Ashe County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Ashe County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 26,831. It is the 73rd most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Ashe County is 49.8 years. This is 27% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 11.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Ashe County is $50,827. This is 27% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%. This is 7% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.4%. This is 12% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $221,900. Housing costs are 14% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Ashe County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.9%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (91.2% vs 60.7%). The Black or African American population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

22.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.5%.