Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 30.3 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
| Below Poverty | 23.2% ▲ 132% above avg |
| College Grads | 57.6% ▲ 49% above avg |
| Unemployment | 9.5% ▲ 94% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 214 (0.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 5,147 (20.7%) |
| Some College | 2,540 (10.2%) |
| Associates | 3,134 (12.6%) |
| Bachelors | 1,932 (7.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 11,892 (47.8%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $49,070 ▼ 36% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $333,007 ▲ 19% above avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 6.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,053/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 28,106 |
| Vacant Units | 8,812 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Watauga County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 8 ZIP codes spanning 7 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 50,471 residents. With a median age of 30.28, it is a relatively young county.
Watauga County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $49,070 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 9.5%, significantly above the national average. The poverty rate of 23.2% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in Watauga County is a mid-range housing market, with a median home value of $333,007 — above the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $1,052.
The residents of Watauga County are primarily White (88.59%). Educational attainment is well-educated — 57.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average.
Watauga County, NC is a working-class area in North Carolina. The 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28605 | Blowing Rock | 3,471 | $74,865 | $449,500 | $1,105 | 4.5% | 69.1% |
| 28607 | Boone | 35,504 | $44,132 | $339,200 | $1,081 | 11.8% | 62.7% |
| 28618 | Deep Gap | 2,240 | $62,667 | $308,000 | $1,057 | 4.7% | 38.2% |
| 28679 | Sugar Grove | 2,535 | $64,833 | $282,400 | $1,049 | 3.7% | 39.6% |
| 28692 | Vilas | 4,462 | $48,750 | $289,200 | $985 | 5.2% | 45.2% |
| 28698 | Zionville | 2,259 | $56,506 | $224,800 | $663 | 0.0% | 24.3% |