Last Updated on August 11, 2025 10:54 am
As the High Country economy moves through its busy summer tourism period, and as the State of North Carolina reclaims its ranking as the #1 state for business in the United States, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce released its Q2 Economic Indicators Report for 2025.
This quarterly report examines five key statistics within the Watauga County & High Country Economy, featuring a summary of local impacts by Dr. Harry Davis, Appalachian State and North Carolina Bankers Association Professor and long-standing regional economist. The report also includes quick stats and commentary on local commercial real estate activity provided by James Milner, CCIM, Appalachian Commercial Real Estate and a summary of the residential real estate market supplied by Stacie Pineda, Stacie Pineda Real Estate Group.
“North Carolina returned to its spot as the #1 state for business in the United States, according to CNBC. The state has now topped this important ranking in three of the last four years,” said Dr. Davis. “Closer to home, we Western North Carolinians continue to benefit from the generosity shown by those across the state and the nation who continue to invest in our recovery from Hurricane Helene.”
The Quarter 2 Economic Indicators report was developed, and data compiled with the assistance of the Watauga County Economic Development Commission, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority, High Country Association of Realtors, and the Chamber’s Business Development Committee.
“From conversations with local businesses, those in our tourism sector have seen fluctuations throughout the spring and summer,” said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “With schools releasing around the State in an uneven fashion, family travel does not fully pick up until late June. This year our first significant swell in travel coincided with Boonerang, which has become a well-placed calendar-circling event to jumpstart the summer season. The 4th of July period also provided a boost to the region, and the heat off the mountain is certainly having an impact on travelers seeking a cooler climate.”
A review of data for the previous four quarters can be found here:
