Buncombe County's estimated 2026 population is 284,052 with a growth rate of 0.86% 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 18.98% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of Buncombe County includes 83.13% White, 5.41% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
White (83.13%)
Two or more races (7.93%)
Black or African American (5.41%)
Other race (2.13%)
Asian (1.16%)
Native American (0.21%)
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (0.03%)
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 225,935 | 83.13% |
| Two or more races | 21,549 | 7.93% |
| Black or African American | 14,702 | 5.41% |
| Other race | 5,800 | 2.13% |
| Asian | 3,144 | 1.16% |
| Native American | 565 | 0.21% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 95 | 0.03% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Buncombe County's average per capita income is $42,408. Household income levels show a median of $70,578. The poverty rate stands at 11.77%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $102,515 | $136,870 |
| Families | $89,900 | $121,286 |
| Households | $70,578 | $98,793 |
| Non Families | $43,821 | $62,130 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate