Catawba County Demographics

Catawba County, NC, has a population of approximately 160,610 as of the 2020 Census. The racial makeup is 78.3% White, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% African American, 2.1% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. The median household income is around $54,000, with 13.2% of residents living below the poverty line. The county's population growth rate is 2.1%, and the median age is 41.2 years. Educational attainment shows that 85.7% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, while 23.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Catawba County Housing

As of 2023, Catawba County, NC has a median home price of approximately $230,000. The residential market experienced a year-over-year appreciation rate of around 10%. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment stands at about $875 per month, while a two-bedroom averages $1,100. The homeowner vacancy rate is relatively low at 1.6%, and the region boasts a homeownership rate of 69%. There is a mix of suburban and rural housing options, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets.

Elections in Catawba County

Catawba County, NC, typically holds elections for federal, state, and local offices. For the most recent elections, key areas include the county commission, school board, and municipal positions. Here are some approximate numerical values and candidates as of the latest cycles:

  1. Voter Registration: 100,000+
  2. Turnout Rate: ~60%+ in general presidential elections.

County Commission: Elects 5 members.

  • Recent candidates: Barbara Beatty (R), Randy Isenhower (R)

School Board: 7 members.

  • Recent candidates: Kim Clontz, Jeff Taylor

Municipal Elections: Includes mayors and council members for cities like Newton, Conover, Hickory.

  • Recent candidates: Hank Guess (Mayor of Hickory), Candy Burnett (Newton City Council)

State and Federal: Includes NC House Districts 89 & 96, NC Senate District 42.

  • Recent candidates: Jason Saine (R), Jay Adams (R), Dean Proctor (R)

Check the Catawba County Board of Elections for detailed and updated information.

How Educated in Catawba County

Catawba County, NC, exhibits diverse educational attainment levels. As of the latest available data:

  • High School Diploma or Higher: Approximately 89% of residents aged 25+ have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of around 88% and North Carolina's average of roughly 87%.
  • Bachelor's Degree or Higher: About 22% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of approximately 33% and the state average of 31%.

In summary, Catawba County's high school graduation rate is slightly above the national and state averages, but the proportion of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is significantly below both national and state levels.

Catawba County Employment Rate

As of recent data, Catawba County, NC has an employment rate reflecting a working populace actively engaged in various sectors. Manufacturing dominates as the top industry, employing around 30% of the workforce—significantly higher than the national average of 8.5% and the state average of 10%. Retail trade and healthcare/social assistance also play crucial roles, aligning closer to national trends, with around 11% and 13% of employment respectively.

Unemployment rates in Catawba County stand at approximately 4%, slightly below the national average of 6% and state average of 5.3%. The county has a total civilian labor force of about 80,000 individuals. Other notable industries include education, construction, and professional services.

This snapshot highlights Catawba's strong manufacturing presence, a significant deviation from broader national and state employment patterns.

Average Income in Catawba County

As of the most recent data, Catawba County, NC has a median household income of approximately $52,426. This compares to the median household income in the state of North Carolina, which is about $54,602, and the national median household income, which stands at roughly $68,703.

Region Median Household Income
Catawba County, NC $52,426
North Carolina $54,602
United States $68,703

Catawba County's median income is lower than both the state and national averages, highlighting a regional disparity.

Catawba County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Catawba County, NC has a crime rate significantly below the national average. The crime rate is 29.85 per 1,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 40.71 per 1,000 residents. Broken down by types of crime, the following statistics are noted:

Crime Type Incidents per 1,000 residents
Violent Crime 2.96
Property Crime 26.89
Burglary 6.50
Larceny-Theft 17.88
Motor Vehicle Theft 2.51

Please keep in mind that crime rates can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions and law enforcement practices. Always consult the most recent data from local or national databases for updated statistics.