Buncombe County, North Carolina

Income Data

+16% vs. North Carolina average
$70,578
Median Household Income
$40,879
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$70,578
+16% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$40,879
+4% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
19.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#21 / 100
by median household income

How Buncombe County Compares

Buncombe County$70,578
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$70,578
Median Household Income
$40,879
Per Capita Income
$360,000
Median Home Value
19.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Buncombe County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Buncombe County, North Carolina is $70,578, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Buncombe County?
The per capita income in Buncombe County is $40,879, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $70,578.
How does Buncombe County compare to the North Carolina average?
Buncombe County's median household income of $70,578 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $40,879, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Buncombe County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Buncombe County, North Carolina is $40,879, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Buncombe County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Buncombe County's median household income of $70,578 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $9,506 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Buncombe County rank for income in North Carolina?
Buncombe County ranks #21 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $70,578 and per capita income of $40,879, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Buncombe County

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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%

vs. Buncombe County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average16% above
vs. National Median6% below

Income Adequacy

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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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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.