Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 271,790 ↑ 0.9% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $70,578 5% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $360,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% |
| Median Age | 42.4 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 22.3% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 200 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 82 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $26,224 |
| Recent Sales | 135 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 82 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 11.80 acres |
| Active Listings | 128 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 7.36 | $92,000 | $12,500 | Asheville |
| Mar 2026 | 10.10 | $267,000 | $26,436 | Fairview |
| Mar 2026 | 2.75 | $215,400 | $78,327 | Asheville |
| Mar 2026 | 10.22 | $267,000 | $26,125 | Fairview |
| Mar 2026 | 1.42 | $34,000 | $23,944 | Black Mountain |
| Mar 2026 | 2.39 | $168,000 | $70,293 | Alexander |
| Feb 2026 | 1.97 | $189,000 | $95,939 | Arden |
| Feb 2026 | 1.00 | $495,000 | $495,000 | Asheville |
| Feb 2026 | 2.31 | $315,000 | $136,364 | Arden |
| Feb 2026 | 2.31 | $315,000 | $136,364 | Arden |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $100,000 |
| Recent Sales | 65 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 82 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.40 acres |
| Active Listings | 72 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.47 | $155,000 | Asheville |
| Mar 2026 | 0.21 | $60,000 | Asheville |
| Mar 2026 | 0.21 | $40,000 | Black Mountain |
| Mar 2026 | 0.17 | $100,000 | Black Mountain |
| Feb 2026 | 0.50 | $45,000 | Asheville |
| Feb 2026 | 0.78 | $49,900 | Leicester |
| Feb 2026 | 0.55 | $83,100 | Asheville |
| Feb 2026 | 0.25 | $130,000 | Black Mountain |
| Feb 2026 | 0.36 | $160,000 | Black Mountain |
| Feb 2026 | 0.60 | $70,000 | Candler |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 271,790 |
| Population (2020) | 269,452 |
| Population Growth | 0.87% |
| Median Household Income | $70,578 |
| Median Home Value | $360,000 |
| Total Housing Units | 132,191 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 29,519 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 22.3% |
| Median Age | 42.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 53,513 (19.7%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.3% |
Market Overview
Buncombe County, North Carolina has a population of 271,790, which has grown 0.87% since 2020. The median household income is $70,578, below the national median of $74,580 by 5.4%. With a median home value of $360,000 and an unemployment rate of 3.3%, the local economy is moderate. The housing vacancy rate of 22.3% suggests soft market conditions. As part of North Carolina, Buncombe County benefits from the state's growing interest in vacant land investment. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $26,224 per acre, with properties averaging 11.80 acres. There are currently 200 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Buncombe County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Buncombe County has a population of 271,790. The county has grown 0.87% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Buncombe County?
The median household income in Buncombe County is $70,578, which is 5.4% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Buncombe County growing or shrinking?
Buncombe County is growing. The population has increased 0.87% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Buncombe County?
The median home value in Buncombe County is $360,000. The housing vacancy rate is 22.3%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, indicating a moderate local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $26,224 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $100,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Buncombe County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Buncombe County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.