Asheville had an estimated 93,523 people on July 1, 2025, down 1,626 from 2024, the Census Bureau says. The 2020 count was 94,589; 2010 was 83,393.
Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2010 and 2020 censuses, the Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates and the 2020-2024 American Community Survey five-year estimates. Census Bureau call center: 800-923-8282.
Asheville had an estimated 93,523 residents on July 1, 2025, the Census Bureau’s latest estimate. That is 1,626 fewer (1.7%) than a year earlier, the first year of estimates after Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, and slightly below the 94,589 people the 2020 census counted. Over the decade before that, the city grew fast: up 13.4% from 83,393 in 2010.
What this means for you
- Asheville is about one-third of Buncombe County’s 277,417 people.
- The city is older than the state: a median age of 40.7 against 39.1 statewide.
- Almost half of Asheville households, 48.1%, rent their homes.
- Look up any figure in the Census Bureau’s QuickFacts for Asheville.
Population over time
| Year | Asheville | Buncombe County |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 census | 83,393 | 238,318 |
| 2020 census | 94,589 | 269,452 |
| July 2024 estimate | 95,149 | 279,227 |
| July 2025 estimate | 93,523 | 277,417 |
| Change, 2010 to 2020 | +11,196 (+13.4%) | +31,134 (+13.1%) |
| Change, 2020 to 2025 | -1,066 (-1.1%) | +7,965 (+3.0%) |
| Change, 2024 to 2025 | -1,626 (-1.7%) | -1,810 (-0.6%) |
Estimates are for July 1 each year and are revised every spring, so earlier years can change in later releases. Decennial counts are the official April 1 census results.
Age, households and income
From the 2020-2024 American Community Survey, which averages five years of survey responses:
| Measure | Asheville | Buncombe County | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 40.7 | 42.6 | 39.1 |
| Under 18 | 14.8% | 17.8% | 21.8% |
| 65 and older | 20.1% | 21.2% | 17.2% |
| Households | 37,394 | 101,855 | 4,282,345 |
| Average household size | 2.43 | 2.62 | 2.44 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher (25+) | 53.4% | 45.9% | 35.7% |
| Median household income | $71,102 | $74,436 | $72,388 |
| People below the poverty line | 14.3% | 11.8% | 13.0% |
| Average commute | 18.2 minutes | 21.1 minutes | 25.1 minutes |
Housing
From the ACS housing profile:
| Measure | Asheville | Buncombe County | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing units | 50,034 | 134,483 | 4,895,668 |
| Vacant units | 25.3% | 24.3% | 12.5% |
| Owner-occupied | 51.9% | 66.2% | 66.6% |
| Renter-occupied | 48.1% | 33.8% | 33.4% |
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $440,000 | $391,800 | $288,900 |
| Median gross rent | $1,402 | $1,362 | $1,228 |
The Census Bureau counts homes used only seasonally or occasionally as vacant, so second homes add to the vacancy figure. For current prices, see our home prices guide.
The neighbors
The places over 5,000 people within about 15 miles, from the same Census sources:
| Town | Distance | 2025 estimate | Median age | Median household income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodfin | about 6 miles | 8,229 | 42.4 | $71,384 |
| Fletcher | about 10 miles | 8,373 | 41.7 | $75,272 |
| Black Mountain | about 13 miles | 8,491 | 58.4 | $77,042 |
| Mills River | about 13 miles | 7,504 | 46.4 | $105,398 |
Fletcher and Mills River kept growing through 2025, while Black Mountain dipped slightly.
About these numbers
- Census counts happen every 10 years. Population estimates update yearly from births, deaths and migration. ACS figures come from a survey and carry a margin of error, which is larger for small towns; the Census Bureau publishes it with each figure.
- ACS incomes are in 2024 dollars.
More: moving to Asheville and Asheville history and landmarks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Asheville, NC?
The Census Bureau estimates Asheville had 93,523 residents on July 1, 2025. The 2020 census counted 94,589.
Is Asheville’s population growing?
It grew 13.4% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, but the Census Bureau’s estimates show it fell by 1,626 people, or 1.7%, between July 2024 and July 2025, the year after Hurricane Helene.
What is the population of Buncombe County?
Buncombe County had an estimated 277,417 residents on July 1, 2025, up 3% from the 2020 census count of 269,452. Asheville is about a third of the county.
What is the median household income in Asheville?
Asheville’s median household income is $71,102, according to the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 American Community Survey five-year estimates.
What is the median age in Asheville?
The median age in Asheville is 40.7, older than North Carolina’s 39.1, according to the 2020-2024 American Community Survey.
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