Cherokee County, NC

County

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2021 Population

28,515

0.359% 1-year growth

US Senator

Thom Tillis

Republican Party

US Senator

Ted Budd

Republican Party

2021 Median Age

52.5

0.768% 1-year increase

2021 Poverty Rate

16.9%

5.4% 1-year decrease

2021 Median Household Income

$43,319

6.19% 1-year growth

2021 Median Property Value

$164,400

0.305% 1-year growth

2021 Employed Population

11,116

0.352% 1-year growth

About

In 2021, Cherokee County, NC had a population of 28.5k people with a median age of 52.5 and a median household income of $43,319. Between 2020 and 2021 the population of Cherokee County, NC grew from 28,413 to 28,515, a 0.359% increase and its median household income grew from $40,793 to $43,319, a 6.19% increase.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Cherokee County, NC are White (Non-Hispanic) (90.3%), White (Hispanic) (2.41%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.11%), American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) (1.67%), and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (1.41%).

None of the households in Cherokee County, NC reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

99.1% of the residents in Cherokee County, NC are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Cherokee County, NC are Tri-County Community College (243 degrees awarded in 2021).

In 2021, the median property value in Cherokee County, NC was $164,400, and the homeownership rate was 81.8%.

Most people in Cherokee County, NC drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 26.6 minutes. The average car ownership in Cherokee County, NC was 2 cars per household.

Cherokee County, NC borders Fannin County, GA, Union County, GA, Clay County, NC, Graham County, NC, Macon County, NC, Monroe County, TN, and Polk County, TN.

United States North Carolina

Population & Diversity

Cherokee County, NC is home to a population of 28.5k people, from which 99.1% are citizens. As of 2021, 2.27% of Cherokee County, NC residents were born outside of the country (646 people).

In 2021, there were 37.5 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (25.7k people) in Cherokee County, NC than any other race or ethnicity. There were 687 White (Hispanic) and 603 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

99.1%

2021 Citizenship

98.7%

2020 Citizenship

As of 2021, 99.1% of Cherokee County, NC residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.4%. In 2020, the percentage of US citizens in Cherokee County, NC was 98.7%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been increasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Cherokee County, NC compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Cherokee County, NC

White (Non-Hispanic)
25.7k ± 60
White (Hispanic)
687 ± 184
Two+ (Non-Hispanic)
603 ± 148

3.59%

Hispanic Population

1.02k people

3.59% of the people in Cherokee County, NC are hispanic (1.02k people).

The following chart shows the 7 races represented in Cherokee County, NC as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for North Carolina.

Most Common Origin

Mexico
219,250 ± 11,374 people
India
77,157 ± 6,794 people
Honduras
37,868 ± 4,769 people

In 2021, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of North Carolina was Mexico, the natal country of 219,250 North Carolina residents, followed by India with 77,157 and Honduras with 37,868.

Foreign-Born Population

2.27%

2021 Foreign-Born Population

646 people

2.65%

2020 Foreign-Born Population

752 people

As of 2021, 2.27% of Cherokee County, NC residents (646 people) were born outside of the United States, which is lower than the national average of 13.6%. In 2020, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Cherokee County, NC was 2.65%, meaning that the rate has been decreasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Cherokee County, NC compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
1,436 ± 225
Gulf War (1990s)
306 ± 142
Gulf War (2001-)
293 ± 155

Cherokee County, NC has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 4.69 times greater than any other conflict.

Economy

The economy of Cherokee County, NC employs 11.1k people. The largest industries in Cherokee County, NC are Retail Trade (1,911 people), Construction (1,526 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (1,452 people), and the highest paying industries are Utilities ($59,115), Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($57,813), and Transportation & Warehousing ($56,632).

Males in North Carolina have an average income that is 1.33 times higher than the average income of females, which is $52,490. The income inequality in North Carolina (measured using the Gini index) is 0.47, which is lower than than the national average.

Employment

Occupations

11.1k

2021 Value

± 851

0.352%

1 Year growth

± 10.4%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Cherokee County, NC grew at a rate of 0.352%, from 11.1k employees to 11.1k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Cherokee County, NC, are Sales & Related Occupations (1,919 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,197 people), and Construction & Extraction Occupations (1,060 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Cherokee County, NC.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for false.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in North Carolina (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Industries

Employment by Industries

11.1k

2021 Value

± 851

0.352%

1 Year growth

± 10.4%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Cherokee County, NC grew at a rate of 0.352%, from 11.1k employees to 11.1k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Cherokee County, NC, are Retail Trade (1,911 people), Construction (1,526 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (1,452 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Cherokee County, NC, though some of these residents may live in Cherokee County, NC and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$33,247

Median earning men ± $6,068

$29,492

Median earning women ± $2,716

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2021 are Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($58,073), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($54,853), and Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($48,250).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2021 are Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($37,750), Manufacturing ($37,330), and Public Administration ($35,972).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for false.

