Asheville, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
94,535
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,102/yr
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
50,034
1.8% year-over-year change

Asheville population

How many people live in Asheville

Asheville is home to 94,535 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Asheville locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
94,535
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
46,127
Female
51.2%
48,408
Value Percent YoY change
Male 46,127 48.8% 1.3%
Female 48,408 51.2% -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 Asheville is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.2% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.5% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.2%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
32.5%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,519 12.2% -10.5%
15 to 24 10,345 10.9% 3.4%
25 to 44 30,761 32.5% 1.8%
45 to 64 22,869 24.2% -1.0%
Over 65 19,041 20.1% 4.8%
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 Asheville, 91.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.3% of locals are Caucasian, 8.2% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 86,349 91.3% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,765 5% 3.9%
Non-citizens 3,421 3.6% -12.9%
Racial breakdown
White
80.3%
Black or African American
8.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 75,947 80.3%
Black or African American 7,727 8.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 155 0.2%
Asian 1,025 1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 86 0.1%
Two or more races 7,471 7.9%
Other 2,124 2.2%

Households in Asheville

A peek inside Asheville households

Asheville has 37,394 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.4% are families, while the remaining 50.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
37,394
-1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
18,901
Family households
18,493
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 18,901 50.6% -4.0%
Family households 18,493 49.4% 0.8%
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 Asheville

The housing landscape of Asheville

Asheville's housing consists of 50,034 units, with 56.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4% 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 3.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
50,034
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 28,212 56.4%
1 unit, attached 2,004 4%
2 units 1,090 2.2%
3 or 4 units 3,013 6%
5 to 9 units 5,285 10.6%
10 to 19 units 3,026 6%
20 to 49 units 2,376 4.8%
50 or more units 3,118 6.2%
Mobile home 1,910 3.8%
Homes built since 2020
2,007
69.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Asheville

In Asheville, the median construction year is 1982. About 18.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9,255 18.5% 1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,464 4.9% 0.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,116 8.2% 2.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,782 7.6% -4.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,212 8.4% -12.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,162 10.3% -1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,813 11.6% -7.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,602 13.2% 9.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,621 13.2% 9.5%
Built in 2020 or later 2,007 4% 69.7%
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.

Asheville occupancy rates

Out of the 37,394 occupied housing units in Asheville, 51.9% are owner-occupied, while 48.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 25.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
37,394
-1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
17,981
Owner occupied
19,413
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 17,981 48.1% -4.9%
Owner occupied 19,413 51.9% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
25.3%
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.

Asheville housing costs

Housing costs in Asheville come to a median of $1,398 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,402.

Median housing costs per month
$1,398/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 Asheville
$1,402/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 Asheville

Asheville education at a glance

About 23.4% of the population in Asheville went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 29.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,660 2.1% -9.5%
High school diploma 18,883 23.4% -2.4%
College diploma 14,124 17.5% 3.7%
Associate degree 5,856 7.3% -0.4%
Bachelor's degree 23,469 29.1% 3.6%
Graduate degree 16,534 20.5% 7.4%
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 Asheville

How much people earn in Asheville

The average annual household income in Asheville was $102,459 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,102, reflecting a +5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Asheville
$102,459/year
9.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Asheville
$71,102/year
5.8% year-over-year change

Asheville income by age

In Asheville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,366. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,798 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,401, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,221 in earnings. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,401 6.7%
25 - 44 $74,366 4.2%
45 - 64 $82,798 9.7%
Over 65 $62,221 9.1%
Above poverty level
77,800
Below poverty level
12,910
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 77,800 85.8% 0.6%
Below poverty level 12,910 14.2% -2.0%

Average renter income in Asheville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Asheville, their median household income was $41,704 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,704
Rent-to-income ratio
40.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Asheville

Workforce and job types in Asheville

The job market in Asheville is powered by 48,194 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 67.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
48,194
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
41,139
Blue collar
7,055
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 41,139 85.4% 0.3%
Blue collar 7,055 14.6% -6.8%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
67.2%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,556 13.6% -6.1%
Private companies 32,372 67.2% -0.0%
Governmental workers 5,391 11.2% -4.3%
Not for profit companies 3,875 8% 8.0%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
28.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Asheville stands at 5.1%, 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 Asheville

How people get around in Asheville

In Asheville, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 34,842 73% -2.1%
Taxicab 266 0.6% 76.2%
Bus or trolleybus 619 1.3% -13.8%
Motorcycle 111 0.2% -13.9%
Bicycle 286 0.6% 43.7%
Walk 1,609 3.4% -10.5%
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 Asheville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28801 14,691 6,247 $58,438 $94,522
28803 33,718 13,459 $76,662 $122,846
28804 25,776 9,135 $88,312 $133,761
28805 19,993 8,224 $75,151 $99,202
28806 43,433 16,604 $63,273 $81,637

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Asheville demographics 

What is the total population of Asheville?

Asheville has a total population of 94,535 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Asheville?

The gender ratio in Asheville is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (46,127 residents)
  • 51.2% females (48,408 residents)

What is the median age in Asheville?

The median age in Asheville is 40.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Asheville?

The age distribution in Asheville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.2% (11,519 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (10,345 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.5% (30,761 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (22,869 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.1% (19,041 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Asheville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Asheville is as follows:
  • White: 80.3% (75,947 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.2% (7,727 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (155 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (1,025 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (86 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (7,471 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (2,124 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.3% of the population in Asheville.

How many housing units are there in Asheville?

There are 50,034 housing units in Asheville, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Asheville has a total of 37,394 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Asheville?

Asheville has a median household income of $71,102, representing a +5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Asheville?

The employment rate is 94.9% in Asheville, with a workforce of 48,194 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.4% (41,139 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.6% (7,055 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (6,556 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.2% (32,372 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (5,391 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (3,875 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