Buncombe County, NC

Guide to Buncombe County and Cities

Welcome to the community page for Buncombe County in North Carolina with demographic details and statistics about the area as well as an interactive Buncombe County map. The county has a population of 269,449, a median home value of $328,900, and a median household income of $66,531. Below, the statistics for Buncombe County provide a snapshot of key economic and lifestyle factors relevant to both residents and newcomers.

Map of Buncombe County

Below is the Buncombe County, NC county map created with GIS software, with cities and neighborhoods.

 

Population & Demographics

The total population for Buncombe County is 269,449, with 48% males and 52% females. Below is a detailed breakdown of the population trends and demographics for the area.

Population by RaceTotal
White Population229,554
Black or African American Population15,089
American Indian and Alaska Native561
Asian Population3,106
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander373
Other Race Population4,744
Two or More Races16,022

Household Information

In Buncombe County, the median gross rent is $1,209 per month and the median home value is $328,900. Out of the total number of households in the city, 64% are owner-occupied, while 36% are rentals. Of those who own their homes, 57% have a mortgage, with the remaining 43% owning their homes outright. Below is a detailed snapshot of homeownership and rental patterns in the community.”

Ownership StatisticsNumber
Owner-Occupied66,276
Renter-Occupied36,645
Mortgage StatusNumber
Homes with Mortgage$38,018
Homes without Mortgage28,258

Employment & Occupation

In Buncombe County, the unemployment rate currently stands at 3.6%. For residents in the workforce, on average they spend 20.6 minutes commuting to work. Of those employed, 81% work for private companies, while 12% hold government jobs. Additionally, 8% are self-employed, contributing to the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. Below, you’ll find more details about employment trends and occupations in Buncombe County.

OccupationNumber
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and Mining1,297
Construction10,186
Manufacturing12,681
Wholesale Trade2,310
Retail Trade16,433
Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities4,301
Information1,807
Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing6,814
Professional, Scientific, and Management, and Administrative and Waste Management Services14,608
Educational Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance32,609
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services18,042
Other Services, except Public Administration6,513
Public Administration4,282

Education

In Buncombe County, education levels show that 23.2% of residents have completed high school, 25.6% hold a bachelor’s degree, and 17.5% have achieved a graduate or professional degree. Of the population aged 25 and over, 43% are college graduates, reflecting the county’s academic achievements. Below is a detailed breakdown of educational levels within Buncombe County, NC.

Education Level Number
9th to 12th Grade 9,764
High School Graduate 46,355
Some College 34,326
Associate’s Degree 17,543
Bachelor’s Degree 51,168
Graduate or Professional Degree 34,936
School Enrollment Number
Enrolled in Preschool 2,903
Enrolled in Elementary School 21,261
Enrolled in High School 11,728
Enrolled in College 14,599

*The data presented on this page is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and reflects the most recent available statistics. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that Census data may be subject to updates and revisions. US Map Guide is not responsible for any discrepancies, and we encourage users to verify information directly with official sources for the latest insights.