Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC

Public Use Microdata Area (PUMA)

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2019 Population

132,084

0.727% 1-year growth

2019 Median Age

41.9

0.239% 1-year increase

2019 Poverty Rate

19.4%

7.28% 1-year decrease

2019 Median Household Income

$43,997

4.25% 1-year growth

2019 Median Property Value

$180,400

2.04% 1-year growth

2019 Employed Population

54,420

1.53% 1-year growth

About

In 2019, Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC had a population of 132k people with a median age of 41.9 and a median household income of $43,997. Between 2018 and 2019 the population of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC grew from 131,131 to 132,084, a 0.727% increase and its median household income grew from $42,202 to $43,997, a 4.25% increase.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are White (Non-Hispanic) (91.6%), White (Hispanic) (2.92%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (1.52%), Other (Hispanic) (1%), and Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (0.999%). 5.08% of the households in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC speak a non-English language at home as their primary language, and 97.9% of the residents in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are Appalachian State University (4,956 degrees awarded in 2019), Mayland Community College (277 degrees), and Lees-McRae College (229 degrees).

In 2019, the median property value in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was $180,400, and the homeownership rate was 69.5%. Most people in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 21.4 minutes. The average car ownership in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was 2 cars per household.

Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC borders Surry, Wilkes & Alleghany Counties PUMA, NC, Caldwell & Alexander Counties PUMA, NC, Burke & McDowell Counties PUMA, NC, Buncombe County (Northwest) PUMA, NC, Haywood, Madison, Swain, Graham & Jackson (North) Counties PUMA, NC, Greene, Carter, Unicoi & Johnson Counties PUMA, TN, and Mount Rogers Planning District Commission PUMA, VA.

United States North Carolina Tennessee Virginia

COVID-19

Daily New Cases by Date

Showing data at the state level for North Carolina and Virginia. Hospitalization data for some states may be delayed or not reported.

Y-Axis

This chart shows the number of COVID-19 daily new cases by date in North Carolina and Virginia, as a 7-day rolling average, compared with the four states with the most similar number of confirmed cases.

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Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina and Virginia.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in North Carolina and Virginia (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Diversity

Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC is home to a population of 132k people, from which 97.9% are citizens. As of 2019, 8.64% of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC residents were born outside of the country (11.4k people).

In 2019, there were 31.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (121k people) in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC than any other race or ethnicity. There were 3.86k White (Hispanic) and 2.01k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

The most common foreign languages spoken in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are Spanish (4,590 speakers), German (265 speakers), and Chinese (Incl. Mandarin, Cantonese) (232 speakers).

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC

White (Non-Hispanic)
121k ± 96
White (Hispanic)
3.86k ± 406
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
2.01k ± 207

4.53%

Hispanic Population

5.98k people

4.53% of the people in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are hispanic (5.98k people).

The following chart shows the 7 races represented in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC as a share of the total population.

Non-English Speakers

Most Common Languages

Spanish
4,590 speakers (3.61%)
German
265 speakers (0.209%)
Chinese (Incl. Mandarin, Cantonese)
232 speakers (0.183%)

5.08% of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC citizens are speakers of a non-English language, which is lower than the national average of 22%.

In 2019, the most common non-English language spoken in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was Spanish. 3.61% of the overall population of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are native Spanish speakers. 0.209% speak German and 0.183% speak Chinese (Incl. Mandarin, Cantonese), the next two most common languages.

Heritage

Foreign-Born Population

8.64%

2019 Foreign-Born Population

11.4k people

3.22%

2018 Foreign-Born Population

4.22k people

As of 2019, 8.64% of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC residents (11.4k people) were born outside of the United States, which is lower than the national average of 34%. In 2018, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was 3.22%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Age by Nativity

Median Native-Born Age

± 0.4

Median Foreign-Born Age

± 1.9

In 2019, the median age of all people in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was 41.9. Native-born citizens, with a median age of 42, were generally younger than foreign-born citizens, with a median age of 43. But people in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are getting getting older. In 2018, the average age of all Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC residents was 42.

