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    OverviewWeatherHousingDemographicsJobsPoliticsCrimeTransportationEducationOutdoorsCulture
    1. North Carolina
    2. Alleghany County

    Major cities or towns:

    Sparta
    Alleghany County, North Carolina is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a picturesque landscape with a mild, four-season climate. The population is around 11,000, with a median age of 45 and a mix of rural and small-town communities. The economy is driven by manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, providing a range of job opportunities, though the cost of living is lower than the national average. The public school system serves K-12 students, and nearby colleges and universities provide higher education options. Healthcare is available through local clinics and hospitals, complemented by the region's natural amenities, including numerous parks, hiking trails, and rivers for outdoor recreation. Transportation infrastructure includes highways and a regional airport, while the overall crime rate is below the state average, contributing to a safe, tight-knit community atmosphere. While the area offers a peaceful, slower-paced lifestyle, some may find the limited cultural and entertainment options to be a potential drawback.

    Demographics

    Population

    11K

    Ethnicity %

    White
    86
    Black
    2
    Asian
    0
    Hispanic
    10

    Median Age

    50.1

    Density

    3 of 10

    48 / Mile²

    Avg Family Size

    3.1

    Religious

    55%

    Foreign Born

    8%

    Veterans

    7.6%

    Adult Smokers

    23%

    Adult Obesity

    34%

    Uninsured

    17%

    Excessive Drinking

    18%

    Poverty Rate

    13.4%

    Weather

    Sunlight

    5.6 hours winter dailyAverage sun

    Summer average temp

    84°F

    Winter max temp

    44°F

    Precipitation

    51 in.

    Snowfall (inches)

    15.5 (avg)

    Drought risk

    Moderate

    Earthquake risk

    Very Low

    Wildfire risk

    Very Low

    Tornado risk

    Low

    Hurricane risk

    Low

    Crime

    Rank: 2.6 of 10

    (crimes per 1,000 people yearly)

    Violent

    2 (1.4)

    Property

    3 (14)

    Assault

    2 (1.1)

    Larceny (theft)

    3 (8)

    Robbery

    1 (0.0)

    Burglary

    5 (5.3)

    Rape

    2 (0.18)

    Auto Theft

    2 (0.6)

    Murder

    5 (0.09)

    Arson

    1 (0.00)

    Driving deaths involving alcohol

    25%

    Politics and Law

    State politics

    Swing (mixed)

    Abortion laws

    Legal through 12th week

    Marijuana laws

    Illegal, but decriminalized

    Gun Laws

    Permit required for concealed carry

    Democrat

    24%

    Republican

    74%

    State Tax Burden

    8.07%

    Cigarette Tax

    $0.45

    Jobs

    Income (per capita)

    $45,206

    Unemployment

    4.7%

    Employment

    57.4%

    Hours worked

    40.8

    Outdoors

    Natural Amenities

    4.7 / 10

    Water Area

    0.36%

    Near park?

    66%

    Beaches

    Not near the coast

    Mountains

    Less than 1 hour

    Tree Area

    51%

    Housing

    Home Ownership

    67%

    Median Home Price

    $264K

    Average Rent

    $622

    Internet over 25mbps

    97%

    Transportation

    Walkability

    unknown

    Cycling

    unknown

    Public Transit

    unknown

    Major Airport

    >2 hours

    Average Commute Time

    26

    Education

    K-12 Test Scores

    8 of 10  

    (avg: 0.13)

    College graduates

    17%

    Culture

    Arts scene

    unknown

    Food awards per 100k

    unknown