As of the census of 2008, there were 102,367 people, 37,414 households, and 26,339 families residing in the county. The population density was 238 people per square mile (92/km²). There were 42,996 housing units at an average density of 115 per square mile (44/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.52% White, 3.06% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.51% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. 5.47% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county contains a large but undefined illegal immigrant population, predominantly Mexican in origin, but also coming from other Latin American countries and also countries of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Undocumented immigrants living in Henderson County may number over 5,000, but any estimates of this population are at best approximate. Interestingly, today Russian is the second-largest foreign language in use in Western North Carolina (primarily Asheville and vicinity), after Spanish.
There were 37,414 households out of which 26.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.60% were married couples living together, 8.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.60% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.78.
In the county the population was spread out with 20.80% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 25.10% from 45 to 64, and 21.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 93.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.50 males. Henderson County is characterized by its exceptionally large retiree population. Its demographics are comparable to some of the top retiree destinations in Florida, producing a pronounced deviation in favor of the 65 and older population in public policy and accommodation.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,109, and the median income for a family was $44,974. Males had a median income of $31,845 versus $23,978 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,110. About 6.80% of families and 9.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.50% of those under age 18 and 8.30% of those age 65 or over.