Global Diversity

Most Common Origin

Mexico
1,789 ± 1,031 people
Germany
238 ± 378 people
England
210 ± 355 people

In 2019, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was Mexico, the natal country of 1,789 Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC residents, followed by Germany with 238 and England with 210.

Citizenship

97.9%

2019 Citizenship

97.9%

2018 Citizenship

As of 2019, 97.9% of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.4%. In 2018, the percentage of US citizens in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was 97.9%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
2,930 ± 301
Gulf War (2001-)
815 ± 186
Gulf War (1990s)
741 ± 152

Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 3.6 times greater than any other conflict.

Economy

Median household income in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC is $43,997. In 2019, the PUMA with the highest Median Household Income in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was Raleigh City (Northwest) & Morrisville Town PUMA, NC with a value of $119,228, followed by Apex & Holly Springs Towns PUMA, NC and Indian Trail & Stallings Towns PUMA, NC, with respective values of $115,363 and $108,344.

Males in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC have an average income that is 1.12 times higher than the average income of females, which is $42,390. The income inequality in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC (measured using the Gini index) is 0.463, which is lower than than the national average.

The economy of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC employs 54.4k people. The largest industries in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are Restaurants & Food Services (5,531 people), Construction (4,563 people), and Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges (4,045 people), and the highest paying industries are Securities, commodities, funds, trusts & other financial investments ($120,028), Nondepository credit & related activities ($102,333), and Pharmacies & drug stores ($97,256).

Wages

Median Household Income

$43,997

2019 value

± $1,315

4.25%

1 Year Growth

± 4.19%

Households in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC have a median annual income of $43,997, which is less than the median annual income of $65,712 across the entire United States. This is in comparison to a median income of $42,202 in 2018, which represents a 4.25% annual growth.

The following chart shows how the median household income in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC compares to that of its neighboring and parent geographies.

Wage by Gender in Common Jobs

$47,591

Average Male Salary in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC

± $7,576

$42,390

Average Female Salary in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC

± $8,945

In 2019, full-time male employees in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC made 1.12 times more than female employees.

This chart shows the gender-based wage disparity in the 5 most common occupations in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC by number of full-time employees.

Wage by Race and Ethnicity in Common Jobs

Highest Average Salaries by Race & Ethnicity in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC

White
$37,179 ± $4,804
Asian
$34,847 ± $74,818
American Indian
$29,175 ± $43,475

In 2019 the highest paid race/ethnicity of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC workers was White. These workers were paid 1.07 times more than Asian workers, who made the second highest salary of any race/ethnicity in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC.

This chart shows the race- and ethnicity-based wage disparities in the 5 most common occupations in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC by number of full-time employees.

Wage Distribution

0.463

2019 Wage GINI in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC

0.463

2018 Wage GINI in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC

In 2019, the income inequality in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was 0.463 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.00318% growth from 2018 to 2019, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat less even. The GINI for Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was lower than than the national average of 0.478. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Income by Location

Use the dropdown to filter by race/ethnicity.

Race/Ethnicity

Highest Median Household Income (Total)

In 2019, the PUMA with the highest Median Household Income (Total) in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was Raleigh City (Northwest) & Morrisville Town PUMA, NC with a value of $119,228, followed by Apex & Holly Springs Towns PUMA, NC and Indian Trail & Stallings Towns PUMA, NC, with respective values of $115,363 and $108,344.

The following map shows all of the PUMAs in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

Poverty by Age and Gender

Males 18 - 24

Largest Demographic Living in Poverty

19.4% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC (23.7k out of 122k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.3%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 18 - 24, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Females 35 - 44.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Poverty by Race and Ethnicity

Largest Race or Ethnicity Living in Poverty

White
21,663 ± 973
Hispanic
1,971 ± 313
Other
581 ± 221

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC is White, followed by Hispanic and Other.

Occupations

Employment by Occupations

54.4k

2019 Value

1.53%

1 Year growth

± 1.53%

From 2018 to 2019, employment in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC grew at a rate of 1.53%, from 53.6k employees to 54.4k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC, are Retail salespersons (1,836 people), Cashiers (1,756 people), and Firstline supervisors of retail sales workers (1,474 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC.

