Mars Hill, NC
Population 2,738 · North Carolina
About Mars Hill, NC
Mars Hill is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,738 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,826 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.3 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 Mars Hill features a median home value of $295,700, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Mars Hill in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $942, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 960 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (542 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (334 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mars Hill shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mars Hill have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.1% of Mars Hill 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 3.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mars Hill, NC
Compared to national averages, Mars Hill has a median household income of $77,826 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $295,700, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $942 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Mars Hill's income is 21% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 29% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Mars Hill, NC?
Mars Hill offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,826, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $942/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 50.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.3%, better than the national average.
Mars Hill has a population of 2,738 with a median age of 30.3 years. Compare Mars Hill with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Mars Hill
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 2,728 | $46,944 | $0 | Compare |
| Emma | 2,757 | $40,964 | $88,900 | Compare |
| Polkton | 2,759 | $45,625 | $134,100 | Compare |
| Brogden | 2,712 | $28,885 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Edneyville | 2,698 | $59,349 | $283,900 | Compare |
| Cajah's Mountain | 2,696 | $53,714 | $175,900 | Compare |
| Jonesville | 2,782 | $28,257 | $117,500 | Compare |
| La Grange | 2,692 | $49,475 | $78,500 | 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 Mars Hill With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mars Hill
What is the population of Mars Hill, NC?
The population of Mars Hill, NC is 2,738 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 Mars Hill?
The median household income in Mars Hill, NC is $77,826 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mars Hill?
The median home value in Mars Hill, NC is $295,700, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mars Hill?
The median monthly rent in Mars Hill, NC is $942, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mars Hill?
The unemployment rate in Mars Hill, NC is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mars Hill, NC a good place to live?
Mars Hill offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,738 and a median age of 30.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Mars Hill, NC?
50.1% of residents in Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mars Hill, NC: median home value is $295,700 (21% above national), median rent is $942/month, and median household income is $77,826. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mars Hill?
The poverty rate in Mars Hill, NC is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mars Hill, NC?
Mars Hill's population is 3.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 5.8% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.