About Buncombe County
Buncombe County, North Carolina, is located in the western mountains of the state and includes approximately 660 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Buncombe County Seat is Asheville, a vibrant city known for its arts scene, historic architecture including the Biltmore Estate, and thriving craft brewery industry. As of the 2020 Census, Buncombe County's population was approximately 269,452, making it one of the most populous counties in western North Carolina. Buncombe County was established in 1791 and named after Colonel Edward Buncombe, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Buncombe County Register of Deeds office, located at 94 Coxe Avenue in Asheville, handles land and vital records.
Major landmarks include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, though technically in adjacent Yancey County), the French Broad River, and the these Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately-owned home. Buncombe County is characterized by its mountainous terrain, progressive culture, and rapidly growing population. Buncombe County Tax Assessor's office, situated at 94 Coxe Avenue as well, manages property valuations and tax assessments.
Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court, located at 60 Court Plaza in Asheville, maintains court records and handles various administrative functions. What makes Buncombe County unique is its blend of Appalachian heritage, mountain geography, modern urban amenities in Asheville, and its reputation as a destination for tourists, retirees, and young professionals seeking quality of life in a mountain setting.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. The office oversees Buncombe County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It operates several divisions, such as patrol, investigations, and a specialized unit for handling domestic violence cases, reflecting its commitment to maintaining public safety and order.
Police Departments
In addition to Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Buncombe County. The Asheville Police Department serves the city of Asheville, handling urban law enforcement and coordinating with the sheriff's office on major crimes. Other city departments include the Black Mountain Police Department and the Weaverville Police Department, each responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies collaborate on regional initiatives and share resources to effectively address crime across Buncombe County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 202 Haywood Street in Asheville, North Carolina 28801, provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Buncombe County and operates Buncombe County Detention Facility.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly or through written public records requests.
- Processing times for records requests vary but agencies must respond within a reasonable timeframe as required by statute.
Inmates housed at Buncombe County Detention Facility can be located through the online inmate search feature on the Sheriff's Office website, which provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. The Asheville Police Department serves the City of Asheville and can be contacted, with headquarters at 100 Court Plaza. Other municipal departments include the Black Mountain Police Department, Weaverville Police Department, and Woodfin Police Department.
Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the Public Records Law, arrest records are generally considered public information unless sealed by court order or involving juveniles. Booking photos and mugshots are typically available through the Sheriff's Office inmate search system for current detainees. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation also maintains statewide criminal history records.
No tribal police jurisdictions exist within Buncombe County, and Buncombe County does not have special jurisdiction law enforcement beyond standard municipal and county agencies.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Buncombe County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. Residents can request criminal background checks through the state bureau, which offers full reports on an individual's criminal history. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, making sure of community awareness and safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Buncombe County are maintained by Buncombe County Sheriff's Office and the Asheville Police Department. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the respective law enforcement agency, following the guidelines set by the North Carolina Public Records Law. An arrest record in Buncombe County typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Buncombe County Detention Center, located in Asheville, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Buncombe County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours allocated for visits.
- The bond process in North Carolina allows for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release, with the amount set by the court based on the charges and circumstances of the arrest.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Buncombe County are taken and retained by Buncombe County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by submitting a formal request to the office. North Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dismissed or if they are found not guilty. The availability of mugshots is subject to public records laws, which govern the dissemination of such information.
Courts & Case Records
Buncombe County's court system operates under the North Carolina Judicial Branch and includes both Superior Court and District Court divisions. Buncombe County Courthouse is located at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, and appeals from District Court. District Court manages misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, small claims, domestic matters, juvenile cases, and traffic violations.
- Court records can be searched online through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's public access portal at www.nccourts.gov, which provides case information for both criminal and civil matters.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, as established by state law.
- Online access is free for basic case information, but certified documents require in-person or mail requests with appropriate fees.
The Clerk of Superior Court office, also at 60 Court Plaza, maintains court records and handles estate administration, special proceedings, and civil filings. Some records may be restricted under North Carolina General Statute § 15A-151 (expunctions) or § 7B-3000 (juvenile confidentiality). In-person searches are available at the Clerk's office during business hours.
The North Carolina Public Records Law (G.S. § 132-1) governs access to court documents, though certain records involving minors, sealed cases, or sensitive personal information may be restricted. Magistrates are available 24/7 for initial appearances, search warrants, and emergency matters.
Property & Public Records
Buncombe County Register of Deeds, located at 94 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, maintains land records dating back to Buncombe County's founding in 1791. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Their website at buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/register-of-deeds provides online access to recorded documents. Available records include real estate deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and subdivision maps.
- The Register of Deeds also maintains military discharge records (DD-214s) and vital records including birth and death certificates.
- Online searching is available free of charge through Buncombe County's document search portal, allowing users to search by name, book and page, instrument number, or parcel identifier.
- Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
Property tax records are managed by Buncombe County Tax Assessor's office at 94 Coxe Avenue. The Tax Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, tax assessments, and parcel data. An online GIS property mapping system is available at propertyrecords.buncombecounty.org, providing interactive maps, property cards, sales history, building characteristics, and tax information.
