Asheville, NC Census Data
The 11th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Asheville is the 11th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 12th of 22 for median household income. With 94,369 residents, its poverty rate of 14.6% ranks among the higher rates in North Carolina. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
94,369
48.3% male · 51.7% female
Median Age
40.7
2.0 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$67,221
$11,317 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
52.0%
17.0% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 93.5%
Poverty Rate
14.6%
2.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.7%
Broadband Access
91.6%
1.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$411,000
Median rent: $1,303 · 50% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
Labor force participation: 60.4%
Per Capita Income
$37,865
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.3%
Disability rate: 13.2%
How Asheville Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 11th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 12th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 13th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 8th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 6th of 22 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Asheville, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Asheville, NC?
The population of Asheville, NC is 94,369 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 40.7 years.
What is the median household income in Asheville?
The median household income in Asheville, NC is $67,221, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,865.
What is the poverty rate in Asheville?
The poverty rate in Asheville, NC is 14.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Asheville residents have a college degree?
52.0% of adults (25+) in Asheville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 93.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Asheville?
The median home value in Asheville, NC is $411,000. Median rent is $1,303 per month, with 50% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Asheville?
Asheville's population is 80.1% White, 9.7% Black, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Asheville rank among North Carolina cities?
Asheville is the 11th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 12th highest for median household income, the 13th lowest for poverty rate, the 8th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Asheville?
The unemployment rate in Asheville, NC is 4.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.4%. Per capita income is $37,865.
Cities Similar to Asheville
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.