Y-Axis

2.75%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 155M people employed in North Carolina. This represents a 2.75% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in North Carolina.

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Establishments by Size

The industries with the most establishments

195
Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance
154
Retail Trade
143
Finance & Insurance, and Real Estate, Rental & Leasing

The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

Payroll by Industry Sector

The industries with the highest total annual payroll

$131k
Manufacturing
$51.7k
Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance
$44.4k
Retail Trade

The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

Domestic Trade

Domestic Production & Consumption

Domestic production and consumption consists of products and services shipped from North Carolina to other states, or from other states to North Carolina.

Top Domestic Production in Dollars

In 2020, the top outbound North Carolina product (by dollars) was Mixed freight with $53.7B, followed by Pharmaceuticals ($49.7B) and Machinery ($44.5B).

The following chart shows the share of these products in relation to all outbound North Carolina products.

Domestic Trade Growth

Showing data for North Carolina.

$462B

2020 Value in North Carolina

$926B

Projected 2050 Value in North Carolina

100% growth

In 2020, total outbound North Carolina trade was $462B. This is expected to increase 100% to $926B by 2050.

The following chart shows how the domestic outbound North Carolina trade is projected to change in comparison to its neighboring states.

Interstate Trade

Interstate trade consists of products and services shipped from North Carolina to other states, or from other states to North Carolina.

Most Common Trade Partners

South Carolina
$32.8B
Virginia
$26.1B
Georgia
$18.1B

In 2020, the top outbound North Carolina domestic partner for goods and services (by dollars) was South Carolina with $32.8B, followed by Virginia with $26.1B and Georgia and $18.1B.

The following map shows the amount of trade that North Carolina shares with each state (excluding itself).

Civics

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Cherokee County, NC went to Donald J. Trump with 76.9% of the vote. The runner-up was Joseph R Biden Jr. (21.8%), followed by Other (0.712%).

Thom Tillis and Ted Budd are the senators currently representing the state of North Carolina. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

North Carolina is currently represented by 14 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

2020 Election Results

Donald J. Trump (76.9%)
Republican Party
Joseph R Biden Jr. (21.8%)
Democratic Party
Other (0.712%)
Green and Other Party

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Cherokee County, NC went to Donald J. Trump with 76.9% of the vote. The runner-up was Joseph R Biden Jr. (21.8%), followed by Other (0.712%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Cherokee County, NC for each registered party from 1976 to 2020.

Senator Elections

US Senators from North Carolina

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina.

Thom Tillis

Senator from North Carolina

Assumed office on January 3, 2015

Ted Budd

Senator from North Carolina

Assumed office on January 3, 2023

Thom Tillis and Ted Budd are the senators currently representing North Carolina.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in North Carolina over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

US Representative Elections

US Representatives from North Carolina

North Carolina is currently represented by 14 members in the U.S. house.

Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the members for North Carolina have changed over time starting in 2008.

Education

In 2021, universities in Cherokee County, NC awarded 243 degrees. The student population of Cherokee County, NC in 2021 is skewed towards women, with 381 male students and 581 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Cherokee County, NC are White (217 and 89.7%), followed by Two or More Races (8 and 3.31%), Hispanic or Latino (6 and 2.48%), and American Indian or Alaska Native (4 and 1.65%).

The largest universities in Cherokee County, NC by number of degrees awarded are Tri-County Community College (243 and 100%).

The most popular majors in Cherokee County, NC are Liberal Arts & Sciences (141 and 58%), Registered Nursing (21 and 8.64%), and Welding Technology (10 and 4.12%).

Admissions & Enrollments

Enrollments by Gender and Races

In 2021 there were 962 students enrolled in Cherokee County, NC, 39.6% men and 60.4% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 828 records, of which 61.2% were women and 38.8% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

Liberal Arts & Sciences
141 degrees awarded
Registered Nursing
21 degrees awarded
Information Technology
7 degrees awarded

In 2021, the most common concentation for Associates Degree recipients in Cherokee County, NC was Liberal Arts & Sciences with 141 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Associates Degree from schools in Cherokee County, NC according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Tri-County Community College

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

243 degrees awarded

In 2021, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Tri-County Community College with 243 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

In 2021, 92 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Cherokee County, NC, which is 0.609 times less than the 151 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2021 the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 217 degrees mean that there were 27.1 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Two or More Races, with 8 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Public, 2-year ($2,304) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2021.

Public, 2-year ($59) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2021.

Public, 2-year ($1,160) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Working Population

Educational Pyramid

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina.

