Welcome to Henderson County.

Located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Henderson County offers a unique quality of life that speaks to a variety of people. The mountains are not our only draw. Henderson County promises a balanced lifestyle full of adventure by day and serenity by night. We are lucky to experience four seasons, each bringing its own beauty to the area. The cool air of spring and summer are perfect for those who want to escape the humidity of cities, and our mild winters are perfect for those who love the idea of living in the mountains, but do not appreciate the frigid cold. Our place offers a combination of quality life, dynamic workforce, and economic vitality.

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As part of the Asheville Metropolitan Area, our region’s population has grown over 1.5% every year for the last 45 years. As a new resident, you’re in good company here. You will find friends in a growing population of young people and families that have recently moved to Western North Carolina for our distinctive culture, incredible access to outdoor recreation, and our rapidly growing, diverse economy.
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Population
115,613
Median Household Income
$59,928
Land Area
375 mi2
Source: JobsEQ©, chmuraecon.com, 1/10/2024
Copyright © 2024 Chmura Economics & Analytics, All Rights Reserved.
Asheville Regional Airport

Municipalities

1. Mills River
The Town of Mills River is an expansive agricultural community known for its open pastures, rolling hills, and the winding French Broad River and Mills River, which meander through the area. Residents of Mills River enjoy low density residential communities, views of Pisgah National Forest, and easy access to other parts of the region such as Brevard and Asheville. Northern Mills River is a major employment center serving the heart of the Asheville Metro Area. In addition to its outdoor recreation access, Mills River offers a large park with amenities for both humans and their four-legged friends. Learn more
2. Fletcher
One of the fastest growing municipalities in one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Southeast, the Town of Fletcher is smack-dab in the middle of the region. It is located between the City of Hendersonville and the City of Asheville, directly off Interstate 26 and Highway 25. Fletcher has a little bit of everything: eclectic dining, major employers, vibrant neighborhoods, charming apartments, natural greenways, and the very popular Bill Moore Park. Learn More
3. Laurel Park
The Town of Laurel Park is known as the small town on a mountain, but that would be selling the charm of this residential community short. Laurel Park, historically a vacation destination and mountain retreat, has transitioned over time to support high quality mountain living. Laurel Park boasts three parks (one of which includes a spectacular overlook called Jump Off Rock) and gorgeous mountain vistas from your front porch. A recent influx of young families has moved into Laurel Park marking the community’s transition away from a retirement destination. Learn More
4. Hendersonville
The City of Hendersonville is the commercial and economic center of Henderson County and is no stranger to national recognition for its iconic Main Street and mountain charm. Historic Downtown Hendersonville offers a variety of dining, shopping and nightlife opportunities, live music during the summer months, and a full schedule of annual street festivals. Be sure to check out Historic Seventh Avenue District for even more to see and do or visit one of the several museums along Main Street. Learn more
5. Flat Rock
The Village of Flat Rock is a charming historic residential village three miles south of Hendersonville. Once a trading post for Cherokee Indians, it’s home today to the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the Flat Rock Playhouse (the state theatre of North Carolina) the expansive Flat Rock Park and some of the most popular restaurants and shopping destinations in Henderson County. Flat Rock offers several premier residential golf communities and is the crossroads to the vibrant summer camp industry that flocks to Henderson County during the warmer months. Learn more

Communities

1
Etowah
2
Horse Shoe
3
Naples
4
Mountain Home
5
Valley Hill
6
Tuxedo
7
Zirconia
8
Dana
9
Edneyville
10
Bat Cave
11
Gerton

Living In Henderson County

We are lucky enough to experience four seasons, and as a new resident, you will make connections in a growing population of young people and families that have located to the area to enjoy the abundance of outdoor recreation. Despite an elevation of 2,152 feet, our winters are mild, and we are fortunate to be able to escape the summer heat!

