Mitchell County, North Carolina
Mitchell County | |
|---|---|
Old Mitchell County Courthouse in Bakersville | |
Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina | |
North Carolina's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 36°01′N 82°10′W / 36.01°N 82.16°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| Founded | 1861 |
| Named after | Elisha Mitchell |
| 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 | 11th |
| 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. Its county seat is Bakersville.
The county is home to Spruce Pine, nicknamed the "Mineral City of the World", 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. Throughout the year such festivals as North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival and North Carolina Rhododendron Festival bring visitors to the area.