Avery County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 84th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Avery County, North Carolina is 17,643 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 84th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $57,657, the median home value is $233,200, and the median age is 46.5.
The population of Avery County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (17,797 → 17,811), a +0.01% annualized rate.
17,643
Population
+0.01%
Annual growth
71
People / sq mi
$57,657
Median Income
$233,200
Median Home Value
Avery County covers 247 sq mi of land at 71.3 people per square mile.
About Avery County, NC
Avery County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 17,643. It ranks #84 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 46.5, older than the national median. The population is 54.6% male and 45.4% female.
The median household income in Avery County is $57,657, below the US median of $74,580. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $233,200, with monthly rent averaging $791. The homeownership rate of 80.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Avery County reflects 21.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.9 minutes each way.
Avery County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Avery County had a population of 17,797 in 2010 and 17,811 in 2024, a 0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,815 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
17,811
Population (2024)
17,797
Population (2010)
17,815
Peak (2020)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,797 |
| 2011 | 17,771 |
| 2012 | 17,617 |
| 2013 | 17,663 |
| 2014 | 17,658 |
| 2015 | 17,494 |
| 2016 | 17,450 |
| 2017 | 17,522 |
| 2018 | 17,509 |
| 2019 | 17,496 |
| 2020 | 17,815 |
| 2021 | 17,511 |
| 2022 | 17,550 |
| 2023 | 17,711 |
| 2024 | 17,811 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.4% |
| Black or African American | 4.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
46.5
Median Age
45.4%
Female
54.6%
Male
23.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.0% · Seniors (65+): 23.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,657$-12,247 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,001 |
| Per-capita income | $33,899 |
| Poverty rate | 7.1%-2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Avery County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
80.5%
Public transit
7.0%
Work from home
21.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$233,200$-26,200 vs state
Median home value
$791
Median rent
80.0%
Homeownership rate
14,051
Total housing units
46.7%
Occupied
53.3%
Vacant
20.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.9%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
28.1%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
18.1%
With a disability
95.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.4%
High School+
21.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Avery County, North Carolina has a population of 17,643 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 84th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 71 people per square mile.
The population of Avery County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (17,797 → 17,811), a +0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Avery County, North Carolina is $57,657, with mean (average) household income of $87,001 and per-capita income of $33,899. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Avery County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.4%), Black or African American (4.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Avery County, North Carolina is 46.5 years. Residents are 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
The median home value in Avery County is $233,200 and median monthly rent is $791. 80.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,051 total housing units, 53.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Avery County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Avery County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.