[8] Maud F. Gatewood Municipal Park and Caswell Community Arboretum are popular recreational areas.

In 1977, North Carolina historian William S. Powell wrote that the preponderance of evidence supported Bartlett Yancey, Jr., as the town's namesake.

Its design combines Italian Romanesque and classical features in a manner unique to North Carolina courthouse architecture.

[15] Located in the town's historic district in Court Square, it has been restored and provides offices for county departments.

[17] Construction on the preceding historic courthouse began in 1858 during the tail end of the area's prosperous "Boom Era."

Built using enslaved labor, it was completed in 1861 amid the early stages of the American Civil War.

No clear geographic or commercial reason for the town's existence remained other than the purpose of functioning as the county's seat of government.

[7] With no railroad, major waterway, or ability to attract commerce, Yanceyville was almost entirely reliant on agricultural enterprises in the surrounding county in the decades following the Civil War.

Agricultural practices in Yanceyville during the antebellum period and thereafter had overused the land and caused soil erosion.

[20][21][7] Improved farming techniques in the 1940s and 1950s curbed further land degradation, which contributed significantly to Yanceyville's economic development and revitalization.

[7] During the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st, the local economy continued to develop, diversify, and experience growth away from tobacco cultivation.

[2] On the Köppen climate classification scale, Yanceyville is in the Cfa (humid subtropical) zone, which is standard for the state.

Its location in the Piedmont region means average winter temperatures ranging from 28.9–52.4 °F (−1.7–11.3 °C), with moderate snowfall, and mild to hot summers.

[25] One reason that August and September are among the wettest months is due to the influx of precipitation caused by the yearly hurricane season.

The local economy was negatively impacted when demand began decreasing in the late 1990s due to a crisis in the tobacco industry regarding the health effects of smoking.

[40][38] The largest industries in Yanceyville are accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, and manufacturing.

[43] NC Cooperative Extension's office in Yanceyville connects local farmers and agribusinesses with vital research-based information and technology.

Yanceyville annually hosts the "Bright Leaf Hoedown," which takes place in the town square.

It is a one-day outdoor festival held in late September featuring local food vendors, live entertainment, crafts, and non-profit organizations.

[50][51] The town's cultural attractions also include:[52][53][9] The Caswell County Civic Center has a full-size professionally equipped stage, a 912-seat auditorium, meeting and banquet facilities for up to 500, a lobby art gallery, and accessories for concerts, theatre, and social functions.

Gunn Memorial Public Library offers summer reading programs to children of all ages.

Moreover, it determines which services to offer citizens to ensure the community stays socially and fiscally prosperous and healthy.

Additionally, its responsibilities include setting Yanceyville's tax, water, and sewer rates, and appointing a town manager.

[61] The town manager's responsibilities include directing operational activities, supervising personnel, budgeting, planning, zoning, and purchasing.

The Caswell County Board of Commissioners holds its regular meetings at the historic courthouse in Yanceyville.