Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.7%
281% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.6%
6% lower than US avg
How Buncombe Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population341
Median Age26.2 yrs
Density287/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$25,580
Unemployment13.7%
Poverty11.6%
County GDP$329M
Commute25 min
Housing
Ownership79.2%
Zillow$179,042
Housing Units129
Rent Burden17.1%
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking15.9%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
Rain51.1 in/yr
Elevation507 ft (155 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute25 min
Broadband71.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Buncombe a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buncombe receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Buncombe has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buncombe is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.7%, unemployment is notably high. 11.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Buncombe enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.1 inches, including 10.4 inches of snow.
Buncombe has a population of 341 with a density of 287 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 26.2 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.3% female and 60.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 10% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
341
Total Population
2023 Census
26.2yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Buncombe is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,580 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,130, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 196 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,580 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,130 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,218 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.7% |
| 281% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.6% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 196 |
| County GDP | $329M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,575 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,042. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 129 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,575 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.8% |
| Housing Units | 129 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,575 |
| 31% above US avg |
In Buncombe, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:13,463. The dentist ratio is 1:4,460. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buncombe vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:13,463 |
| Dentists | 1:4,460 |
| Mental Health | 1:115 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,591/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Buncombe enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 507 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.5°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 507 ft (155 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 287/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4711°N, 88.9747°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Barkley Regional (PAH) 30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.1"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.93"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
304 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
145 km |
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
67 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
146 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
122 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
125 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
22 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
66 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
130 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
64 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
61 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
67 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
29 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
571 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 62 fatalities, 1,137 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
72 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
38 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
23 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
39 km |
10 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
51 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
42 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,286 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
25 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
33 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
33 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
46 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
32 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
47 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
54 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
43 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
47 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
24 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
38 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
47 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
56 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
46 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Buncombe has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.9") and August the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Buncombe. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Buncombe
What is the population of Buncombe?
Buncombe has a population of 341 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 287 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.3% female and 60.7% male.
Is Buncombe expensive to live in?
Buncombe has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Buncombe?
Buncombe enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 51.1 inches, with 10.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Buncombe?
The job market in Buncombe faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,130. There are 196 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Buncombe?
Schools in Buncombe score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.7% of adults in Buncombe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buncombe?
The obesity rate in Buncombe is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:13,463.
What is transportation like in Buncombe?
The average commute in Buncombe is 25 minutes. 94.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buncombe?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buncombe is 90.3% White, 10% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.