Ashe County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 73rd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Ashe County, North Carolina is 26,831 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 73rd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $50,827, the median home value is $221,900, and the median age is 49.8.
The population of Ashe County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (27,226 → 27,266), a +0.01% annualized rate.
26,831
Population
+0.01%
Annual growth
63
People / sq mi
$50,827
Median Income
$221,900
Median Home Value
Ashe County covers 426 sq mi of land at 62.9 people per square mile.
About Ashe County, NC
Ashe County skews on age — the median resident is 49.8, older than the national median. Ashe County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 26,831.
The typical household earns $50,827, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $221,900, with typical rent around $774.
Roughly 22.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 9.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Ashe County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Ashe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ashe County had a population of 27,226 in 2010 and 27,266 in 2024, a 0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,266 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
27,266
Population (2024)
27,226
Population (2010)
27,266
Peak (2024)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,226 |
| 2011 | 26,983 |
| 2012 | 26,921 |
| 2013 | 26,837 |
| 2014 | 26,761 |
| 2015 | 26,625 |
| 2016 | 26,595 |
| 2017 | 26,795 |
| 2018 | 27,122 |
| 2019 | 27,215 |
| 2020 | 26,590 |
| 2021 | 26,766 |
| 2022 | 27,062 |
| 2023 | 27,068 |
| 2024 | 27,266 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.8
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
26.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.4% · Seniors (65+): 26.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,827$-19,077 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,596 |
| Per-capita income | $31,486 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ashe County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
9.4%
Work from home
24.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$221,900$-37,500 vs state
Median home value
$774
Median rent
78.4%
Homeownership rate
17,111
Total housing units
70.1%
Occupied
29.9%
Vacant
21.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.9%
With health insurance
88.3%
With broadband internet
28.8%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
19.2%
With a disability
94.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.5%
High School+
22.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ashe County, North Carolina has a population of 26,831 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 73rd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 63 people per square mile.
The population of Ashe County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (27,226 → 27,266), a +0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ashe County, North Carolina is $50,827, with mean (average) household income of $68,596 and per-capita income of $31,486. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ashe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.0%), Black or African American (1.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ashe County, North Carolina is 49.8 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Ashe County is $221,900 and median monthly rent is $774. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 17,111 total housing units, 29.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ashe County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Ashe County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Ashe County, NC Climate
Ashe County, NC has an average annual temperature of 10.5°C (51°F) and receives about 1295 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.5°C
Avg Temp
1295
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 89 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 99 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 120 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 106 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 126 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 113 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 119 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 109 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 108 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 113 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 105 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 88 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Ashe County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Ashe County, NC are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ashe County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.