Horse Shoe, NC
Population 1,699 · North Carolina
About Horse Shoe, NC
Horse Shoe is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,699 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,703 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Horse Shoe features a median home value of $396,400, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. This places Horse Shoe in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 814 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (661 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (91 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Horse Shoe shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Horse Shoe have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.5% of Horse Shoe residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Horse Shoe, NC
Compared to national averages, Horse Shoe has a median household income of $67,703 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $396,400, which is 62% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Horse Shoe's income is 5% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 73% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Horse Shoe, NC?
Horse Shoe offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 48.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,703) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $396,400. However, Horse Shoe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Horse Shoe has a population of 1,699 with a median age of 53.1 years. Compare Horse Shoe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Horse Shoe
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertford | 1,703 | $40,096 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Atlantic Beach | 1,705 | $58,056 | $466,400 | Compare |
| Tryon | 1,713 | $47,604 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Walnut Creek | 1,684 | $145,417 | $423,800 | Compare |
| Bryson City | 1,676 | $43,387 | $246,700 | Compare |
| Pinebluff | 1,723 | $75,188 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Foxfire | 1,730 | $75,163 | $352,300 | Compare |
| Sea Breeze | 1,731 | $57,379 | $398,800 | 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 Horse Shoe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Shoe
What is the population of Horse Shoe, NC?
The population of Horse Shoe, NC is 1,699 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Horse Shoe?
The median household income in Horse Shoe, NC is $67,703 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Horse Shoe?
The median home value in Horse Shoe, NC is $396,400, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Horse Shoe?
The median monthly rent in Horse Shoe, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Horse Shoe?
The unemployment rate in Horse Shoe, NC is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Horse Shoe, NC a good place to live?
Horse Shoe offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,699 and a median age of 53.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Horse Shoe, NC?
48.5% of residents in Horse Shoe aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Horse Shoe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Horse Shoe, NC: median home value is $396,400 (62% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $67,703. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Horse Shoe?
The poverty rate in Horse Shoe, NC is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Horse Shoe, NC?
Horse Shoe's population is 2.5% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.