Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 46.1 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.09 |
| Below Poverty | 10.2% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 42.7% ▲ 10% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.7% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 167 (1.3%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,307 (25.9%) |
| Some College | 1,795 (14%) |
| Associates | 2,096 (16.4%) |
| Bachelors | 1,422 (11.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 4,004 (31.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $58,597 ▼ 23% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $258,096 ≈ Avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $815/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 18,572 |
| Vacant Units | 10,499 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Avery County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 9 ZIP codes spanning 9 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 18,975 residents. With a median age of 46.05, it is a mature county.
Avery County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $58,597 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 10.2% is near the national average.
Housing in Avery County is a mid-range housing market, with a median home value of $258,096 — near the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $815. Homeownership rates are high at 79.4%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Avery County are primarily White (92.13%). Educational attainment is well-educated — 42.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Avery County, NC is a solidly middle-class area in North Carolina. The 9 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28604 | Banner Elk | 7,280 | $64,052 | $319,200 | $932 | 5.0% | 53.9% |
| 28616 | Crossnore | 129 | $107,292 | $222,500 | — | 0.0% | 33.3% |
| 28622 | Elk Park | 2,701 | $45,169 | $171,100 | $702 | 3.5% | 24.6% |
| 28646 | Linville | 544 | $73,868 | $394,300 | — | 14.5% | 44.3% |
| 28657 | Newland | 8,098 | $56,371 | $223,600 | $748 | 4.3% | 39.1% |