Data & Community Profiles
The facts, figures, and reports you need to make informed decisions about Watauga County.
Community Profile
Key statistics and demographics for Watauga County, North Carolina.
56,000+
County Population
20,000+
University Students
4,800 ft
Peak Elevation
95%
Air Quality Rating
$52K
Median Household Income
35%
Bachelor's Degree+
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
#1
NC Mountain County
Location Advantages
Accessible yet elevated — Watauga County offers proximity to major markets with mountain quality of life.
Proximity to Major Markets
- Charlotte, NC (CLT Airport)~2 hours
- Greensboro / Winston-Salem, NC~1.5 hours
- Asheville, NC~1.5 hours
- Tri-Cities, TN/VA~1.5 hours
- Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU)~3.5 hours
- Atlanta, GA (ATL Airport)~4.5 hours
Infrastructure
- High-speed broadband via SkyLine/SkyBest and Charter
- Natural gas service available in Boone
- Reliable electric service via Blue Ridge Energy
- Municipal water and sewer in Boone town limits
- US-321 and US-421 highway access
- Watauga Medical Center (acute care hospital)
Industry Reports & Data
Download reports and explore economic indicators for Watauga County.
Annual Economic Snapshot
Key economic indicators, employment data, and business climate overview.
Tourism Impact Study
Visitor spending, tourism employment, and economic impact of the hospitality industry.
Workforce Analysis
Labor market statistics, educational attainment, and workforce development programs.
Real Estate Trends
Commercial and residential real estate market overview, vacancy rates, and development pipeline.
Tech Sector Growth
Technology industry growth, remote worker trends, and digital infrastructure development.
Quality of Life Index
Healthcare access, education rankings, environmental quality, and community amenities.
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