Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Asheville, NC
Thinking of moving to Asheville, NC? With a vibrant population of 94,589, Asheville offers scenic mountain living, a thriving arts scene, and a lively downtown. The median home value is around $410,000, while average rent for a 2-bedroom is $1,470. Residents enjoy a lower-than-average commute time of 19 minutes, 62% sunny days, and excellent access to outdoor recreation. While property crime rates are higher than the national average, Asheville boasts top-notch healthcare, strong educational attainment, and a unique blend of culture and nature ideal for newcomers.
Demographics - Asheville, NC
Demographics - Asheville, NC
Asheville is home to about 94,600 residents, with a median age of just over 40, reflecting a mature but lively community. The city is predominantly White (82%), with Black, Asian, and other groups contributing to its diversity, and nearly 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Moderate population density and a balanced gender ratio make Asheville appealing for both families and professionals.
Population:
94,589
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.3
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
11.2%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Asheville, NC?
Living costs in Asheville are moderately higher than the national average, with a median home value of $410,000 and average rent around $1,470 for a two-bedroom apartment. The cost of living index is 108.7, driven largely by elevated housing expenses, though utilities and transportation remain close to national norms. State income tax is a flat 5.25%, and monthly essentials like groceries and healthcare are slightly above average.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,470
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.7
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
121.8
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
99.5
Health Care:
106.1
Miscellaneous:
103.0
Crime
Is Asheville, NC a safe place to live?
Asheville experiences higher property crime rates than the national average, with a 1 in 30 chance of being affected, while violent crime remains relatively moderate at 425 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents should be mindful of safety in certain areas, but overall, Asheville provides a generally secure environment for families and newcomers. Community programs and local law enforcement are active in maintaining public safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
425
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,280
Crime Index:
3,705
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 235
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in Asheville, NC year-round?
Asheville enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters averaging lows of 28°F and warm summers peaking at 85°F. The city receives nearly 45 inches of rainfall annually and boasts about 62% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Seasonal changes bring beautiful scenery, particularly in spring and fall.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households earn a median income of $57,000, with a family income of $73,000 and a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Education levels are strong, with nearly 93% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher, and the average commute is just under 20 minutes. While the poverty rate is 13.5%, the area is known for its tight-knit communities and vibrant local culture.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$57,000
Family Income:
$73,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,900
Income Male:
$40,600
Income Female:
$33,800
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.6%
Rent:
$1,470
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
46.8%
Education
How are the schools in Asheville, NC?
Asheville boasts strong educational opportunities, from well-rated public schools like Asheville High School to private options such as Carolina Day School. Higher education is easily accessible with institutions like the University of North Carolina at Asheville and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College serving thousands of local students. The city’s education system supports lifelong learning for residents of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Asheville High School
Street:
419 McDowell St
Phone:
828-350-2500
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Isaac Dickson Elementary
Street:
125 Hill St
Phone:
828-350-6800
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
Carolina Day School
Street:
1345 Hendersonville Rd
Phone:
828-274-0757
Students:
690
Colleges
Name:
University of North Carolina at Asheville
City:
Asheville
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,300
Name:
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
City:
Asheville
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Asheville offers excellent healthcare access with major institutions like Mission Hospital and Asheville VA Medical Center providing comprehensive services, including emergency care. The city has 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% of the population is covered by health insurance. Local healthcare facilities are well-rated, ensuring quality care for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mission Hospital
Address:
509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone:
(828) 213-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Asheville VA Medical Center
Address:
1100 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
Phone:
(828) 298-7911
Type:
Veterans Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Asheville, NC?
The housing market in Asheville is competitive, with a median home price of $410,000 and a steady appreciation rate of 6.7% over the last year. Just over half of the residences are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate is relatively low at 5.8%. New construction is limited, making the market favorable for sellers and those seeking long-term investments.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,470
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services in Asheville are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Patton Ave. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other services both in person and online through the state DMV website. The office is easily reachable for newcomers settling in the area.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1624 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.