High Shoals, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
534
-5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,333/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
233
-6.4% year-over-year change

High Shoals population

How many people live in High Shoals

High Shoals is home to 534 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.2% of High Shoals locals are male, and 44.8% are female.

Total population
534
-5.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.2%
295
Female
44.8%
239
Value Percent YoY change
Male 295 55.2% -0.3%
Female 239 44.8% -11.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in High Shoals is 30, with the population distributed as follows: about 30.2% are children under 15, then 15.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.5% of the population, while another 15.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
30.2%
15 to 24
15.7%
25 to 44
31.5%
45 to 64
15.4%
Over 65
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 161 30.2% -5.8%
15 to 24 84 15.7% 18.3%
25 to 44 168 31.5% -8.7%
45 to 64 82 15.4% -3.5%
Over 65 39 7.3% -27.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In High Shoals, 93.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 500 93.6% -7.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10 1.9% 11.1%
Non-citizens 24 4.5% 33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
78.6%
Black or African American
11.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 420 78.6%
Black or African American 63 11.8%
Two or more races 39 7.3%
Other 12 2.2%

Households in High Shoals

A peek inside High Shoals households

High Shoals has 190 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 86.8% are families, while the remaining 13.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
190
-9.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
25
Family households
165
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 25 13.2% -32.4%
Family households 165 86.8% -5.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in High Shoals

The housing landscape of High Shoals

High Shoals's housing consists of 233 units, with 72.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
233
-6.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 168 72.1%
5 to 9 units 36 15.4%
10 to 19 units 8 3.4%
20 to 49 units 12 5.2%
Mobile home 9 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
7
133.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in High Shoals

In High Shoals, the median construction year is 1984. About 12% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 28 12% 12.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5 2.2% -73.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8 3.4% -50.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 23 9.9% -23.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 19 8.2% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 89 38.2% 17.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10 4.3% -41.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 23 9.9% -4.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 21 9% 5.0%
Built in 2020 or later 7 3% 133.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

High Shoals occupancy rates

Out of the 190 occupied housing units in High Shoals, 40.5% are owner-occupied, while 59.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
190
-9.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
113
Owner occupied
77
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 113 59.5% 10.8%
Owner occupied 77 40.5% -29.4%
Unoccupied housing units
18.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

High Shoals housing costs

Housing costs in High Shoals come to a median of $993 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $968.

Median housing costs per month
$993/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in High Shoals
$968/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in High Shoals

High Shoals education at a glance

About 53.2% of the population in High Shoals went to high school, while 28.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 5.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 0.6% -77.8%
High school diploma 176 53.2% -3.8%
College diploma 94 28.4% -9.6%
Associate degree 29 8.8% 31.8%
Bachelor's degree 17 5.1% -52.8%
Graduate degree 13 3.9% 18.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in High Shoals

How much people earn in High Shoals

The average annual household income in High Shoals was $62,162 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,333, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in High Shoals
$62,162/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in High Shoals
$53,333/year
4.8% year-over-year change

High Shoals income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,000 overall. Overall, 76.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $54,000 -19.2%
Over 65 $31,094 93.8%
Above poverty level
404
Below poverty level
124
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 404 76.5% -6.5%
Below poverty level 124 23.5% -2.4%

Average renter income in High Shoals

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in High Shoals, their median household income was $27,375 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,375
Rent-to-income ratio
42.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in High Shoals

Workforce and job types in High Shoals

The job market in High Shoals is powered by 181 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 51.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 48.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 71.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
181
-10.8% year-over-year change
White collar
93
Blue collar
88
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 93 51.4% -19.1%
Blue collar 88 48.6% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
71.3%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 12 6.6% -45.5%
Private companies 129 71.3% -5.8%
Governmental workers 26 14.4% -27.8%
Not for profit companies 14 7.7% 75.0%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
-66.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in High Shoals stands at 1.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in High Shoals

How people get around in High Shoals

Commuting methods vary: 92.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 167 92.3% -11.6%
Walk 2 1.1% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in High Shoals by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28077 258 101 $31,366 $35,000

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FAQs about High Shoals demographics 

What is the total population of High Shoals?

High Shoals has a total population of 534 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -5.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in High Shoals?

The gender ratio in High Shoals is as follows:
  • 55.2% males (295 residents)
  • 44.8% females (239 residents)

What is the median age in High Shoals?

The median age in High Shoals is 30.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in High Shoals?

The age distribution in High Shoals is as follows:
  • Under 15: 30.2% (161 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.7% (84 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.5% (168 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.4% (82 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.3% (39 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of High Shoals?

The racial and ethnic makeup of High Shoals is as follows:
  • White: 78.6% (420 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.8% (63 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (39 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (12 residents)

What percentage of the population in High Shoals are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.6% of the population in High Shoals.

How many housing units are there in High Shoals?

There are 233 housing units in High Shoals, reflecting a -6.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in High Shoals and what is the average household size?

High Shoals has a total of 190 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in High Shoals?

High Shoals has a median household income of $53,333, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for High Shoals?

The employment rate is 98.4% in High Shoals, with a workforce of 181 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 51.4% (93 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 48.6% (88 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (12 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.3% (129 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (26 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (14 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025