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Mitchell County, NC growth snapshot

Mitchell County had an estimated 15,062 residents in 2025, up 1.1% (161 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 108th fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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Headline numbers

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration added 8 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 4,641 jobs in 2025, +4.7% since 2020 (89th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $976.

Unemployment averaged 5.3% in 2025, 1.1 points higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 44 new homes in 2025, or 2.9 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $57,602 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +17.9% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 1,553rd.

Mitchell County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202515,062−80
202415,142+129
202315,013−30
202215,043+63
202114,980+79
202014,901–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Mitchell County

Mitchell County grew by 161 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+703).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−112−659
International migrationfrom and to other countries+24+104
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+8+703
Census adjustmentbalancing residual+0+13
Total change−80+161

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn North CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth78th of 1001,553rd of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents85th of 1001,823rd of 3,108
Private-sector job growth11th of 100334th of 3,092
Median household income63rd of 1002,271st of 3,107
Average weekly wage53rd of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate94th of 1002,674th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents79th of 1001,142nd of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Over 2020–25, Mitchell County's population change (+1.1%) was ahead of 1 of its 5 neighbouring counties, behind 3 and level with Avery County.

2 of its 5 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Mitchell County's $57,602 (2020–24).

Mitchell County, NC and its 5 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Mitchell County, NC This county15,062+1.1%0.52.9$57,602
Yancey County, NC19,084+3.2%5.05.6$58,709
Avery County, NC18,110+1.1%0.98.3$61,428
McDowell County, NC45,198+1.4%2.43.6$57,168
Carter County, TN57,361+1.7%6.13.3$50,135
Unicoi County, TN17,856−0.1%4.51.6$52,218

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 100 North Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Mitchell County?

About 15,062 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Mitchell County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 1.1% between 2020 and 2025, about 161 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 108th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Mitchell County?

On net, about 8 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Mitchell County?

Employers there reported 4,641 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +4.7% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $976 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Mitchell County?

It averaged 5.3% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Mitchell County?

Building permits authorized 44 new housing units in 2025, 2.9 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Mitchell County?

$57,602 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Mitchell County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 78th of 100 for population growth; 85th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 11th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 63rd of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 1,553rd of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.