North Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Asheville is a mid-size city in North Carolina with a population of 94,369. Residents earn $67,221 per year, which is 11% below the national average.
Based on current data, Asheville receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs. Asheville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Asheville is $67,221, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Asheville is $411,000, 46% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,303 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
The violent crime rate of 568 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,850 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.
Asheville is a highly educated community — 52.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Asheville enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 298 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 90.8% |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 9.2% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $67,221 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $41,818 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,130 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,785 |
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 13,107 |
| County GDP | $21,262M |
| Restaurants | 971 |
| Healthcare | 1,283 |
| Retail | 1,329 |
| Manufacturing | 331 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,058 |
| 45% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.23% |
| Commute Time | 18.0 min |
| Work from Home | 18.7% |
| Census Median | $411,000 |
| 46% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $454,142 |
| Median List Price | $539,000 |
| Median List Price | $539,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $296 |
| Homes Sold | 76 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.7% |
| Price Drops | 21.6% |
| Inventory | 486 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,303 |
| 12% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,760 |
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,058 |
| 45% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.23% |
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 88.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,557/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,283 |
| Total Violent | 568.1/100K |
| 50% above US avg | |
| Murder | 4.5/100K |
| 28% below US avg | |
| Rape | 48.8/100K |
| Robbery | 220.0/100K |
| Assault | 294.8/100K |
| Total Property | 4,850.1/100K |
| 147% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 953.7/100K |
| Theft | 3,588.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 308.5/100K |
| Arson | 19.3/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg | |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 298 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 33.7 inches |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 2.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 2,064 ft (629 m) |
| Area | 45.5 sq mi (117.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,075/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5710°N, 82.5527°W |
| County FIPS | 37021 |
Winner: Democrat by 24.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 52.0% |
| 54% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.46 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 2,075/sq mi |
| Total Area | 45.5 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 70 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 78 |
| Public Libraries | 12 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,283 |
| Restaurants | 971 |
| Retail Stores | 1,329 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Avg Commute | 18.0 min |
| Work from Home | 18.7% |