Most Common

The most common jobs held by residents of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC, by number of employees, are Retail salespersons (1,836 people), Cashiers (1,756 people), and Firstline supervisors of retail sales workers (1,474 people).

Most Specialized

Compared to other PUMAs, Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC has an unusually high number of residents working as Logging workers (7.79 times higher than expected), Residential advisors (4.08 times), and Electrical powerline installers & repairers (4.04 times).

Highest Paid

The highest paid jobs held by residents of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC, by average salary, are Personal financial advisors ($258,491), Physicians ($243,899), and Sewing machine operators ($164,420).

Industries

Employment by Industries

54.4k

2019 Value

1.53%

1 Year growth

± 1.53%

From 2018 to 2019, employment in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC grew at a rate of 1.53%, from 53.6k employees to 54.4k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC, are Restaurants & Food Services (5,531 people), Construction (4,563 people), and Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges (4,045 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC, though some of these residents may live in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Most Common

The most common industries in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC, by number of employees, are Restaurants & Food Services (5,531 people), Construction (4,563 people), and Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges (4,045 people).

Most Specialized

Compared to other PUMAs, Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC has an unusually high number of Fiber, yarn, & thread mills (13.3 times higher than expected), Nonmetallic mineral mining & quarrying (8.9 times), and Community food & housing, & emergency services (7.99 times) industries.

Highest Paying

The highest paying industries in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC, by average salary, are Securities, commodities, funds, trusts & other financial investments ($120,028), Nondepository credit & related activities ($102,333), and Pharmacies & drug stores ($97,256).

Domestic Trade

Domestic Production & Consumption

Domestic production and consumption consists of products and services shipped from North Carolina and Virginia to other states, or from other states to North Carolina and Virginia.

Top Domestic Production in Dollars

Mixed freight
$89.3B
Electronics
$58.2B
Machinery
$52.6B

In 2018, the top outbound North Carolina and Virginia product (by dollars) was Mixed freight with $89.3B, followed by Electronics ($58.2B) and Machinery ($52.6B).

The following chart shows the share of these products in relation to all outbound North Carolina and Virginia products.

Domestic Trade Growth

Showing data for North Carolina and Virginia.

$430B

2018 Value in North Carolina

$840B

Projected 2045 Value in North Carolina

95.4% growth

$307B

2018 Value in Virginia

$648B

Projected 2045 Value in Virginia

111% growth

In 2018, total outbound North Carolina trade was $430B. This is expected to increase 95.4% to $840B by 2045.

Comparatively, total outbound Virginia trade was $307B. This is expected to increase 111% to $648B by 2045.

Interstate Trade

Interstate trade consists of products and services shipped from North Carolina and Virginia to other states, or from other states to North Carolina and Virginia.

Most Common Trade Partners

Georgia
$34.9B
South Carolina
$30.5B
Maryland
$27B

In 2018, the top outbound North Carolina and Virginia domestic partner for goods and services (by dollars) was Georgia with $34.9B, followed by South Carolina with $30.5B and Maryland and $27B.

The following map shows the amount of trade that North Carolina and Virginia shares with each state (excluding itself).

Civics

In the 2016 presidential election, the popular vote in North Carolina went to Hillary Rodham Clinton with 47.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (47.4%), followed by Gary Johnson (2.85%). The most partisan county was Graham County, NC with 78.8% of the vote going to Donald J. Trump running for the Republican Party.

Richard Burr, Thom Tillis, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine are the senators currently representing the state of North Carolina and Virginia. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

North Carolina and Virginia is currently represented by 24 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC. Showing the available data for North Carolina.

Showing data up to the 2016 election. Updated election results are currently being processed, and will be released in the coming months.

2016 Election Results

Hillary Rodham Clinton (47.8%)
Democratic Party
Donald J. Trump (47.4%)
Republican Party
Gary Johnson (2.85%)
Libertarian Party

In the 2016 presidential election, the popular vote in North Carolina and Virginia went to Hillary Rodham Clinton with 47.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (47.4%), followed by Gary Johnson (2.85%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in North Carolina and Virginia for each registered party from 1976 to 2016.

