Leicester is an unincorporated community in Buncombe County, North Carolina, although it has begun a process towards incorporation in 2007. As of 2007, Leicester population is 12,514 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 16.26 percent. The township of Leicester, originally known as Turkey Creek, had a Post Office beginning April 7,1829. The name of the township was changed to Leicester (pronounced les-ter) in 1859. The town was named for Leicester Chapman. His father, Robert Chapman, was a captain under the Earl of Leicester and stationed in Wales. Leicester is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area.