Watauga County's estimated 2026 population is 54,651 with a growth rate of -0.25% 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 7.22% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
Overall: 31.4 years
Female: 30.9 years
Male: 31.6 years
There are 48,447 adults, (9,435 of whom are seniors) in Watauga County.
Female: 27,632 (50.1%)
Male: 27,491 (49.9%)
The racial composition of Watauga County includes 89.75% White, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, other race, Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 49,473 | 89.75% |
| Two or more races | 3,086 | 5.6% |
| Black or African American | 1,112 | 2.02% |
| Other race | 797 | 1.45% |
| Asian | 487 | 0.88% |
| Native American | 168 | 0.3% |
Watauga County's average per capita income is $40,800. Household income levels show a median of $51,693. The poverty rate stands at 25.45%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $92,271 | - |
| Families | $82,433 | $117,931 |
| Households | $51,693 | $83,665 |
| Non Families | $31,339 | $46,302 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate