Banner Elk Public RecordsNorth Carolina

Banner Elk, located in Avery County, North Carolina, has a population of approximately 1,200 residents. The median age is around 21 years, influenced by the presence of Lees-McRae College. Gender distribution is fairly even, with about 47% male and 53% female. Racially, the town is predominantly White (over 90%), with small percentages of African American (3%), Hispanic or Latino (3%), Asian (1%), and other races. The community is largely non-Hispanic, with ethnic minorities comprising less than 10% of the population.

Banner Elk, Avery County, NC, features a median home value of approximately $400,000 as of 2024, with homeownership rates near 70%. The median rent is around $1,100 per month. Market trends indicate steady appreciation, driven by seasonal demand and vacation homes. Housing types range from cozy mountain cabins to modern condos and single-family homes, concentrated in neighborhoods like Crooked Creek and The Lodges at Eagles Nest. Annual property taxes average 0.68% of assessed value, offering relatively affordable rates compared to urban areas. The area attracts retirees, families, and second-home buyers due to scenic beauty and recreational amenities.

Banner Elk, located in Avery County, NC, is served mainly by Banner Elk Elementary and Avery County High School, with a total of 2 public schools in town. Avery County High has a graduation rate of approximately 92% and an average SAT score around 1080. About 31% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are favorable, with few reported incidents annually. Educational programs include Advanced Placement and vocational training. Adult education is available through nearby Mayland Community College, supporting lifelong learning in the region.

Transportation in Banner Elk, Avery County, NC, is primarily car-dependent, with about 90% of commuters driving alone and fewer than 1% using public transit, as local fixed-route services are limited. The average commute time is approximately 18 minutes, shorter than the national mean. Most households (over 93%) own at least one vehicle. Banner Elk sits at the intersection of NC Highways 184 and 194, providing road connectivity. Major employment hubs are Appalachian State University extension, Lees-McRae College, healthcare, and tourism-related businesses, with many residents commuting to neighboring towns for work.

Banner Elk, located in Avery County, NC, relies primarily on the Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital in nearby Linville (~6 miles away), offering acute care, emergency, and outpatient services. The town has limited clinics, with local providers including family medicine and urgent care. Avery County’s uninsured rate stands at about 15%, higher than the national average. The population is older—over 23% are 65+, increasing demand for chronic disease management (e.g., hypertension, diabetes). Access to care can be challenging due to the rural setting, and telemedicine use has increased, helping bridge some gaps for the town’s approximately 1,000 residents.