Presidential Popular Vote by County

Presidential voting results are only available at the county level. Showing data for the counties inside of North Carolina and Virginia.

Showing data up to the 2016 election. Updated election results are currently being processed, and will be released in the coming months.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Popular Vote for North Carolina

47.8% for the Democratic Party

Most Partisan Counties in North Carolina and Virginia

Graham County, NC
78.8% for Donald J. Trump (Republican Party)
Yadkin County, NC
78.8% for Donald J. Trump (Republican Party)
Durham County, NC
77.7% for Hillary Rodham Clinton (Democratic Party)

In the 2016 presidential election, the most partisan county in North Carolina and Virginia was Graham County, NC with 78.8% of the vote going to Donald J. Trump running for the Republican Party.

The following map shows the counties in North Carolina and Virginia colored by their party leaning.

US Senators from North Carolina and Virginia

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina and Virginia.

Richard Burr

Senator from North Carolina

Assumed office on January 3, 2005

Thom Tillis

Senator from North Carolina

Assumed office on January 3, 2015

Mark Warner

Senator from Virginia

Assumed office on January 3, 2009

Tim Kaine

Senator from Virginia

Assumed office on January 3, 2013

Richard Burr, Thom Tillis, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine are the senators currently representing North Carolina and Virginia.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in North Carolina and Virginia over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

US Representatives from North Carolina and Virginia

North Carolina and Virginia is currently represented by 24 members in the U.S. house.

Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the members for North Carolina and Virginia have changed over time starting in 2008.

Education

In 2019, universities in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC awarded 5,474 degrees. The student population of Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC is skewed towards women, with 8,596 male students and 12,000 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are White (4,621 and 84.9%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (279 and 5.13%), Black or African American (183 and 3.36%), and Two or More Races (126 and 2.32%).

The largest universities in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC by number of degrees awarded are Appalachian State University (4,956 and 90.5%), Mayland Community College (277 and 5.06%), and Lees-McRae College (229 and 4.18%).

The most popular majors in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are General Business Administration & Management (266 and 4.86%), General Psychology (264 and 4.82%), and Registered Nursing (246 and 4.49%).

The median tuition costs in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC are $25,625 for private four year colleges, and $4,242 and $19,049 respectively, for public four year colleges for in-state students and out-of-state students.

Concentrations

Most Common

Registered Nursing
221 degree-majorss awarded
General Business Administration & Management
205 degree-majorss awarded
General Psychology
247 degree-majorss awarded

In 2018, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was Registered Nursing with 221 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC according to their major.

Universities

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Appalachian State University
4,956 degrees awarded
Mayland Community College
277 degrees awarded
Lees-McRae College
229 degrees awarded

$4,242

Median In-State Public

$25,625

Median Private

In 2019, the Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC institution with the largest number of graduating students was Appalachian State University with 4,956 degrees awarded.

Student Gender for Common Institutions

2,229

Degrees Awarded to Men

3,245

Degrees Awarded to Women

In 2019, 2,229 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC, which is 0.687 times less than the 3,245 female students who received degrees in the same year.

This chart displays the gender disparity between the institutions in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC by degrees awarded.

Student Race and Ethnicity

Most Common Student Race or Ethnicity

White
4,621 degrees awarded
Hispanic or Latino
279 degrees awarded
Black or African American
183 degrees awarded

In 2019 the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions in Boone High Country--Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was White students. These 4,621 degrees mean that there were 16.6 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 279 degrees awarded.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC was $180,400 in 2019, which is 0.75 times smaller than the national average of $240,500. Between 2018 and 2019 the median property value increased from $176,800 to $180,400, a 2.04% increase. The homeownership rate in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC is 69.5%, which is higher than the national average of 64.1%. People in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC have an average commute time of 21.4 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Housing

Property Value

$180,400

2019 Median

± $5,976

$176,800

2018 Median

± $5,777

In 2019, the median property value in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC grew to to $180,400 from the previous year's value of $176,800.

The following charts display, first, the property values in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies and, second, owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property value buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC the largest share of households have a property value in the $200k - $250k range.

