Asheville, NC
Population 94,369 · North Carolina
About Asheville, NC
Asheville is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 94,369 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,221 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Asheville features a median home value of $411,000, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. This places Asheville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,303, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 49,130 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (19,138 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (18,911 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Asheville shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Asheville have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
52.0% of Asheville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Asheville Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Asheville, NC
Compared to national averages, Asheville has a median household income of $67,221 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $411,000, which is 68% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,303 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Asheville's income is 4% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 80% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Asheville, NC?
Asheville offers a well-educated community where 52.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,221) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $411,000. However, as a mid-sized city, Asheville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Asheville has a population of 94,369 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Asheville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Asheville
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville | 88,540 | $50,564 | $213,100 | Compare |
| Concord | 106,518 | $84,752 | $327,600 | Compare |
| Gastonia | 81,632 | $60,554 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 73,507 | $54,069 | $191,700 | Compare |
| High Point | 115,263 | $61,228 | $212,400 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 118,578 | $63,900 | $350,300 | Compare |
| Apex | 67,765 | $138,442 | $514,800 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Asheville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Asheville
What is the population of Asheville, NC?
The population of Asheville, NC is 94,369 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Asheville?
The median household income in Asheville, NC is $67,221 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Asheville?
The median home value in Asheville, NC is $411,000, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Asheville?
The median monthly rent in Asheville, NC is $1,303, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Asheville?
The unemployment rate in Asheville, NC is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live?
Asheville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 94,369 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Asheville, NC?
52.0% of residents in Asheville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Asheville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Asheville, NC: median home value is $411,000 (68% above national), median rent is $1,303/month, and median household income is $67,221. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Asheville?
The poverty rate in Asheville, NC is 14.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Asheville, NC?
Asheville's population is 2.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 9.7% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.