CountyScore

Buncombe County

North Carolina · NC

#68 in North Carolina
65.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Buncombe County, North Carolina

Buncombe beats national median by 39%

Buncombe County's composite score of 69.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0, demonstrating livability well above the typical U.S. county. The county ranks solidly in the upper third of American counties for overall quality of life.

Slightly trails state average

At 69.4, Buncombe County falls modestly below North Carolina's average of 72.7, placing it in the lower-middle ranks among state counties. The county remains competitive with many regional peers despite this slight deficit.

Tax efficiency and solid incomes

Buncombe County features a tax score of 85.4 paired with a median household income of $70,578 (income score 29.5), offering residents reasonable earning potential and moderate tax burden. The effective tax rate of 0.601% keeps costs manageable for households.

Higher housing costs moderate appeal

The county's cost score of 67.4 reflects elevated housing expenses, with median home values reaching $360,000 and monthly rent averaging $1,281. Limited data on schools, safety, and health outcomes means residents need to research local services independently.

Great for professionals seeking mountain culture

Buncombe County—home to Asheville—attracts professionals and retirees with moderate to higher incomes who value mountain scenery and arts culture. The county works best for those willing to pay premium housing costs in exchange for lifestyle amenities and community character.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.4Cost67.4SafetyComing SoonHealth71.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.5Risk10.7WaterComing Soon
🏛85.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Buncombe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Houston County
Georgia
65.1
Median income: $80,743
Tift County
Georgia
65.1
Median income: $53,165
Christian County
Kentucky
65.1
Median income: $54,190
Berrien County
Michigan
65.1
Median income: $63,152
Lee County
Mississippi
65.1
Median income: $67,144

Deep Dives

Buncombe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Buncombe County

via TaxByCounty

Buncombe's rate is below national median

Buncombe County's effective tax rate of 0.601% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.09%, putting it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,163 reflects Buncombe's higher home values rather than an aggressive tax rate.

Slightly below average for the state

Buncombe's 0.601% rate is about 14% lower than North Carolina's 0.701% state average, offering mountain residents a modest tax advantage. Among the state's 100 counties, Buncombe ranks in the lower-tax half.

Competitive with nearby mountain counties

Buncombe's 0.601% rate is lower than Burke County (0.699%) and Caldwell County (0.639%) in the surrounding region. The Asheville area's stronger real estate market is reflected in higher home values, though the tax rate remains reasonable.

Median home tax reaches $2,163 annually

With a median home value of $360,000 and a rate of 0.601%, Buncombe homeowners typically pay $2,163 in annual property tax. Those with mortgages can expect total escrow payments around $2,272.

Assessment accuracy varies across Buncombe

Even in a reasonably priced market, individual homes can be overassessed relative to comparable recent sales. Buncombe homeowners who suspect their assessed value is too high can file an appeal with the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Buncombe County

via CostByCounty

Buncombe's housing costs strain most residents

Buncombe County renters spend 21.8% of their income on rent—the highest ratio among all eight counties and well above the national average of approximately 18%. Despite a median income of $70,578, close to the national median, housing demand in this Asheville-anchored market has pushed affordability into strained territory.

Least affordable county in this sample

Buncombe's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% state average, making it one of the state's less affordable counties. The median rent of $1,281 is 37% above the state average, driven by Asheville's popularity as a cultural and tourism hub.

Steepest rents among mountain counties

Buncombe's $1,281 monthly rent substantially exceeds nearby Burke County ($805) and Caldwell County ($735), reflecting Asheville's distinct market strength. Even Camden County and Cabarrus County to the east have lower median rents despite higher median incomes.

Asheville market drives both cost burdens

Buncombe renters pay $1,281 monthly while homeowners face $1,151 costs, with a median home value of $360,000—the highest in this group. Over one-fifth of the $70,578 median household income goes to housing, compressing discretionary spending.

