Avery County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Avery County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 17,643. It is the 84th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Avery County is 46.5 years. This is 19% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 14.6% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Avery County is $57,657. This is 18% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 27% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%. This is 17% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. The median home value is $233,200. Housing costs are 10% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 80.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Avery County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.7%. The Black or African American population (4.2%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

21.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.4%.