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Housing in Watauga County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Watauga County averages $1,127/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the North Carolina median of $1,228 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 45% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Watauga County FMR Area are $914 for a studio, $1,098 for 1‑bedroom, $1,308 for 2‑bedroom, $1,671 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,194 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $181 increase for a 2-bedroom in Watauga County shows a 16% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Watauga County was 3.5% in 2024, compared to North Carolina at 3.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
