2022 Creative Economy Snapshot: Measuring the Impact of Arts in Buncombe County

The 2022 Creative Economy Snapshot offers a detailed, arts-forward analysis of Buncombe County’s creative sector. Commissioned by Buncombe County Government and developed by Riverbird Research using Lightcast 2023.3 data, the report provides key insights into economic output, employment, and demographics across 56 industry sectors and 66 occupations.

In 2022, creative industries in Buncombe County produced $352.9 million in earnings—an 8.3% increase over the previous year—and generated $969.4 million in total sales. Creative employment also rose to 8,480 jobs, marking a 4% year-over-year increase.

Top-performing industries by earnings and sales included:

  1. Historical Sites
  2. Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books)
  3. Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
  4. Agents and Managers for Artists and Public Figures
  5. Radio Broadcasting Stations

Leading creative occupations included Photographers, Musicians and Singers, Writers and Authors, Fine Artists, and Graphic Designers.

Demographic Highlights

  • Race/Ethnicity: 79% White, 8% Hispanic/Latino, 7% Black/African American, 3.3% Asian or Two or More Races
  • Gender: 54% Female, 46% Male
  • Age: Majority between ages 25–64, with the largest cohort aged 35–44 (23%)

This snapshot takes a focused approach by using national industry (NAICS) and occupational (SOC) coding systems to define sectors within six key arts mediums: performing, visual, craft, literary, media, and interdisciplinary. The result is a tailored, reliable snapshot aligned with the unique priorities of an arts-focused agency.

Together, this data underscores the creative economy’s significant and growing role in Buncombe County’s economic health and cultural vitality.

See Full Snapshot

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