Watauga County

NC · Pop. 136,862 · Mixed County

7Homestead Score

Watauga County is a mixed county in NC with a population of approximately 136,862.

$/Acre: $5,723

Property Tax: 0.84%

Growing Season: 212 days

Broadband: 46%

Safety: 6/10

Density: 114.1/sq mi

Pros

No building codes, Long growing season

Cons

Limited internet, Higher crime rate

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.84%

Local Sales Tax0.28%

Combined Sales Tax5.03%

Cost of Living Index98.8

Median Household Income$69,155

Poverty Rate16.8%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$5,723

Median Home Price$471K

Acres for Sale1734

Building CodeNone

Permit Required

Zoning TypeNo Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size2.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone5

Growing Season212 days

Annual Rainfall49 inches

Avg Summer High85°F

Avg Winter Low35°F

Soil TypeSilt

Soil Quality6/10

Elevation2,163 ft

Top CropsVegetables

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought4/10

Wildfire3/10

Tornado4/10

Flood5/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceSpring

Well Depth (avg)350 ft

Water AvailabilityAdequate

Solar (Avg PSH)4.8

Wind Potential5/10

Electric Rate$0.13/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceRare

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceRestricted

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessYes

Safety

Violent Crime /100K493

Property Crime /100K597

Overall Safety6/10

Sheriff Response40 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital42.1 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities3

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage46%

Cell CoveragePoor

Starlink Available

Nearest Town18 miles

Nearest City53 miles

School District9/10

Farmers Markets3

Public Land Nearby21%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate7%

Ag EconomyWeak