IncomeBy County

Watauga County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-16% vs. North Carolina average
$51,367
Median Household Income
$32,631
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,367
-16% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,631
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
16.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#76 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Watauga County Compares

Watauga County$51,367
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,367
Median Household Income
$32,631
Per Capita Income
$321,500
Median Home Value
16.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Watauga County

Income Verdict

Watauga County has a median household income of $51,367 and per capita income of $32,631 — a gap of $18,736, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,066/month and a median household income of $51,367, rent consumes approximately 24.9% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $51,367, residents of Watauga County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $32,631 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Watauga County earns approximately 15.9% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Watauga County, North Carolina

Watauga income moderately below national

Watauga County's median household income of $51,367 is 31% below the national median of $74,755. The mountain county's economy blends tourism, small business, and Appalachian State University employment.

Below state average in income

Watauga ranks in the lower-middle tier of North Carolina counties at $51,367, earning 16% less than the state average of $61,072. Higher education and seasonal tourism provide some income stability despite economic volatility.

Middle ground in mountain counties

Watauga's $51,367 exceeds nearby rural counties like Vance ($46,943) and Warren ($45,279) but trails Wayne County ($58,082). The proximity to Boone and university presence distinguish Watauga from purely rural peers.

Rising housing costs challenge affordability

Watauga's rent-to-income ratio of 24.9% is the highest in this county group, signaling real affordability strain despite modest housing costs. A median home value of $321,500 significantly exceeds the county median income, reflecting tourism and second-home demand inflating prices.

Leverage education and community

Watauga County's proximity to Appalachian State University creates workforce development and skill-building opportunities. Households should pursue continuing education, explore employer benefits, and join community investment initiatives to build wealth steadily over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Watauga County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Watauga County, North Carolina is $51,367, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Watauga County?
The per capita income in Watauga County is $32,631, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $51,367.
How does Watauga County compare to the North Carolina average?
Watauga County's median household income of $51,367 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $32,631, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Watauga County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Watauga County, North Carolina is $32,631, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Watauga County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Watauga County's median household income of $51,367 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $32,631 is also lower than the state average of $33,920. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Watauga County rank for income in North Carolina?
Watauga County ranks #76 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,367 and per capita income of $32,631, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Watauga County

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Your income is above the Watauga County median

County median: $51,367 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-16%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Watauga County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 16% below
vs. National Median▼ 31% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.0x

Your monthly income ($4,281) vs. median rent ($1,066/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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