Ashe County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,950
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,866/yr
11.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,218
0.6% year-over-year change

Ashe County population

How many people live in Ashe County

Ashe County is home to 26,950 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Ashe County locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
26,950
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
13,247
Female
50.8%
13,703
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,247 49.2% 0.1%
Female 13,703 50.8% 0.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ashe County is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.1% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.1% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.1%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
21.1%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
27.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,534 13.1% -1.4%
15 to 24 2,740 10.2% 4.5%
25 to 44 5,694 21.1% 0.3%
45 to 64 7,639 28.4% -0.9%
Over 65 7,343 27.2% 1.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ashe County, 96.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,114 96.9% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 448 1.7% -16.9%
Non-citizens 388 1.4% 0.8%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 25,019 92.8%
Black or African American 272 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 139 0.5%
Asian 119 0.4%
Two or more races 1,087 4%
Other 314 1.2%

Households in Ashe County

A peek inside Ashe County households

Ashe County has 12,201 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.4% are families, while the remaining 31.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,201
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,852
Family households
8,349
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,852 31.6% -2.3%
Family households 8,349 68.4% 3.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ashe County

The housing landscape of Ashe County

Ashe County's housing consists of 17,218 units, with 76.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 16.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,218
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,182 76.6%
1 unit, attached 201 1.2%
2 units 167 1%
3 or 4 units 331 1.9%
5 to 9 units 146 0.8%
10 to 19 units 157 0.9%
20 to 49 units 180 1%
50 or more units 50 0.3%
Mobile home 2,804 16.3%
Homes built since 2020
60
215.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ashe County

In Ashe County, the median construction year is 1983. About 6.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,075 6.2% -6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 742 4.3% 5.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 875 5.1% -22.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,077 12.1% -13.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,940 17.1% -1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,657 15.4% 8.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,022 17.6% 6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,765 16.1% 4.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,005 5.8% 25.6%
Built in 2020 or later 60 0.4% 215.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ashe County occupancy rates

Out of the 12,201 occupied housing units in Ashe County, 79.4% are owner-occupied, while 20.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 29.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,201
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,516
Owner occupied
9,685
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,516 20.6% -3.0%
Owner occupied 9,685 79.4% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
29.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ashe County housing costs

Housing costs in Ashe County come to a median of $775 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $859.

Median housing costs per month
$775/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ashe County
$859/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ashe County

Ashe County education at a glance

About 38.8% of the population in Ashe County went to high school, while 21.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.1% earned an associate degree and 17% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 911 4.1% 36.4%
High school diploma 8,684 38.8% -7.1%
College diploma 4,752 21.2% -1.8%
Associate degree 2,496 11.1% -4.2%
Bachelor's degree 3,815 17% 20.7%
Graduate degree 1,745 7.8% 5.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ashe County

How much people earn in Ashe County

The average annual household income in Ashe County was $73,848 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,866, reflecting a +11.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ashe County
$73,848/year
7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ashe County
$56,866/year
11.9% year-over-year change

Ashe County income by age

In Ashe County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,169. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $60,589 overall. Overall, 86.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $73,169 13.1%
45 - 64 $60,589 9.0%
Over 65 $47,058 8.3%
Above poverty level
22,808
Below poverty level
3,549
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 22,808 86.5% 1.1%
Below poverty level 3,549 13.5% -3.4%

Employment in Ashe County

Workforce and job types in Ashe County

The job market in Ashe County is powered by 11,614 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.4% run their own businesses, 66.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,614
3.7% year-over-year change
White collar
8,370
Blue collar
3,244
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,370 72.1% 7.2%
Blue collar 3,244 27.9% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
11.4%
Private companies
66.9%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,326 11.4% 8.5%
Private companies 7,773 66.9% 1.2%
Governmental workers 1,674 14.4% 11.1%
Not for profit companies 841 7.2% 6.7%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
-8.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ashe County stands at 4.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ashe County

How people get around in Ashe County

Commuting methods vary: 89.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,042 89.4% 3.9%
Ferryboat 4 0% -55.6%
Walk 155 1.4% 13.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ashe County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28615 1,878 895 $51,653 $74,891
28617 1,839 773 $62,204 $67,952
28626 3,173 1,521 $73,675 $82,726
28629 72 32 $0 $0
28631 684 267 $0 $51,693
28640 4,820 2,076 $53,155 $79,772
28643 3,615 1,494 $44,509 $55,763
28644 1,433 735 $52,798 $68,249
28672 136 63 $163,210 $128,273
28684 1,961 870 $69,307 $88,987

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FAQs about Ashe County demographics 

What is the total population of Ashe County?

Ashe County has a total population of 26,950 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ashe County?

The gender ratio in Ashe County is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (13,247 residents)
  • 50.8% females (13,703 residents)

What is the median age in Ashe County?

The median age in Ashe County is 49.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ashe County?

The age distribution in Ashe County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.1% (3,534 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (2,740 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.1% (5,694 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (7,639 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.2% (7,343 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ashe County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashe County is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (25,019 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (272 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (139 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (119 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (1,087 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (314 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ashe County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.9% of the population in Ashe County.

How many housing units are there in Ashe County?

There are 17,218 housing units in Ashe County, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ashe County and what is the average household size?

Ashe County has a total of 12,201 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ashe County?

Ashe County has a median household income of $56,866, representing a +11.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ashe County?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Ashe County, with a workforce of 11,614 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.1% (8,370 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.9% (3,244 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.4% (1,326 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.9% (7,773 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (1,674 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (841 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025