Avery
North Carolina

What stands out

Against every county in America, Avery County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (63 per 100,000), the restaurant count per person is in the top 5% of American counties (1.5 per 1,000), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 6% of American counties (0.42%). Within North Carolina it ranks 2nd of 100 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Avery County, North Carolina. 17,679 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +82).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $53,513 a year, lower than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,456. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 56% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,135 a year.

Home

The median home costs $388K, pricier than 84% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $825 a month. Property tax is 0.42% of home value, roughly $911 a year on that median home, lower than 94% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 63 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.9 years, longer than 51% of American counties. There are 13 active physicians in the county, about 7.4 per 10,000 people. 14.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.92 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 69% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 53 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 60 and lows near 41, colder than 73% of American counties. About 46 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 47 out of 100, safer than 53% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 159 Mbps down, slower than 67% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.