Avery County

As of the 2020 census, Avery County, NC, has a population of approximately 17,806. The racial makeup includes 94.5% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 1.4% other races, and 2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race make up about 4.5% of the population. The median household income is around $42,500, and the poverty rate is approximately 17%. The county spans 247 square miles and has a population density of about 72 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Avery County, NC, has a median home value of about $250,000. The median rent is approximately $850 per month. Homeownership stands at around 70%, while the vacancy rate for housing is near 20%, reflecting a mix of permanent residences and vacation properties. With moderate appreciation rates, the real estate market remains stable. The average household size is 2.3, and building new homes costs roughly $150 per square foot.

Avery County, NC, participates in local, state, and national elections with its residents eligible to vote in various races. In the 2022 General Election, Avery County reported a voter turnout of approximately 57%.

Key positions contested included:

• U.S. Senate: Ted Budd (Republican) received 77.8% of the county's vote, while Cheri Beasley (Democrat) garnered 21.2%.
• U.S. House of Representatives (District 11): Chuck Edwards (Republican) secured 75.1%, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara (Democrat) had 21.7%, and David Coatney (Libertarian) took 3.2%.
• State Senate (District 47): Ralph Hise (Republican) achieved 77.4%, while Karen Burnette McCracken (Democrat) received 22.6%.
• State House (District 85): Dudley Greene (Republican) stood uncontested.

Local elections included positions for the Board of Commissioners, Sheriff, and other county offices. The Republican party dominated these seats as well, reflecting the county's voting pattern in recent elections.

Avery County, NC, has an education profile with specific statistics that highlight its academic landscape. Approximately 78.8% of residents have a high school diploma, lower than the national average of 88%. When it comes to higher education, around 17.1% of Avery County adults possess a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.1% and the North Carolina state average of 31.3%. Enrollment statistics from the Avery County Schools system show around 2,200 students across its eight schools. The county's educational attainment reflects challenges in higher education achievement, lagging behind both state and national figures. This indicates a need for more robust educational support and opportunities to enhance the academic qualifications of its residents.

Avery County, North Carolina, has a diverse employment landscape. The labor force participation rate stands at approximately 58.3%, slightly lower than the national average of 63.3% and the North Carolina state average of 61.5%. The top industries in Avery County include tourism, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Specifically, a significant portion of employment is in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (22%), which is notably higher compared to the national average of 10.3% and the state average of 11%. Agriculture, particularly Christmas tree farming, also constitutes a significant part of the local economy. Healthcare and social assistance employ around 16% of the county's workforce, aligning closely with state and national averages. Manufacturing, although robust, employs around 10% of the workforce, which is below the national average of 8.5%. Additionally, the unemployment rate in Avery County is approximately 4.5%, slightly above the national average of 3.8%.

As of the latest available data, Avery County, NC has a median household income of approximately $40,000. By comparison, the median household income in North Carolina is about $54,000, while the national average stands at around $68,700.

Here’s a brief statistics table for clarity:

Avery County's income levels are noticeably lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting economic disparities that could be attributed to various factors such as job market conditions, industrial base, and cost of living in this largely rural area.

As of the most recent statistics, Avery County, North Carolina, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. Below are some key crime rate figures per 1,000 residents:

Avery County's violent crime rate is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 3.7 per 1,000 residents. The overall property crime rate is also lower than the national average of 21.1 per 1,000 residents.