Yancey County

Yancey County, NC, had a population of approximately 17,000 as of the 2020 Census. The racial makeup is predominantly White (over 95%), with small percentages of other races including African American (<1%), Asian (<1%), and Native American (about 1.5%). Approximately 2% identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income is around $42,000, and about 15% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county spans roughly 313 square miles and has a population density of about 54 people per square mile.

As of the latest available data, Yancey County, NC, has a median home value of approximately $185,000. The median rent is around $700 per month. Homeownership rate stands at 79%, with a vacancy rate near 20%. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes. New construction is limited, contributing to a relatively low housing turnover. Housing costs in the county are more affordable compared to national averages, making it a desirable location for budget-conscious buyers.

For the 2022 elections in Yancey County, NC, the voter turnout was notable with 10,872 of the 14,162 registered voters (76.8%) casting their ballots.

Key candidates included:

• U.S. Senate: Cheri Beasley (D) vs. Ted Budd (R), with Budd winning locally.
• U.S. House (11th District): Jasmine Beach-Ferrara (D) vs. Chuck Edwards (R), with Edwards victorious.
• NC State Senate (47th District): Taylor Palmer (D) vs. Ralph Hise (R), with Hise winning.
• NC House (118th District): Alan Jones (D) vs. Mark Pless (R), with Pless prevailing.

For local offices, notable winners included:

• Sheriff: Shane Hilliard (R)
• County Commissioner: Mark Ledford (R), John Stallings (R), and Lynne B. Austin (D)
• Board of Education: Michele Laws, Jeanne Tyner, and Bill Whiteside.

These results reflect a strong Republican presence in local elections.

Yancey County, NC, has a relatively low educational attainment compared to national and state averages. According to recent data:

• About 81.7% of Yancey County residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88.6% and the North Carolina state average of 87.8%.
• Approximately 15.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, whereas the national average is around 32.1% and the state average is approximately 30.3%.

Yancey County's education levels are notably below both the national and state averages, indicating potential challenges in workforce qualifications and economic development. Continuous efforts are needed to improve educational access and attainment in the region.

As of the latest data, Yancey County, NC has a civilian labor force of approximately 8,000 individuals. The county's unemployment rate hovers around 4.5%, which is slightly above the national average of 3.9% but close to the North Carolina state average of 4.3%.

Top industries in Yancey County include:

1. Manufacturing: Employs about 20% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 8.5% for this sector.
2. Education and Health Services: Represents around 15% of jobs, comparable to the national average of 16%.
3. Retail Trade: Accounts for about 12%, slightly above the national average of 10%.

Agriculture and construction also have notable presences but are smaller compared to these key industries. The county's employment landscape shows a strong reliance on manufacturing and a balanced spread across other essential sectors.

As of the latest available data, Yancey County, NC, has an average household income of approximately $48,000. This figure lags behind both the national and state averages. The national average household income stands at around $68,700, while the state average for North Carolina is about $57,500.

In comparison, Yancey County's income level is approximately 30% lower than the national average and about 16.5% lower than the state average. These disparities highlight regional economic differences and emphasize the need for targeted economic development initiatives in Yancey County.

As of the latest available data, Yancey County, NC, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The county's crime rate stands at approximately 1,465 incidents per 100,000 people annually. This figure is notably lower than both the state and national crime rates. Below is a breakdown of the types of crimes reported:

These statistics underscore the lower prevalence of crime in Yancey County, showcasing it as a relatively safe place to live. The figures are based on recent police data and local law enforcement reports.