Buncombe County's estimated 2026 population is 275,607 with a growth rate of -0.65% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. Buncombe County is the 7th largest county in North Carolina. The 2010 population was 238,743 and has seen a growth of 15.44% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
Overall: 42.6 years
Female: 43.9 years
Male: 41.5 years
There are 225,435 adults, (58,291 of whom are seniors) in Buncombe County.
Female: 141,939 (51.7%)
Male: 132,421 (48.3%)
The racial composition of Buncombe County includes 81.97% White, 4.84% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 224,885 | 81.97% |
| Two or more races | 26,427 | 9.63% |
| Black or African American | 13,276 | 4.84% |
| Other race | 6,038 | 2.2% |
| Asian | 3,089 | 1.13% |
| Native American | 559 | 0.2% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 86 | 0.03% |
Buncombe County's average per capita income is $44,382. Household income levels show a median of $74,436. The poverty rate stands at 11.84%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $108,490 | $147,211 |
| Families | $95,650 | $130,615 |
| Households | $74,436 | $105,560 |
| Non Families | $45,398 | $63,570 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate