45.5, 42.3, 28.4 - The median age of the populations of, respectively, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, according to the 2010 US Census. All three High Country counties were above the state median age of 37.4. (not the average, but the data point in the middle of all recorded ages)

The High Country has aged the past 10 years, but gradually and oh so gracefully (of course!). Compared to the 2000 Census, two of the three counties saw their median age tick higher.

Avery County, home to Grandfather Mountain, went from a median age of 38.4 to 42.3 (3.9 years), while Ashe County increased by 3.4 years. Watauga County, home to Appalachian State University, understandably is the younger of the three, with a 1.5 year decrease in the median age since 2000.

Broken down by age groups, the High Country has a smaller under 18 population than the state as a whole, and trends higher with ages 45 and older.


Percent of population by age group

	Under 18	18-24	25-44	45-64	Over 65
Ashe County	19.4	6.5	23.4	30.5	20.2
Avery County	17.2	9.8	26.7	29.0	17.4
Watauga County	13.8	31.8	19.4	22.5	12.4
NC	23.9	9.8	27.0	26.3	12.9