There were 17,946 residents in Avery County in July 2002. More than 70 percent are high school graduates and 15 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher. Eighty-one percent of us own our own homes (with a tax rate of 38¢ per $100), and on average it only takes us 23 minutes to get to work.

The county lines encompass 247 square miles with a population density of 69.5 people per mile. That means we're very rural, and we think that is a good thing. All of that extra space leaves room for scenic beauty, habitat for wildlife, water for trout streams, and places for our children to play.

Avery County is a great place to locate a business. We have an eager work force, good schools, top-notch health care and one of the greatest places to live and play in the whole wide world.