Mitchell County | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 36°01′N 82°10′W / 36.01°N 82.16°W | |
Country | United States |
State | North Carolina |
Founded | 1861 |
Named for | Elisha Mitchell[1] |
Seat | Bakersville |
Largest community | Spruce Pine |
Area | |
• Total | 221.88 sq mi (574.7 km2) |
• Land | 221.25 sq mi (573.0 km2) |
• Water | 0.63 sq mi (1.6 km2) 0.28% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 14,903 |
• Estimate (2023) | 14,999 |
• Density | 67.36/sq mi (26.01/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional district | 5th |
Website | www |
Mitchell County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,903.[2] Its county seat is Bakersville.[3]
The county is home to Spruce Pine, nicknamed the "Mineral City of the World",[4] and Bakersville, "Gateway to Roan Mountain", which includes the world's largest natural rhododendron garden and the longest stretch of grassy bald in the Appalachian range.[5] Throughout the year such festivals as North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival and North Carolina Rhododendron Festival bring visitors to the area.[6][7]
2020CensusQuickFacts
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