The system allows searches by address, owner name, parcel number, or map location. Property tax bills and payment history are accessible through Buncombe County's online tax portal. Real estate transfer taxes are collected at recording and are public record.
Vital Records
Vital records for Buncombe County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Buncombe County Register of Deeds, 94 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, holds birth and death certificates for events occurring in Buncombe County from October 1913 forward. Birth certificates cost $24.00 for a certified copy, and applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility under North Carolina General Statute § 130A-93. Death certificates cost $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
- Processing typically takes 10-15 minutes for walk-in requests if records are on file.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds office and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
- The fee is $60.00, and there is no waiting period in North Carolina.
- Expedited service is available for additional fees through VitalChek.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Division, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903, is the state repository for all North Carolina vital records and can be contacted for Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com with additional service fees. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801. Birth and death records less than 100 years old are restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by state law.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Buncombe County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activities. Local business licenses and privilege taxes are administered by the City of Asheville Tax & Collections Division at 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, for businesses operating within city limits, while unincorporated areas may have different requirements through county offices. Fictitious name registrations (doing business as, or DBA) are filed with Buncombe County Register of Deeds at 94 Coxe Avenue, with a filing fee of $26.00 for the initial registration.
- Entity formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information are available through this free online system.
- The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 33 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, provides business support services and maintains a member directory at ashevillechamber.org.
- Alcohol beverage permits are processed through the North Carolina ABC Commission.
The North Carolina Secretary of State maintains the statewide business registry at sosnc.gov, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and trademarks through the Business Registration Public Search portal. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and healthcare professionals are issued by respective North Carolina licensing boards, not county offices. Sales tax permits are obtained through the North Carolina Department of Revenue at ncdor.gov.
Building permits, zoning compliance, and certificate of occupancy documents are handled by Buncombe County Development Services Department at 30 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. The department manages commercial and residential construction permits, inspections, and land use planning.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Buncombe County are administered by Buncombe County Board of Elections, located at 59 Woodfin Place, Suite 101, Asheville, NC 28801. The office can be reached at and maintains a website at buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/election that provides full voter information, sample ballots, and precinct details. Voter registration is available online through the North Carolina State Board of Elections at ncsbe.gov/registering, in person at the Board of Elections office, at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, or through mail-in registration forms.
- North Carolina does not have party registration; voters register without party affiliation but may choose to vote in one party's primary.
- To request an absentee by-mail ballot in Buncombe County, voters must submit a written request to the Board of Elections either online through the NCSBE portal, by mail, by fax to, or in person.
- The request must include the voter's name, address, birth date, and signature.
- Civilian absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day.
- Buncombe County Board of Elections provides strong transparency with detailed precinct results, full voter statistics, and accessible public records in compliance with North Carolina's public records law.
The registration deadline in North Carolina is 25 days before any election, though same-day registration is available during the early voting period. To find your polling place, voters can use the online Voter Search Tool at vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup by entering their name and county. Election records that are public under North Carolina General Statute § 163-82.10 include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports accessible through ncsbe.gov/Campaign-Finance, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics.
In the November 2024 general election, Buncombe County recorded approximately 62% voter turnout with over 147,000 ballots cast, reflecting Buncombe County's higher-than-average civic engagement compared to state trends. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections along with North Carolina state legislative races, judicial elections, and potential local referenda.
Military and overseas voters have extended deadlines under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Early voting is offered at multiple sites throughout Buncombe County for 17 days prior to Election Day, including weekends.
Economy & Demographics
Buncombe County's economy is diverse and strong, anchored by healthcare, tourism, education, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Mission Health System (now part of HCA Healthcare) is Buncombe County's largest employer with over 10,000 employees, operating Mission Hospital and numerous specialty facilities.According to U.S. Census data, the median household income in Buncombe County was approximately $61,500 as of 2021, slightly above the North Carolina median.
Major employers include the Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools systems, AB Tech Community College, the University of North Carolina Asheville, Eaton Corporation (aerospace manufacturing), and Biltmore Farms commercial development company. The craft brewing industry has become a significant economic sector, with more than 30 breweries operating in Buncombe County, including major facilities like New Belgium Brewing and Sierra Nevada Brewing. Manufacturing contributes substantially through companies like JTEKT Automotive, GE Aviation, and Pratt & Whitney, which produce aerospace components.
The creative sector including arts, crafts, and design employs thousands and supports extensive retail and gallery operations. Agriculture remains important in rural areas, particularly Christmas tree farming, organic vegetables, and agritourism. Buncombe County's unemployment rate has generally tracked below state averages, typically ranging from 3-4% in recent years.
Recent economic development projects include the expansion of the Asheville Regional Airport with new terminal facilities and the development of the Asheville Outlets mall. Real estate and construction have experienced rapid growth as Buncombe County's population continues to expand.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Yes: In-Person & Online | Business: Yes: Online | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 9/10, Buncombe County provides excellent digital access to public records with online portals, GIS mapping, real-time jail information, and transparent election data.