Wealth Index
Among the 5 least wealthy counties in North Carolina
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Avery County | North Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $56,305 | $69,937 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $45,748 | $55,581 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 6.7% | 5.4% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 7.4% | 11.0% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Avery County is about 19% lower than in North Carolina. Income has been growing faster in Avery County (6.7%/yr) than in North Carolina (5.4%/yr).
About 7% of adults in Avery County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, lower than the North Carolina average of 11%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Avery County, North Carolina grew by 62.4% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $56,305 in 2023. That's an average of about 6.7% per year.
Economic Inequality in Avery County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Avery County | North Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.613 | 0.561 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $46,417 | $60,778 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $43,809 | $50,560 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 5.6% | 16.8% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Avery County, it is 0.613, higher than North Carolina's 0.561, so income is less evenly distributed here than there, and higher than the US's 0.570, so income is less evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 6% more than women's income in Avery County, North Carolina. Over a 35-year career, a 6% wage gap accumulates to roughly $91,280 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Avery County, North Carolina has narrowed from about 11% to 6% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has narrowed by $1,141 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Avery County | North Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 7.0% | 14.5% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 21 | 21 | 22 |
Approximately 343 people are unemployed in Avery County, North Carolina.
The average commute time in Avery County is 21 minutes, about the same as in North Carolina.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Avery County, North Carolina has fallen from 6.4% to 4.8% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Avery County, North Carolina has an overall wealth index grade of D, making it somewhat worse than North Carolina, and somewhat worse than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Avery County, North Carolina.
How Wealthy Is Avery County, North Carolina?
Avery County has a wealth index grade of D. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a D grade means residents are somewhat worse off than the U.S. average. The median household income is $56,305, about 19% lower than the North Carolina average of $69,937.
What is the current median household income in Avery County, North Carolina?
As of 2023, the median household income in Avery County, North Carolina is $56,305.
What was the median household income in Avery County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Avery County, North Carolina was $56,305.
What was the median household income in Avery County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Avery County, North Carolina was $42,628.
What is the Gini coefficient in Avery County, North Carolina?
The Gini coefficient in Avery County is 0.613. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is higher than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed less equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Avery County, North Carolina?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Avery County, North Carolina has narrowed from about 11% to 6% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has narrowed by $1,141 since 2009.