Measure

In 2021, 0.886% of men over 25 years of age had not completed any academic degree (no schooling), while 0.756% of women were in the same situation.

This visualization shows the gender distribution of the population according to the academic level reached.

Educational Attainment

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina.

Race

The most common educational levels obtained by the working population in 2021 were High School or Equivalent (2.13M), Some college (1.85M), and Bachelors Degree (1.58M).

This visualization illustrates the percentage distribution of the population according to the highest educational level reached. You can filter the data by race by using the selector above.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Cherokee County, NC was $164,400 in 2021, which is 0.671 times smaller than the national average of $244,900. Between 2020 and 2021 the median property value increased from $163,900 to $164,400, a 0.305% increase. The homeownership rate in Cherokee County, NC is 81.8%, which is approximately the same as the national average of 64.6%.

People in Cherokee County, NC have an average commute time of 26.6 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Cherokee County, NC is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

In 2022, 12.2% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Cherokee County, NC. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator grew 0.49%.

Housing

Property

$164,400

Median Property Value 2021

±$7,069

$10,122

Median Property Taxes

±$751

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Cherokee County, NC the largest share of households pay taxes in the < $800 range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Cherokee County, NC compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

81.8%

Homeownership

2021

66.4%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2021

In 2021, 81.8% of the housing units in Cherokee County, NC were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 81.5%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Cherokee County, NC compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Income by Location

Use the dropdown to filter by race/ethnicity.

Race/Ethnicity

Highest Median Household Income (Total)

Census Tract 9303
Census Tract 9302

The following map shows all of the tracts in Cherokee County, NC colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$43,319

Median Household Income

± $2,497

12.4k

Number of Households

± 797

In 2021, the median household income of the 12.4k households in Cherokee County, NC grew to $43,319 from the previous year's value of $40,793.

The following chart displays the households in Cherokee County, NC distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Cherokee County, NC is from North Carolina.

0.47

2021 Wage GINI in North Carolina

0.47

2020 Wage GINI in North Carolina

In 2021, the income inequality in North Carolina was 0.47 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.00774% growth from 2020 to 2021, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat less even. The GINI for North Carolina was lower than than the national average of 0.478. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in North Carolina in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in North Carolina across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2021

Drove Alone (77.7%)
Carpooled (9.93%)
Worked At Home (8.12%)

In 2021, 77.7% of workers in Cherokee County, NC drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (9.93%) and those who worked at home (8.12%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

26.6 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Cherokee County, NC have a shorter commute time (26.6 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.8 minutes). Additionally, 5.59% of the workforce in Cherokee County, NC have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Cherokee County, NC compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Cherokee County, NC distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Cherokee County, NC have 2 cars.

Poverty

Severe Housing Problems

In 2022, 12.2% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Cherokee County, NC. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator grew 0.49%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

Poverty & Diversity

16.9% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Cherokee County, NC (4.76k out of 28.2k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.6%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 55 - 64, followed by Males 35 - 44 and then Females 55 - 64.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Cherokee County, NC is White, followed by Hispanic and Other.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Children in Poverty

In 2022, 24.9% of the children was living in poverty in Cherokee County, NC. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 12.7%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Security

Crimes & Accidents

Indicator

In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 213 in Cherokee County, NC. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator grew 6.67 per 100,000 population.

The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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Health

84.3% of the population of Cherokee County, NC has health coverage, with 26.5% on employee plans, 17.7% on Medicaid, 23.3% on Medicare, 14.6% on non-group plans, and 2.13% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Cherokee County, NC see 2384 patients per year on average, which represents a 7.6% decrease from the previous year (2580 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 3230 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 709 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48% were men and 52% were women.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

2,384 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Cherokee County, NC

Primary care physicians in Cherokee County, NC see an average of 2,384 patients per year. This represents a 7.6% decrease from the previous year (2,580 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Cherokee County, NC in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Health Care Diversity

In 2021, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 17.4% under 18 years, 14.2% between 18 and 34 years, 38.6% between 35 and 64 years, and 29.9% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48% were men and 52% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

15.7%

Uninsured

26.5%

Employer Coverage

17.7%

Medicaid

23.3%

Medicare

14.6%

Non-Group

2.13%

Military or VA

Between 2020 and 2021, the percent of uninsured citizens in Cherokee County, NC grew by 1.38% from 15.5% to 15.7%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Cherokee County, NC changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Health Indicators

Health Outcomes

Indicator

In 2022, the number of deaths among residents under age 18 per 100,000 population was 105 in Cherokee County, NC.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Cherokee County, NC.

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Health Behaviors

Indicator

In 2022, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 33% in Cherokee County, NC.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Cherokee County, NC.

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