 per capita (25.5% of total transfers)
• Medicaid: $1,890 per capita (12.4% of total transfers)
• Income Maintenance Programs: $1,251 per capita (8.2% of total transfers)

With 31.7% of the population aged 65 and older, Transylvania County has a significant demand for Social Security and Medicare. However, counties with higher poverty rates also show elevated Medicaid and income maintenance participation.

Government transfers have long been a modest financial safety net, historically comprising only a small fraction of Americans’ income. However, since the 1970s—sometimes dubbed the “Great Transfer-mation”—dependency has surged from 8.2% (or $2,022 per capita in inflation-adjusted 2022 dollars) in 1970 to 17.6% (or $11,542 per capita) in 2022 nationwide.

According to the Economic Innovation Group’s analysis, these trends are not merely short-term responses to economic pressures but rather reflect a profound, long-term transformation in how government support is integrated into American life. The study illustrates that structural shifts—from rising healthcare expenses and demographic changes to stagnant wages—have significantly increased dependency on government transfers.