Buncombe County, North Carolina
Income Data
At a Glance
How Buncombe County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Buncombe County, North Carolina
Buncombe slightly below national median
Buncombe County's median household income of $70,578 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,177. Despite this modest gap, the county ranks solidly in the middle-income range, reflecting the economic strength of the Asheville region.
Upper-middle tier in North Carolina
At $70,578, Buncombe County exceeds the state average of $61,072 by $9,506—a 16% premium. The county's diverse economy, tourism, and cultural attractions support above-average household earnings.
Outearns some peers, trails others
Buncombe edges past Carteret County ($70,235) and Burke County ($55,684), but lags behind Cabarrus County ($86,084) and Camden County ($87,781). Its income reflects Asheville's status as a regional economic hub with steady employment growth.
Rising home prices stretch budgets
A median home value of $360,000 is the highest among these eight counties, creating affordability pressure despite reasonable $70,578 incomes. The 21.8% rent-to-income ratio indicates renters spend slightly more than the national target, suggesting housing market tightness.
Diversify beyond home appreciation
With home prices climbing, Buncombe County households should balance real estate with diversified investments. Max out retirement contributions, consider second properties or REITs, and build a portfolio that doesn't depend solely on residential real estate appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Buncombe County median
County median: $70,578 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
+16%
vs. National Median
-6%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($5,882) vs. median rent ($1,281/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.