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$43,997

Median Household Income

± $1,315

53.4k

Number of Households

± 1,524

In 2019, the median household income of the 53.4k households in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC grew to $43,997 from the previous year's value of $42,202.

The following chart displays the households in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Property Taxes

< $800

Average Range

This chart shows the households in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC the largest share of households pay taxes in the < $800 range.

Rent vs Own

69.5%

2019 Homeownership

70%

2018 Homeownership

In 2019, 69.5% of the housing units in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 70%.

This percentage of owner-occupation is higher than the national average of 64.1%. This chart shows the ownership percentage in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Commute Time

21.4 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC have a shorter commute time (21.4 minutes) than the normal US worker (25.5 minutes). Additionally, 2.25% of the workforce in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2019

Drove Alone (77.2%)
Carpooled (10.5%)
Worked At Home (6.26%)

In 2019, 77.2% of workers in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (10.5%) and those who worked at home (6.26%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Transportation

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC have 2 cars, followed by 3 cars.

Health

88.6% of the population of Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC has health coverage, with 39.5% on employee plans, 13% on Medicaid, 16.2% on Medicare, 18.2% on non-group plans, and 1.73% on military or VA plans.

Per capita personal health care spending in North Carolina was $7,264 in 2014. This is a 3.37% increase from the previous year ($7,027).

Per capita personal health care spending in Virginia was $7,556 in 2014. This is a 3.42% increase from the previous year ($7,306).

Primary care physicians in North Carolina see 1405 patients per year on average, which represents a 0.496% decrease from the previous year (1412 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1718 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 389 patients per year.

Similarly, primary care physicians in Virginia see 1325 patients per year on average, which represents a 0.455% increase from the previous year (1319 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1409 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 531 patients per year.

Comparing across all counties in the state, Jones County has the highest prevalence of diabetes (27.2%). Additionally, Bladen County has the highest prevalence of adult obesity (49.1%)

Patient to Clinician Ratios

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina and Virginia.

1,405 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in North Carolina

1,325 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Virginia

Primary care physicians in North Carolina see an average of 1,405 patients per year. This represents a 0.496% decrease from the previous year (1,412 patients).

Primary care physicians in Virginia see an average of 1,325 patients per year. This represents a 0.455% increase from the previous year (1,319 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in North Carolina and Virginia in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Behavioral Health Conditions

Data only available at the state level.

State with the Highest Prevalence

West Virginia
8.26% of the population affected
Arkansas
8.13% of the population affected
New Hampshire
7.98% of the population affected

In 2016, West Virginia had the highest prevalence of adults with major depressive episode, with 8.26% of the population affected. The second highest is Arkansas (8.13%), followed by New Hampshire (7.98%).

The following map shows the percent of individuals with major depressive episode by state over multiple years.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Access and Quality

Data only available at state level.

Most prevalent states

Mississippi
19.2% of adults
Texas
17.9% of adults
Louisiana
17.6% of adults

In 2016, Mississippi had the highest prevalence of adults who haven't seen a doctor in the past 12 months due to cost, at 19.2%. It is followed by Texas (17.9%) and Louisiana (17.6%).

The following map shows the prevalence of adults who haven't seen a doctor in the past 12 months due to cost by state over multiple years.

Health Care Spending

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina and Virginia.

$7,264

Total Per Capita Spending on Personal Health Care in North Carolina

$7,556

Total Per Capita Spending on Personal Health Care in Virginia

Between 2013 and 2014, all personal health care spending per capita in North Carolina (including private, Medicare, and Medicaid) grew 3.37%, from $7,027 to $7,264.

Similarly, all personal health care spending per capita in Virginia (including private, Medicare, and Medicaid) grew 3.42%, from $7,306 to $7,556.

The following chart shows how this spending changed over time in comparison to Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance spending, per enrollee.

Health Care Coverage

11.4%

Uninsured

39.5%

Employer Coverage

13%

Medicaid

16.2%

Medicare

18.2%

Non-Group

1.73%

Military or VA

Between 2018 and 2019, the percent of uninsured citizens in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC grew by 2.63% from 11.1% to 11.4%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Avery & Mitchell Counties PUMA, NC changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.