Swannanoa City Demographics

Swannanoa, in Buncombe County, NC, has a 2020 population of about 4,800. The median age is roughly 44 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with approximately 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the community is predominantly White (89%), followed by Black or African American (5%), Asian (1.2%), and individuals of two or more races (3.2%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up around 3.7% of the population. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020).

Swannanoa City Housing

Swannanoa, located in Buncombe County, NC, has a homeownership rate of around 71%, with median home values near $297,000 and median rent at about $1,250/month (2024). The housing market has seen values rise roughly 3-5% annually in recent years. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and some townhomes across neighborhoods like Grovemont and Bee Tree. Property taxes average 0.64% of assessed value, lower than the national average. The market is competitive, with limited inventory and rising demand, appealing to both families and retirees seeking proximity to Asheville.

Education in Swannanoa City

Swannanoa, located in Buncombe County, NC, is served by the Buncombe County Schools district, including Charles D. Owen High School, which has 736 students and a GreatSchools rating of 6/10. The area has a high school graduation rate of 88% and about 28% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are three public schools in Swannanoa (elementary, middle, and high), with additional adult education programs available in nearby Asheville. School safety initiatives are in place, contributing to relatively low campus incident rates. Educational programs include AP courses, career, and technical education.

Transportation in Swannanoa City

Swannanoa, located in Buncombe County, NC, features primarily car-dependent transportation, with about 85% of residents commuting by personal vehicles. Public transit usage is low, at around 0.5%. The average one-way commute time is approximately 22 minutes. Transportation infrastructure includes access to US Route 70 and proximity to I-40, connecting residents to Asheville and surrounding areas. Vehicle ownership is high, with over 92% of households owning at least one car. Major employment hubs near Swannanoa include Asheville’s healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors, reflecting regional commuting patterns.

Swannanoa City Healthcare

Swannanoa, located in Buncombe County, NC, lacks its own hospital, with residents primarily accessing Asheville-area facilities such as Mission Hospital (around 10 miles away). The area features several local clinics, like MAHEC Family Health Center. Buncombe County’s uninsured rate is approximately 10.7%. Patient demographics show a median age of 44, with a majority being White (over 85%). Common health issues include diabetes (10.3%), heart disease, and substance use disorders. Over 90% of residents have a regular healthcare provider. Medicaid and Medicare serve significant portions of the population, reflecting broader state trends.

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