RANK #819 / 996 · POP 116,469 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.7%
Henderson County, North Carolina, is known for its apple orchards and the annual North Carolina Apple Festival, reflecting its status as the state's largest apple producer. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it sits about 30 miles south of Asheville. The county offers a blend of mountain scenery and small-city amenities, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 5,000 feet. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring waterfalls at places like DuPont State Recreational Forest and Bearwallow Mountain. Commuting within the county is generally manageable, and public transit, known as Apple Country Public Transit, serves Hendersonville, Fletcher, and Laurel Park.
Life in Henderson County attracts a mix of families and retirees, drawn by the natural environment and a sense of community. The Henderson County Public School system is recognized for its academic programs. The local economy is supported by tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Recent economic developments include investments in advanced manufacturing facilities, contributing to job growth in the region. The county's appeal stems from its combination of outdoor access, community atmosphere, and a diverse economic base.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Rock Bluff Energy Park (Proposed Wind Farm)
Cordelio Power
|
$200M | Proposed |
|
Multiple Residential Developments (e.g., Baystone Glen, South Allen Road Apartments)
Various Developers
|
$100M | Under Construction/Planned |
|
BorgWarner Advanced Manufacturing Facility
BorgWarner Inc.
|
$75M | Planned |
|
Henderson County Solar Farm
Community Energy / Henderson County Solar LLC
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Henderson County has a Boom Town Index score of 18/100, ranking #819 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.7% and a median household income of $65,508, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Henderson County is $291,500 with median rent at $1,032/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2247, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.7%. Home values changed -2.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.08% of Henderson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.