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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Avery County: a median age of 46.5, older than the national median. With 17,643 residents, Avery County is a county in North Carolina.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $57,657 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.1%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $233,200, with typical rent around $791.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Avery County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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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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.