2023 ACS Census Data · Population 54,607
Watauga County is a mid-sized county in North Carolina with a population of 54,607. The median household income is $51,367, 21% below the national average. The poverty rate is 24.7%, median home value is $321,500, and 47.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Its college education attainment is 98% above the national average.
Population
54,607
2023 estimate
Rank #948 of 3,222 counties
Median Income?The midpoint of all household incomes — half of households earn more, half earn less.Learn more →
$51,367
Household
Rank #2595 of 3,222 counties
Median Home Value?Estimated market value of owner-occupied homes at the 50th percentile.
$321,500
Owner-occupied
Rank #418 of 3,222 counties
Bachelor's Degree+?Percent of adults 25 and older who hold at least a bachelor's degree.Learn more →
47.7%
Adults 25+
Rank #120 of 3,222 counties
Location
Population breakdown by race, ethnicity, and age
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Female Population?Percent of the total population identifying as female.
50.1%
Foreign-Born?Percent of residents born outside the United States.
3.7%
Speak Non-English at Home?Percent of households where a language other than English is spoken at home.
6.0%
Veterans?Percent of civilian population 18 and over who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
3.9%
Income, poverty, and employment data from the American Community Survey
Benchmarks vs State & National
Median Household Income
16% below North Carolina avg·21% below national avg
Poverty Rate
60% below North Carolina avg·65% below national avg
Labor Force Participation
7% above North Carolina avg·4% above national avg
Economic Indicators
Per Capita Income?Total income divided by total population — the average income per person, regardless of household size.Learn more →
$32,631
Poverty Rate?Percent of residents living below the federal poverty line, which varies by household size.Learn more →
24.7%
Labor Force Participation?Percent of civilians 16+ who are employed or actively looking for work.Learn more →
60.0%
Home values, ownership rates, and rental costs
Benchmarks vs State & National
Median Home Value
50% above North Carolina avg·54% above national avg
Median Monthly Rent
14% above North Carolina avg·15% above national avg
Home Ownership Rate
14% below North Carolina avg·16% below national avg
Housing Cost Burden
36% below North Carolina avg·47% below national avg
Housing Units
33,028
Households
21,187
Ownership & Cost Burden
Persons per Household?Average number of people living in each occupied housing unit.
2.3
Median Owner Costs (w/ Mortgage)?Typical monthly costs for homeowners with a mortgage, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.Learn more →
$1,595
Broadband Subscription?Percent of households with a broadband internet subscription.Learn more →
89.0%
Mean Commute Time?Average one-way travel time to work, in minutes, for workers 16 and older.Learn more →
21 min
Educational attainment among adults
Benchmarks vs State & National
Bachelor's Degree Rate
89% above North Carolina avg·98% above national avg
High School Graduation Rate
5% above North Carolina avg·4% above national avg
Attainment
Health & Access
With Disability (under 65)?Percent of residents under 65 with a cognitive, physical, or sensory disability.Learn more →
8.2%
Without Health Insurance (under 65)?Percent of residents under 65 who lack any form of health insurance coverage.Learn more →
12.8%
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