Watauga County Flag

Watauga County

County Seat:

Watauga County's estimated 2025 population is 54,218 with a growth rate of -0.49% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. Watauga County is the 50th largest county in North Carolina. The 2010 population was 50,972 and has seen a growth of 6.37% since that time.

54,218
Total Population
174
Population Density (mi²)
50
Population Rank (State)
-265 -0.49%
Annual Population Growth

Watauga County Population

Watauga County Population

Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change

Demographics

The racial composition of Watauga County includes 90.34% White, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, other race, Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.

Population by Race

Race
Population
Percentage (of total)
White49,33490.34%
Two or more races2,5124.6%
Black or African American1,1942.19%
Other race7021.29%
Asian6641.22%
Native American2010.37%

Watauga County Marital Status

OverallMalesFemales0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Married

Widowed

Divorced

Separated

Never Married

Economics and Income Statistics

Watauga County's average per capita income is $39,757. Household income levels show a median of $51,367. The poverty rate stands at 24.68%.

Families: A family includes the owner or renter of the home along with everyone related to them - whether through birth, marriage, or adoption. This includes relatives like spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and any other family members.
Households: A household includes all the people who occupy a housing unit (such as a house or apartment) as their usual place of residence.
Non Families: A nonfamily household is either someone living alone or when the owner/renter lives with people they aren't related to, like roommates.
Name
Median
Mean
Married Families$96,256-
Families$87,273$111,109
Households$51,367$78,984
Non Families$30,903$44,726

$39,757

Average Income

$51,367

Median Household Income

24.68%

Poverty Rate