Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 17,643 ↓ 0.9% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $57,657 23% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $233,200 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% |
| Median Age | 46.5 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 53.3% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 200 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 298 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Dec 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $39,403 |
| Recent Sales | 115 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 304 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 8.40 acres |
| Active Listings | 145 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 2.67 | $295,000 | $110,487 | Banner Elk |
| Mar 2026 | 2.47 | $640,000 | $259,109 | Banner Elk |
| Mar 2026 | 2.95 | $5,000 | $1,695 | Newland |
| Feb 2026 | 1.56 | $155,000 | $99,359 | Banner Elk |
| Jan 2026 | 1.24 | $285,000 | $230,210 | Banner Elk |
| Jan 2026 | 1.00 | $120,000 | $120,000 | Newland |
| Jan 2026 | 1.32 | $150,000 | $113,379 | Elk Park |
| Jan 2026 | 4.13 | $300,000 | $72,639 | Banner Elk |
| Jan 2026 | 1.03 | $37,500 | $36,408 | Banner Elk |
| Dec 2025 | 77.08 | $460,000 | $5,968 | Newland |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Dec 2025 – Feb 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $65,000 |
| Recent Sales | 85 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 290 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.40 acres |
| Active Listings | 55 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 0.24 | $11,000 | Newland |
| Feb 2026 | 0.68 | $6,500 | Elk Park |
| Feb 2026 | 0.79 | $75,000 | Sugar Mountain |
| Jan 2026 | 0.06 | $126,000 | Beech Mountain |
| Jan 2026 | 0.53 | $165,000 | Sugar Mountain |
| Jan 2026 | 0.53 | $165,000 | Sugar Mountain |
| Jan 2026 | 0.54 | $165,000 | Sugar Mountain |
| Jan 2026 | 0.32 | $8,100 | Newland |
| Dec 2025 | 0.41 | $13,500 | Seven Devils |
| Dec 2025 | 0.41 | $79,900 | Banner Elk |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 17,643 |
| Population (2020) | 17,806 |
| Population Growth | -0.92% |
| Median Household Income | $57,657 |
| Median Home Value | $233,200 |
| Total Housing Units | 14,051 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 7,492 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 53.3% |
| Median Age | 46.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 1,846 (10.5%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.2% |
Market Overview
Avery County, North Carolina has a population of 17,643, which has declined 0.92% since 2020. The median household income is $57,657, below the national median of $74,580 by 22.7%. With a median home value of $233,200 and an unemployment rate of 3.2%, the local economy is moderate. The housing vacancy rate of 53.3% suggests soft market conditions. The county's location in North Carolina makes it accessible for investors and developers seeking rural land. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $39,403 per acre, with properties averaging 8.40 acres. There are currently 200 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Avery County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Avery County has a population of 17,643. The county has declined 0.92% since the 2020 Census.
What is the median household income in Avery County?
The median household income in Avery County is $57,657, which is 22.7% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Avery County growing or shrinking?
Avery County is shrinking. The population has declined 0.92% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Avery County?
The median home value in Avery County is $233,200. The housing vacancy rate is 53.3%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, indicating a moderate local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $39,403 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $65,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Avery County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Avery County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.