Buncombe County's 2026 population is estimated at 275,607, reflecting a -0.65% growth rate over the past year (World Population Review estimate based on U.S. Census Bureau data). Buncombe County is the 7th largest county in North Carolina. The 2010 population was 238,743 and has grown 15.44% since 2010.
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