Asheville's appeal comes with affordability trade-offs

Buncombe's cultural vibrancy and mountain setting attract remote workers and retirees, but expect median rents of $1,281 and median home values of $360,000. If you're relocating here, verify your income can comfortably absorb these costs—this county's housing market has outpaced its regional peers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Buncombe County

via IncomeByCounty

Buncombe slightly below national median

Buncombe County's median household income of $70,578 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,177. Despite this modest gap, the county ranks solidly in the middle-income range, reflecting the economic strength of the Asheville region.

Upper-middle tier in North Carolina

At $70,578, Buncombe County exceeds the state average of $61,072 by $9,506—a 16% premium. The county's diverse economy, tourism, and cultural attractions support above-average household earnings.

Outearns some peers, trails others

Buncombe edges past Carteret County ($70,235) and Burke County ($55,684), but lags behind Cabarrus County ($86,084) and Camden County ($87,781). Its income reflects Asheville's status as a regional economic hub with steady employment growth.

Rising home prices stretch budgets

A median home value of $360,000 is the highest among these eight counties, creating affordability pressure despite reasonable $70,578 incomes. The 21.8% rent-to-income ratio indicates renters spend slightly more than the national target, suggesting housing market tightness.

Diversify beyond home appreciation

With home prices climbing, Buncombe County households should balance real estate with diversified investments. Max out retirement contributions, consider second properties or REITs, and build a portfolio that doesn't depend solely on residential real estate appreciation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Buncombe County

via HealthByCounty

Buncombe rivals national health benchmarks

Buncombe County residents live to 77.4 years, essentially matching the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years and reflecting excellent population health. Only 13.3% report poor or fair health—significantly better than the 17% national average.

Top performer in North Carolina

At 77.4 years, Buncombe's life expectancy ranks among North Carolina's best, exceeding the state average of 74.4 years by three years. The 13.3% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among the counties surveyed.

A regional healthcare leader

Buncombe's 77.4-year life expectancy is the highest in this comparison group, outpacing Burke (74.2 years) and Caldwell (72.4 years) significantly. With 141 primary care providers per 100,000—nearly triple the state need—Buncombe offers exceptional access.

Abundant providers, strong coverage

Buncombe's 13.1% uninsured rate sits near the state average, though the county more than compensates with 896 mental health providers per 100,000—nearly eight times the national median. This extraordinary provider density ensures residents can access behavioral health support when needed.

Build on success with full coverage

Even in a health-strong county like Buncombe, ensuring you have adequate insurance protects your financial future and maximizes your access to care. Check your coverage gaps and explore options to maintain comprehensive protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Buncombe County

via RiskByCounty

Buncombe ranks above national average

Buncombe County's composite risk score of 89.34 places it in the relatively moderate category—notably higher than the national average. The county's mountain location and recent flooding events drive elevated risk across multiple hazard categories.

Second-riskiest county in North Carolina

Buncombe ranks second highest in composite risk among North Carolina counties with a score of 89.34, well above the state average of 66.72. Only Brunswick County exceeds it, reflecting Buncombe's unique geographic vulnerabilities.

Substantially riskier than surrounding counties

Buncombe's 89.34 score far exceeds neighbors Burke County (70.17) and Caldwell County (67.43) in the western Appalachian region. Its elevated ranking stems from mountainous terrain that amplifies flood and wildfire risks.

Flooding and earthquakes pose serious threat

Buncombe faces 91.73 flood risk—the highest in its region—driven by mountain streams and heavy precipitation, along with 85.40 earthquake risk reflecting its position in an active seismic zone. Wildfire risk (80.63) and tornado exposure (81.33) add additional layers of hazard.

Flood insurance is essential here

Buncombe's flood risk demands that homeowners secure flood insurance regardless of FEMA zone designation, as mountain streams and sudden weather events create localized inundation. Store valuables in waterproof containers and maintain emergency supplies including water and medications.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.