Avery County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,680
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,428/yr
6.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,201
1.1% year-over-year change

Avery County population

How many people live in Avery County

Avery County is home to 17,680 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.7% of Avery County locals are male, and 46.3% are female.

Total population
17,680
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.7%
9,501
Female
46.3%
8,179
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,501 53.7% -1.4%
Female 8,179 46.3% 2.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Avery County is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 12% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 28.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
12%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
28.7%
Over 65
23.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,115 12% -0.5%
15 to 24 2,033 11.5% 1.0%
25 to 44 4,272 24.2% -1.2%
45 to 64 5,080 28.7% -0.8%
Over 65 4,180 23.6% 3.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Avery County, 95% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.8% of locals are Caucasian, 3.8% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,801 95% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 373 2.1% -7.0%
Non-citizens 506 2.9% 3.7%
Racial breakdown
White
86.8%
Black or African American
3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 15,338 86.8%
Black or African American 676 3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 19 0.1%
Asian 77 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 80 0.4%
Two or more races 965 5.5%
Other 525 3%

Households in Avery County

A peek inside Avery County households

Avery County has 6,791 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.5% are families, while the remaining 34.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,791
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,342
Family households
4,449
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,342 34.5% 2.3%
Family households 4,449 65.5% 4.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Avery County

The housing landscape of Avery County

Avery County's housing consists of 14,201 units, with 67.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 10.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,201
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,644 67.9%
1 unit, attached 139 1%
2 units 479 3.4%
3 or 4 units 738 5.2%
5 to 9 units 561 4%
10 to 19 units 226 1.6%
20 to 49 units 340 2.4%
50 or more units 533 3.8%
Mobile home 1,541 10.8%
Homes built since 2020
131
263.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Avery County

In Avery County, the median construction year is 1985. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 601 4.2% -22.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 643 4.5% 12.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 633 4.5% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 854 6% -3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,262 15.9% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,892 27.4% -1.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,266 16% 5.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,186 15.4% 1.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 733 5.2% 14.2%
Built in 2020 or later 131 0.9% 263.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Avery County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,791 occupied housing units in Avery County, 83% are owner-occupied, while 17% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 52.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,791
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,154
Owner occupied
5,637
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,154 17% -12.2%
Owner occupied 5,637 83% 7.5%
Unoccupied housing units
52.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Avery County housing costs

Housing costs in Avery County come to a median of $749 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $773.

Median housing costs per month
$749/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Avery County
$773/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Avery County

Avery County education at a glance

About 36.9% of the population in Avery County went to high school, while 25.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 15.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 725 4.8% 14.7%
High school diploma 5,576 36.9% -8.7%
College diploma 3,835 25.4% -3.8%
Associate degree 1,486 9.8% 18.5%
Bachelor's degree 2,349 15.5% 18.3%
Graduate degree 1,155 7.6% 4.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Avery County

How much people earn in Avery County

The average annual household income in Avery County was $88,834 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,428, reflecting a +6.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Avery County
$88,834/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Avery County
$61,428/year
6.5% year-over-year change

Avery County income by age

In Avery County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,108. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,079 overall. Overall, 89.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $71,108 25.2%
45 - 64 $64,079 7.0%
Over 65 $55,212 2.6%
Above poverty level
13,685
Below poverty level
1,555
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,685 89.8% 3.5%
Below poverty level 1,555 10.2% -3.8%

Employment in Avery County

Workforce and job types in Avery County

The job market in Avery County is powered by 6,908 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.4% run their own businesses, 58.8% are employed by private companies, and 18.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,908
1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
5,223
Blue collar
1,685
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,223 75.6% -1.3%
Blue collar 1,685 24.4% 13.5%
Employer type
Self employees
17.4%
Private companies
58.8%
Governmental workers
18.7%
Not for profit companies
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,204 17.4% -4.1%
Private companies 4,060 58.8% 2.4%
Governmental workers 1,293 18.7% 8.1%
Not for profit companies 351 5.1% -2.0%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Avery County stands at 4.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Avery County

How people get around in Avery County

Commuting methods vary: 87.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,606 87.1% 0.9%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% -50.0%
Subway or elevated 31 0.5% N/A
Motorcycle 17 0.3% N/A
Walk 157 2.4% 12.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Avery County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28604 7,869 3,236 $76,319 $109,394
28611 424 229 $0 $72,482
28616 115 22 $0 $86,659
28622 2,565 1,073 $44,028 $64,058
28646 382 193 $76,736 $109,541
28652 132 36 $0 $0
28657 8,188 3,716 $59,702 $76,735

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FAQs about Avery County demographics 

What is the total population of Avery County?

Avery County has a total population of 17,680 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Avery County?

The gender ratio in Avery County is as follows:
  • 53.7% males (9,501 residents)
  • 46.3% females (8,179 residents)

What is the median age in Avery County?

The median age in Avery County is 47.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Avery County?

The age distribution in Avery County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12% (2,115 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (2,033 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (4,272 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.7% (5,080 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.6% (4,180 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Avery County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Avery County is as follows:
  • White: 86.8% (15,338 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.8% (676 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (19 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (77 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (80 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (965 residents)
  • Other: 3% (525 residents)

What percentage of the population in Avery County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95% of the population in Avery County.

How many housing units are there in Avery County?

There are 14,201 housing units in Avery County, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Avery County and what is the average household size?

Avery County has a total of 6,791 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Avery County?

Avery County has a median household income of $61,428, representing a +6.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Avery County?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Avery County, with a workforce of 6,908 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.6% (5,223 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.4% (1,685 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.4% (1,204 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.8% (4,060 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.7% (1,293 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.1% (351 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025