Moving to Andrews, North Carolina

The current estimated population of Andrews, North Carolina, is 1,797, with approximately 49% male and 51% female. The population has remained stable, with some growth due to tourism and outdoor recreational opportunities in the region.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1890
  • County Affiliated: Cherokee County
  • Land Area: 1.6 square miles
  • Population Density: 1,123 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 828
  • Zip Codes: 28901

Geography and Location

Andrews, North Carolina, is located in the southwestern part of the state, within the Appalachian Mountains, in Cherokee County. Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest, the town is surrounded by lush forests, mountains, and rivers, making it a hub for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, rafting, and fishing. The town lies along the Valley River and is situated near major attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. Andrews enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers, ideal for enjoying the natural surroundings. The town is positioned near U.S. Route 19 and U.S. Route 74, providing easy access to nearby cities like Murphy and Bryson City. The region’s natural beauty and small-town charm have made Andrews a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor adventure and scenic mountain views. Its proximity to the Nantahala River and Lake Santeetlah offers additional opportunities for water sports, boating, and camping.

Demographics

Median resident age: 41.5 years
Median household income: $20,273
Median house value: $67,800

Population by Race

Races in Andrews:

  • White Non-Hispanic (92.6%)
  • Black (2.7%)
  • Hispanic (2.6%)
  • Two or more races (1.8%)
  • American Indian (1.5%)
  • Other race (1.1%)

Ancestries: United States (20.0%), Irish (13.1%), English (9.7%), German (6.5%), Scotch-Irish (3.5%), Scottish (2.2%).

Elevation: 2350 feet

Land area: 1.4 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Andrews

  • High school or higher: 66.5%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.0%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.1%
  • Unemployed: 8.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 24.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Andrews town

  • Never married: 16.4%
  • Now married: 56.0%
  • Separated: 5.9%
  • Widowed: 10.9%
  • Divorced: 10.8%

2.1% Foreign born (1.0% Latin America, 0.8% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: +166 (+11.6%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Andrews:

  • DISTRICT MEDICAL CENTER (415 WHITAKER LANE)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Andrews:

  • MURPHY MEDICAL CENTER INC (about 20 miles; MURPHY, NC)
  • CHATUGE REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; HIAWASSEE, GA)
  • UNION GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 26 miles; BLAIRSVILLE, GA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Andrews:

  • MC GHEE TYSON (about 43 miles; KNOXVILLE, TN; Abbreviation: TYS)
  • ASHEVILLE REGIONAL (about 91 miles; ASHEVILLE, NC; Abbreviation: AVL)
  • ANDERSON RGNL (about 93 miles; ANDERSON, SC; Abbreviation: AND)

Other public-use airports nearest to Andrews:

  • ANDREWS-MURPHY (about 3 miles; ANDREWS, NC; Abbreviation: RHP)
  • BLAIRSVILLE (about 27 miles; BLAIRSVILLE, GA; Abbreviation: 46A)
  • MACON COUNTY (about 29 miles; FRANKLIN, NC; Abbreviation: 1A5)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Andrews:

  • WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (about 48 miles; CULLOWHEE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 5,843)
  • NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY (about 48 miles; DAHLONEGA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 3,119)
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE (about 56 miles; KNOXVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 23,333)
  • PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 56 miles; KNOXVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 5,196)
  • GAINESVILLE COLLEGE (about 67 miles; OAKWOOD, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,181)
  • CARSON-NEWMAN COLLEGE (about 67 miles; JEFFERSON CITY, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,073)
  • ROANE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 70 miles; HARRIMAN, TN; Full-time enrollment: 3,490)

Schools

Public high school in Andrews:

  • ANDREWS HIGH (Students: 255; Location: 50 HIGH SCHOOL DRIVE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Andrews:

  • ANDREWS ELEM (Students: 382; Location: 205 WALNUT STREET; Grades: PK – 05)
  • ANDREWS MIDDLE (Students: 250; Location: 2750 BUSINESS HWY 19; Grades: 06 – 08)