Watauga County is located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina and is part of the Boone, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Boone.

The county is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, which is elected by the citizens of the county. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for setting the county's budget, levying taxes, and making policy decisions. The county also has a County Manager, who is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the county.

The county is served by the Watauga County Schools system, which consists of 11 elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. The county is also home to Appalachian State University, a public university located in Boone.

The county is served by the Watauga County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement in the county. The county is also served by the Watauga County Emergency Services, which provides fire protection and emergency medical services.

For the most up-to-date and in-depth information, please check the public records links below.