Thinking about moving to Asheville?
You’ll be in good company. Between 2010 and 2016, more than 5,728 people have moved to Asheville, an increase of 6.9%. New residents are attracted to Asheville’s weather, live music scene, breathtaking views and friendliness.
Living
Asheville is home to 89,121 Ashevillians. With an area of 45.3 square miles, Asheville has a population density of 1,967 persons per square mile, which makes it less dense than many other cities of comparable size.
The Asheville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts a population of 452,319 people, of which Asheville proper’s population makes up 20%.
Housing
One of the drawbacks of all of Asheville’s growth and livability are its relatively high housing prices. The median home value in Asheville is $253,900, 27% above the US median value, according to Zillow. The median price per square foot in Asheville is $195. Over the past 5 years, home values in Asheville have increased by 8%.
Renters in Asheville will also have a hard time finding affordable housing. The median rent in Asheville is $1,441 per month, which is 1% higher than the US median. Over the past year, rental rates in Asheville have increased by 4.2%.
Economy
Asheville’s economy is on fire. The Asheville metro area’s GDP grew by 27% between 2011 and 2016, from $14.3 billion in 2011 to $18.2 billion in 2016, a total increase of $3.9 billion. The metro area has a per capita GDP of $40,286. According to the US Census Bureau, the median household income in Asheville is $44,704, 24% lower than the national median. Asheville’s unemployment rate is 3.4%.
