Buncombe County Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Buncombe County, NC had a population of approximately 269,452. The racial makeup was 85% White, 6.3% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 7.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median age was 43.3 years. The county saw a population growth of about 11% from 2010 to 2020. The median household income was around $53,000, and approximately 13% of residents lived below the poverty line. The county includes Asheville, its largest city and economic hub.

Buncombe County Housing

As of 2023, Buncombe County, NC, has a median home value of approximately $432,000. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,400 per month. The homeownership rate in the county is around 67%, with a median household income of about $56,000. Housing inventory has experienced slight increases, showing a mix of new and established houses. Property appreciation rates have grown approximately 8% annually over the past few years. Note that prices and statistics can vary across different neighborhoods within the county.

Elections in Buncombe County

For Buncombe County, NC, election information can be organized as follows:

Buncombe County Board of Elections oversees elections. You can find specific data on voter turnout, candidate lists, and election results on their official website or by contacting their office.

Key Data:

  • Registered Voters: Approximately 210,000
  • Voter Turnout (Recent Elections): Around 70% in presidential years
  • Polling Places: 80+ locations

Recent Candidates (2022 General Election):

  • U.S. House, District 11: Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Republican Chuck Edwards
  • NC State Senate, Districts 49 and 48: Julie Mayfield (D), Warren Daniel (R)
  • NC House of Representatives (Districts 114, 115, 116): Caleb Rudow (D), Eric Ager (D), and Lindsay Prather (D)
  • County Commissioners: Amanda Edwards (D), Martin Moore (R), Terri Wells (D)

Visit Buncombe County Board of Elections for detailed and updated information.

How Educated in Buncombe County

As of recent data, Buncombe County, NC has varying educational attainment levels. Approximately 90% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, surpassing the national average of about 88%. Additionally, around 37% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is higher compared to the national average of roughly 33%. When compared to North Carolina's state average of 87% for high school graduates and 31% for those with a bachelor's degree or higher, Buncombe County shows a relatively more educated population. Therefore, Buncombe County not only exceeds the state’s education levels but also performs better than the national averages.

Buncombe County Employment Rate

As of the latest data, Buncombe County, NC, has a labor force of approximately 135,000 people with an unemployment rate of around 3.4%, slightly below the national average of 3.7% and the North Carolina state average of 3.5%.

Top industries in Buncombe County include healthcare and social assistance (employing about 20% of the workforce), retail trade (11%), and accommodation and food services (10%). These figures are reflective of the county’s significant tourism sector, driven by attractions like the Biltmore Estate and its vibrant Asheville arts scene.

Comparatively, the national average for healthcare employment stands at 13.5%, and retail trade at 10%, while accommodation and food services are around 8.9%. Statewide, North Carolina sees healthcare at 14%, retail trade at 11%, and accommodation and food services at approximately 9%.

Buncombe County shows a higher concentration in healthcare and tourism-related sectors than both national and state averages.

Average Income in Buncombe County

As of recent data:

  • Buncombe County, NC: The median household income is approximately $54,000.
  • North Carolina: The median household income for the state is around $57,000.
  • United States: The national median household income stands at about $68,700.

Compared to the state and national averages, Buncombe County's median household income is lower. This indicates a relatively lower economic standing locally.

Region Median Household Income
Buncombe County, NC $54,000
North Carolina $57,000
United States $68,700

This table highlights the income disparity, showing Buncombe County lags behind both state and national figures in terms of median household income.

Buncombe County Crime Rates

As of the latest data available, Buncombe County, North Carolina, has experienced varying crime rates across different categories. Here are the statistics for the most recent year:

Crime Type Number of Incidents
Violent Crimes 1,230
Property Crimes 4,580
Homicide 9
Rape 142
Robbery 160
Aggravated Assault 919
Burglary 1,020
Larceny-Theft 3,190
Motor Vehicle Theft 370

Overall, the crime rate per 1,000 residents is approximately 34.5. The violent crime rate is around 3.9 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is roughly 13.4 per 1,000 residents. These figures indicate specific areas where law enforcement and community efforts may focus for safety improvements.