This is a place deeply invested in its citizens and their overall quality of life. Our county has long been devoted to providing its citizens with top-tier schools for their children and flourishing infrastructure in both the city of Hendersonville and the surrounding areas. Living in Henderson County is unlike anywhere else. Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Henderson County is home to a variety of unique, locally owned restaurants and businesses, world class craft beer, and endless, year-round outdoor recreational activities.
Dupont State Forest
Pisgah National Forest
WELLNESS & RECREATION
Western North Carolina is the outdoor hub of the east coast and Henderson County is in the middle of it all. Dupont State Forest is an acclaimed mountain biking, hiking and waterfall lover’s paradise (Best Part: you can be on a Dupont trail in less than 20 minutes from Downtown Hendersonville.) Pisgah National Forest is one of the most visited National Forests in the country and offers multiple trailheads, recreation areas and pristine trout fishing streams in Henderson County.
Outdoor Attractions
  • Pisgah National Forest
  • DuPont State Forest
  • Florence Nature Preserve
  • Green River & Green River Gamelands
  • Mills River
  • Lazy Otter Outfitters
  • French Broad Adventures
  • Pura Vida Adventures
PARKS GREENWAYS & BEYOND
  • Cane Creek Greenway
  • Biltmore Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Carl Sandburg National Historic Park
  • The Riveter
  • Patton Park
  • Oklahawa Greenway
  • Rhododendron Lake Nature Park
  • Henderson County Community Parks
  • Mills River Town Park
  • Bill Moore Park
Other Nearby Attractions
  • Mt. Mitchell State Park
  • Linville Gorge
  • Nantahala Outdoor Center
  • Nantahala National Forest
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Headwaters State Forest
  • Jones Gap State Park
DINING & LIBATIONS
Over the past decade, Western North Carolina has transformed into the epicenter of the craft brewing industry in the US. We don’t say that lightly, instead we let our beer tell our story: Sierra Nevada Brewing, New Belgium Brewing and Oskar Blues Brewing all call our region home, as well as hundreds of smaller operations in communities throughout the region. Learn more
12+
Breweries
6+
Wineries
3+
Cideries
COURTESY OF HENDERSON COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
ARTS & CULTURE
From the Rhythm & Brews Concert series in the summer, to the Garden Jubilee and North Carolina Apple Festival that take over Downtown Henderson for entire weekends, there is almost always something going around Henderson County to enjoy. We have community-wide public art projects, weekly bluegrass jam sessions and open mic nights, and the state theatre of North Carolina offering our residents an endless supply of entertainment from the stage.
Looking for events happening in Henderson County?
GREY MILL APARTMENTS
Housing
Downtown condo? A porch with a view of the mountains? An apartment with all the amenities? We have a little bit of everything in Henderson County to match your needs. Once you have settled on which part of Henderson County you want to live in, it is time to find a place to lay your head. You’ll find Henderson County to be an attractive place to live, while offering amenities that most places don’t.
Blue ridge Community College

Education

Henderson County Public Schools consistently ranks within the top 25 school districts in North Carolina across different ranking systems and sources. With an enrollment just shy of 13,000, Henderson County Public Schools saw an average SAT score of 1,180 in 2023, which is above the North Carolina average of 1,416 and the US average of 1028. The average Henderson County ACT score was 25, compared to the state average of 19. Additionally, students enrolled in Career & Technical Education tracks earned 1,696 CTE credentials in the 2021-22 school year. Learn more
Blue ridge Community College
Public Schools
Henderson County is home to 23 public schools, including 13 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 6 high schools. With one of the highest state graduation rates, the Henderson County Public School system provides an opportunity for all students to learn in a safe and supportive environment and succeed in their educational goals. Learn more
PRivate Schools
Henderson County has 8 accredited K-12 private schools, including independent religious and non-religious affiliated charter schools as well as boarding schools.
Childcare
There are many excellent options for childcare in Henderson County. Parents with young children have the option of full day, as well as half day childcare programs and after-school programs. Learn more
Meritor

Economy

Henderson County is home to a robust cluster of over 130 advanced manufacturing companies and an agricultural foundation that helped establish the community as a destination for high-tech greenhouse production of various crop products. Professional Services such as Engineering, Financial Services, and Technology all blossom in Western North Carolina due to this robust manufacturing sector. And two major hospitals: Pardee UNC Health Care and AdventHealth that engage in innovative ways to maintain the well-being of community members, and also provide healthcare workers a supportive work environment with constant opportunities for professional growth. To learn more about available jobs in Henderson County, visit hendersoncounty.jobs and ncworks.gov.
Average Annual Salaries in Henderson County
Elkamet
Construction
$56,110
Manufacturing
$65,374
Transportation & Utilities
$53,682
Information
$64,753
Finance & Insurance
$71,072
Educational Services
$42,804
Health Care & Social Assistance
$59,881
Accommodation & Food Services
$26,444
Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
$69,733
Public Administration
$56,341
Retail Trade
$39,732
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
$36,527
Management of Companies and Enterprises
$95,940
Source: JobsEQ©, chmuraecon.com, 1/10/2024
Copyright © 2024 Chmura Economics & Analytics, All Rights Reserved.
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