Watauga County

As of the 2020 census, Watauga County, NC, has a population of 54,086. The racial makeup is approximately 93.1% White, 2.0% African American, 1.3% Asian, and 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is $47,328, with 20% of the population below the poverty line. The county has a higher education rate with around 46% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, largely due to the presence of Appalachian State University.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Watauga County Government.

Watauga County, NC, features a median home value of approximately $326,000 as of 2023. The median rent is around $1,200 per month. The area has a mix of owner-occupied and rental properties, with about 60% of residents owning their homes. The county's housing market has seen a steady appreciation rate of 3-5% annually. The availability of housing varies, with both rural and suburban options. Boone, the county seat, tends to have higher property values compared to more rural areas. The average property tax rate in Watauga County is around 0.6%.

For the 2022 elections in Watauga County, NC, the contested seats included positions for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, NC State Senate, NC House of Representatives, and local offices. In the U.S. Senate race, Ted Budd (Republican) and Cheri Beasley (Democrat) were the primary candidates, with Budd securing the seat. For the U.S. House of Representatives, Virginia Foxx (Republican) faced off against Kyle Parrish (Democrat) in the 5th District, with Foxx winning.

The NC State Senate race for District 45 saw Deanna Ballard (Republican) and Ben Massey (Democrat) competing; Ballard emerged victorious. In the NC House of Representatives, Ray Russell (Democrat) ran against Dudley Greene (Republican) for District 93, with Greene winning.

Voter turnout in Watauga County for the 2022 general election stood at approximately 61%, reflecting active civic participation in the region.

Watauga County, NC, boasts a highly educated population. Approximately 94.2% of residents have a high school diploma, surpassing the state average of 87.8% and the national average of 88.5%. Additionally, 46.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above both the North Carolina average of 31.9% and the national average of 33.1%. This high level of educational attainment is partly attributed to the presence of Appalachian State University in the county, which contributes to a robust academic environment. Overall, Watauga County stands out in terms of educational achievement compared to broader state and national figures.

As of the latest available data, Watauga County, NC, had an employment rate of approximately 61.0%, which is slightly lower than the national average of around 63.0% and North Carolina's state average of 62.5%. The labor force participation rate in the county is also around 61%, with a total labor force of about 30,000 individuals.

The top industries in Watauga County include:

1. Education Services: Employing around 24% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of roughly 9%.
2. Retail Trade: Accounts for about 13%, compared to the national average of 11%.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Makes up about 12%, aligned closely with the national average of 13%.

Other notable industries are accommodation and food services and construction. Compared to national and state averages, Watauga County has a stronger emphasis on education services due to the presence of Appalachian State University.

As of recent data, the average household income in Watauga County, NC is approximately $45,000 annually. This is lower than both the national average and the state average. Nationally, the average household income is around $68,700 per year, while North Carolina's state average is approximately $54,602.

Income Comparison Table

Watauga County's income figures reflect its more rural and less densely populated nature compared to urban regions. Factors such as cost of living, available industries, and employment opportunities also play a role in these variations.

Sources for numerical values include U.S. Census Bureau and other reputable demographic data providers. Always refer to a specific latest survey or dataset for the most current figures.

Watauga County, NC, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to data from the FBI in recent years, the crime rate in Watauga County is approximately 1,665 incidents per 100,000 people. This includes both violent and property crimes.

These figures offer a snapshot of the crime landscape in Watauga County, though it's always recommended to consult local law enforcement or official reports for the most current data.