Watauga County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Watauga County, North Carolina is 54,607 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $51,367, the median home value is $321,500, and the median age is 32.2.
The population of Watauga County has grown 7.9% since 2010 (50,972 → 54,997), a +0.54% annualized rate.
54,607
Population
+0.54%
Annual growth
175
People / sq mi
$51,367
Median Income
$321,500
Median Home Value
Watauga County covers 312 sq mi of land at 174.8 people per square mile.
About Watauga County, NC
Age is the most distinctive thing about Watauga County: a median age of 32.2, younger than the national median. With 54,607 residents, Watauga County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #49 among counties in North Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $51,367, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.9%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $321,500, with typical rent around $1,066.
Watauga County is among the best-educated US counties: 47.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Around 9.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Watauga County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Watauga County had a population of 50,972 in 2010 and 54,997 in 2024, a 7.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 56,271 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.55%.
54,997
Population (2024)
50,972
Population (2010)
56,271
Peak (2019)
0.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 50,972 |
| 2011 | 51,636 |
| 2012 | 52,079 |
| 2013 | 52,320 |
| 2014 | 52,421 |
| 2015 | 53,129 |
| 2016 | 54,176 |
| 2017 | 55,250 |
| 2018 | 56,205 |
| 2019 | 56,271 |
| 2020 | 54,470 |
| 2021 | 55,326 |
| 2022 | 55,404 |
| 2023 | 55,420 |
| 2024 | 54,997 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.3% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.2
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
16.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 10.1% · Seniors (65+): 16.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,367$-18,537 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,984 |
| Per-capita income | $32,631 |
| Poverty rate | 7.9%-1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Watauga County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.9% of workers.
How residents commute
1.2%
Drive alone
3.9%
Carpool
74.7%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
20.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$321,500+$62,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,066
Median rent
61.2%
Homeownership rate
33,028
Total housing units
64.1%
Occupied
35.9%
Vacant
38.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.3%
With health insurance
93.9%
With broadband internet
34.3%
Foreign-born
4.5%
Veterans (18+)
11.9%
With a disability
94.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
47.7%
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
Watauga County, North Carolina has a population of 54,607 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 175 people per square mile.
The population of Watauga County has grown 7.9% since 2010 (50,972 → 54,997), a +0.54% annualized rate.
The median household income in Watauga County, North Carolina is $51,367, with mean (average) household income of $78,984 and per-capita income of $32,631. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Watauga County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.3%), Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Watauga County, North Carolina is 32.2 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Watauga County is $321,500 and median monthly rent is $1,066. 61.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 33,028 total housing units, 35.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Watauga County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Watauga 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.