Buncombe County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Buncombe County, North Carolina is 271,790 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $70,578, the median home value is $360,000, and the median age is 42.4.
The population of Buncombe County has grown 17.0% since 2010 (238,743 → 279,210), a +1.12% annualized rate.
271,790
Population
+1.12%
Annual growth
414
People / sq mi
$70,578
Median Income
$360,000
Median Home Value
Buncombe County covers 656 sq mi of land at 414.0 people per square mile.
About Buncombe County, NC
Educational attainment is the headline number in Buncombe County: 44.6% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Buncombe County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 271,790. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in North Carolina in the country, at #7 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,578 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.7%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $360,000, with typical rent around $1,281.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 44.6% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 16.2% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Buncombe County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Buncombe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Buncombe County had a population of 238,743 in 2010 and 279,210 in 2024, a 17.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 279,210 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.13%.
279,210
Population (2024)
238,743
Population (2010)
279,210
Peak (2024)
1.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 238,743 |
| 2011 | 241,226 |
| 2012 | 243,761 |
| 2013 | 246,952 |
| 2014 | 249,265 |
| 2015 | 252,160 |
| 2016 | 255,222 |
| 2017 | 257,408 |
| 2018 | 259,726 |
| 2019 | 262,049 |
| 2020 | 269,704 |
| 2021 | 271,984 |
| 2022 | 274,112 |
| 2023 | 276,789 |
| 2024 | 279,210 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.1% |
| Black or African American | 5.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.4
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
20.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 20.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,578+$674 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,793 |
| Per-capita income | $40,879 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%-2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Buncombe County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
72.6%
Public transit
16.2%
Work from home
20.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$360,000+$100,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,281
Median rent
64.4%
Homeownership rate
132,191
Total housing units
77.7%
Occupied
22.3%
Vacant
35.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.1%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
43.4%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
13.8%
With a disability
90.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
44.6%
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
Buncombe County, North Carolina has a population of 271,790 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 414 people per square mile.
The population of Buncombe County has grown 17.0% since 2010 (238,743 → 279,210), a +1.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in Buncombe County, North Carolina is $70,578, with mean (average) household income of $98,793 and per-capita income of $40,879. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Buncombe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.1%), Black or African American (5.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Buncombe County, North Carolina is 42.4 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in Buncombe County is $360,000 and median monthly rent is $1,281. 64.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 132,191 total housing units, 22.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Buncombe County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Buncombe County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.