According to Countryaah, Avery County is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and is home to approximately 17,000 people. The county seat is Newland, which is the largest city in the county with a population of about 1,200 people. Other major cities in Avery County include Banner Elk, Crossnore, Elk Park, and Grandfather Mountain.
The majority of the population in Avery County is white (86%), with small percentages of African Americans (7%), Hispanics (4%) and Asians (2%). The median age for residents in the county is 41 years old with nearly a quarter of all residents below the age of 18.
Avery County has an excellent educational system with most adults having at least some college education. The median household income for Avery County is $41,000 which is slightly lower than the national average of $55,000.
The unemployment rate in Avery County stands at 5%, which is slightly higher than the national average but still lower than many other counties across North Carolina. Additionally, more than half of all residents are homeowners while just over 35% are renters.
Avery County has a strong local economy that relies heavily on tourism due to its beautiful mountain scenery and numerous outdoor activities like hiking and camping that draw visitors from across the region each year. Additionally, there are several large employers like Ingles Markets and Grandfather Mountain that provide jobs for many locals as well as those who move to this area looking for work opportunities.
Avery County offers an excellent quality of life thanks to its idyllic mountain setting as well as its proximity to larger cities like Asheville and Charlotte. With its strong economy and diverse population mix, it’s no wonder that this region continues to attract new residents each year looking for a place to call home.
History of Avery County, North Carolina
Avery County, North Carolina has a long and storied history that dates back to its founding in 1911. The county was named after Waightstill Avery, a Revolutionary War hero who served as the first Attorney General of North Carolina. Prior to the formation of Avery County, the area was part of Burke and Caldwell Counties.
The first settlers in Avery County were primarily of Scots-Irish descent who arrived in the late 1700s and early 1800s. These early settlers quickly established several small towns including Newland, Crossnore, Banner Elk, Elk Park, and Grandfather Mountain. These towns were largely built around timber and mining operations which provided employment for many of the locals.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, tourism began to take off in Avery County thanks to its stunning mountain scenery and numerous outdoor activities like hiking and camping. This influx of tourists created a new source of income for locals who opened up lodging facilities as well as restaurants which helped to boost the local economy.
The Great Depression hit Avery County hard with many residents struggling to make ends meet during this time period. Despite this setback, life slowly began to return to normal after World War II with more people moving into the area looking for work opportunities or just looking for a place to call home.
Today, Avery County is known for its stunning mountain scenery as well as its strong economy which relies heavily on tourism but also includes large employers like Ingles Markets and Grandfather Mountain which provide jobs for many locals. Additionally, more than half of all residents are homeowners while just over 35% are renters making it an attractive place for those looking for a place to call home.
Major cities and towns in Avery County, North Carolina
Avery County, North Carolina is home to several vibrant cities and towns with a rich history and culture. The county seat is Newland, which was established in 1799 and is the largest town in Avery County. It is home to many of the county’s government buildings as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
Crossnore is one of the oldest towns in Avery County, having been founded in 1881. It is known for its historic downtown area where visitors can find unique shops, galleries, eateries, and more. Crossnore is also home to the Crossnore School which was founded in 1913 by Dr. Eustace Sloop to provide educational opportunities for children from low-income families.
Banner Elk is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Avery County thanks to its stunning mountain scenery and numerous outdoor activities like skiing at Beech Mountain Resort or hiking at Grandfather Mountain State Park. Banner Elk also has a vibrant downtown district with plenty of shopping and dining options as well as lodging facilities for visitors who want to stay overnight or longer.
Elk Park was established in 1895 and offers visitors an idyllic mountain setting with plenty of outdoor activities like fishing on Watauga Lake or hiking along part of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Avery County. Elk Park also has several restaurants and shops that cater to both locals and tourists alike.
Grandfather Mountain is a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning views from atop the mountain peak as well as its wildlife habitats featuring black bears, cougars, eagles, deer, salamanders, and more. The area also includes Grandfather Mountain State Park where visitors can enjoy camping or picnicking along with miles of trails for hiking or biking while taking in some breathtaking views along the way.
Avery County has something special for everyone from outdoor adventurers looking for an adventure to those just looking for a relaxing escape into nature’s beauty there’s something here for everyone.
Population in Avery County, North Carolina
According to existingcountries.com, Avery County, North Carolina is located in the Appalachian Mountains and has a population of just over 17,000 people. The county is part of the High Country region and is known for its stunning views and natural beauty. The county seat is Newland, which was established in 1799.
The population of Avery County is diverse with people from various backgrounds living in the area. The majority of the population are white (87%), followed by African American (7%), Hispanic (2%), Native American (1%) and Asian (1%). Additionally, there are small percentages of other races as well as those who identify as two or more races.
The median household income in Avery County is $40,717 with 22% of households living below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is slightly higher than the national average.
In terms of education, almost all residents have completed high school or higher with 37% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Furthermore, there are several universities and colleges in the area such as Appalachian State University, Lees-McRae College and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute that offer a variety of degree programs for students to choose from.
Avery County offers a unique blend of small-town charm with modern amenities that make it an ideal place to live for those seeking an escape from city life but still want access to all that nature has to offer. With its stunning mountain views and countless outdoor activities available it’s easy to see why so many people choose to call this area home.
