Watauga County's estimated 2026 population is 54,151 with a growth rate of -0.78% 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 6.24% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of Watauga County includes 90.34% White, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, other race, Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.
White (90.34%)
Two or more races (4.6%)
Black or African American (2.19%)
Other race (1.29%)
Asian (1.22%)
Native American (0.37%)
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 49,334 | 90.34% |
| Two or more races | 2,512 | 4.6% |
| Black or African American | 1,194 | 2.19% |
| Other race | 702 | 1.29% |
| Asian | 664 | 1.22% |
| Native American | 201 | 0.37% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Watauga County's average per capita income is $39,757. Household income levels show a median of $51,367. The poverty rate stands at 24.68%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $96,256 | - |
| Families | $87,273 | $111,109 |
| Households | $51,367 | $78,984 |
| Non Families | $30,903 | $44,726 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate