High Shoals, NC
Population 565 · North Carolina
About High Shoals, NC
High Shoals is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 565 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,893 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in High Shoals features a median home value of $145,700, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes High Shoals one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $937, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 249 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (109 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (102 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in High Shoals shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 22.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in High Shoals have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.6% of High Shoals residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in High Shoals, NC
Compared to national averages, High Shoals has a median household income of $50,893 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $145,700, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $937 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, High Shoals's income is 21% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 36% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in High Shoals, NC?
High Shoals offers affordable housing with a median home value of $145,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $937/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,893) that falls below the national average. However, High Shoals’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
High Shoals has a population of 565 with a median age of 31.7 years. Compare High Shoals with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near High Shoals
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wade | 565 | $67,574 | $204,200 | Compare |
| Altamahaw | 568 | $62,315 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Conetoe | 562 | $38,955 | $79,000 | Compare |
| Bridgeton | 561 | $35,833 | $139,600 | Compare |
| Woodland | 569 | $28,125 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Newton Grove | 574 | $68,750 | $155,000 | Compare |
| Ansonville | 578 | $39,375 | $88,500 | Compare |
| St. Helena | 580 | $77,000 | $209,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare High Shoals With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about High Shoals
What is the population of High Shoals, NC?
The population of High Shoals, NC is 565 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in High Shoals?
The median household income in High Shoals, NC is $50,893 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in High Shoals?
The median home value in High Shoals, NC is $145,700, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in High Shoals?
The median monthly rent in High Shoals, NC is $937, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in High Shoals?
The unemployment rate in High Shoals, NC is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is High Shoals, NC a good place to live?
High Shoals offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 565 and a median age of 31.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is High Shoals, NC?
14.6% of residents in High Shoals aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in High Shoals?
Key cost-of-living indicators for High Shoals, NC: median home value is $145,700 (41% below national), median rent is $937/month, and median household income is $50,893. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in High Shoals?
The poverty rate in High Shoals, NC is 22.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is High Shoals, NC?
High Shoals's population is 1.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 8.8% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.