Banner Elk, North Carolina Population, Schools and Places of Interest
According to ablogtophone.com, Banner Elk is a small town located in Avery County, North Carolina. To the south of Banner Elk lies the city of Boone, NC, which is home to Appalachian State University and an array of outdoor recreation opportunities. To the east of Banner Elk is the town of Linville, NC, which offers stunning views of Grandfather Mountain and access to Linville Caverns. Further east is the city of Newland, NC, which boasts a vibrant downtown area and a number of local shops and restaurants. To the north lies the village of Valle Crucis, NC which is home to Mast General Store and dozens of historical sites from the 1800s. The nearby town of Blowing Rock also provides plenty to do with its many attractions including Tweetsie Railroad amusement park and Moses Cone Manor. Lastly, Banner Elk has a direct connection to nearby cities such as Charlotte and Asheville through US Highway 321. With all these cities in close proximity to each other, Banner Elk provides visitors with access to countless activities and amenities that can be found throughout western North Carolina.
Population of Banner Elk, North Carolina
According to Bestitude, Banner Elk, North Carolina is a small town located in Avery County. As of the 2019 census, Banner Elk had a population of 1,167 people. The majority of the population is made up of White Americans (94%), followed by African Americans (2%), Native Americans (1%), Asian Americans (1%) and Hispanic or Latino Americans (2%). The median age in Banner Elk is 39.8 years old, with a gender ratio that slightly favors women over men at 51% to 49%.
The median household income in Banner Elk is $40,917, which is lower than the national average. Poverty rates are also higher than the national average with 19% of residents living below the poverty line. The majority of the working population are employed in the education and health services sectors (25%), followed by retail trade (16%) and accommodation and food service industries (13%).
Overall, Banner Elk has a diverse population that reflects its rural mountain setting. Despite its small size, it has an array of amenities that make it an attractive place to visit or live for those seeking outdoor recreation opportunities or access to nearby cities like Charlotte and Asheville via US Highway 321.
Schools and Education in Banner Elk, North Carolina
Banner Elk, North Carolina is part of the Avery County School District and is home to two public schools: Banner Elk Elementary School and Avery County High School. The district also operates three alternative schools: the Avery County Learning Center, the Early College High School and the Virtual Academy.
Banner Elk Elementary serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, and its curriculum emphasizes reading, writing, math and science. The school also offers special education services for students with disabilities or special needs.
Avery County High School serves students in grades 6-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. Its curriculum incorporates college prep courses such as advanced placement classes as well as career technical education programs such as automotive technology, carpentry, culinary arts, construction trades and more. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports teams and clubs that focus on science, robotics, drama and more.
The Avery County Learning Center provides alternative education services to at-risk students in grades 6-12 who are at least two years behind their peers in academics or have been expelled from their regular school district due to disciplinary issues. The Early College High School allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses while still earning credits towards their high school diploma. Lastly, the Virtual Academy provides an online educational program for K-12 students who are unable to attend traditional classes due to medical issues or family relocation.
Overall, Banner Elk is well served by its public schools which provide quality education options for all kinds of learners in the community.
Places of Interest in Banner Elk, North Carolina
Banner Elk is a small town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, and it offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. One of the most popular attractions is Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, which provides year-round skiing and snowboarding. This resort also features a terrain park, tubing lanes, and ski lifts. During the warmer months, visitors can take advantage of the hiking trails and biking trails that wind through the mountainside. The nearby Grandfather Mountain State Park offers stunning views from its peaks as well as plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities.
The town’s downtown area is filled with unique shops, restaurants, galleries and entertainment venues. The historic Banner Elk Schoolhouse is a must-see for history buffs – it was built in 1895 and still stands today. The Banner Elk Historical Museum offers interactive exhibits that explore the history of the town from its founding to present day. There are also several art galleries which showcase local artists’ work including sculptures, paintings, photography and more. For those looking to relax after a day outdoors or exploring downtown Banner Elk, there are several spas that offer massages, facials and other body treatments.
