Horse Shoe, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,490
-12.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,096/yr
-5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
746
-8.3% year-over-year change

Horse Shoe population

How many people live in Horse Shoe

Horse Shoe is home to 1,490 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.1% of Horse Shoe locals are male, and 46.9% are female.

Total population
1,490
-12.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.1%
791
Female
46.9%
699
Value Percent YoY change
Male 791 53.1% -7.2%
Female 699 46.9% -17.5%
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 Horse Shoe is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.9% are children under 15, then 5.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.3% of the population, while another 28.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
55.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.9%
15 to 24
5.8%
25 to 44
18.3%
45 to 64
28.3%
Over 65
36.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 163 10.9% -27.2%
15 to 24 86 5.8% -26.5%
25 to 44 272 18.3% -9.6%
45 to 64 422 28.3% -12.3%
Over 65 547 36.7% -5.0%
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 Horse Shoe, 94% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.6%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,401 94% -13.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 69 4.6% 122.6%
Non-citizens 20 1.3% -64.3%
Racial breakdown
White
93.7%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,396 93.7%
Black or African American 14 0.9%
Two or more races 80 5.4%

Households in Horse Shoe

A peek inside Horse Shoe households

Horse Shoe has 653 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.9% are families, while the remaining 37.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
653
-13.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
242
Family households
411
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 242 37.1% -3.6%
Family households 411 62.9% -18.0%
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 Horse Shoe

The housing landscape of Horse Shoe

Horse Shoe's housing consists of 746 units, with 87.4% 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 12.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
746
-8.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 652 87.4%
Mobile home 94 12.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Horse Shoe

In Horse Shoe, the median construction year is 1985. About 2.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 17 2.3% 183.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6 0.8% -70.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 69 9.2% 15.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 30 4% -23.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 207 27.8% 6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 90 12.1% -45.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 217 29.1% 1.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 83 11.1% -8.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27 3.6% 12.5%
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.

Horse Shoe occupancy rates

Out of the 653 occupied housing units in Horse Shoe, 88.4% are owner-occupied, while 11.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
653
-13.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
76
Owner occupied
577
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 76 11.6% -16.5%
Owner occupied 577 88.4% -12.7%
Unoccupied housing units
12.5%
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.

Horse Shoe housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$975/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.

Education in Horse Shoe

Horse Shoe education at a glance

About 16.4% of the population in Horse Shoe went to high school, while 28.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 31.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 14 1.1% 7.7%
High school diploma 213 16.4% 3.4%
College diploma 366 28.2% -3.9%
Associate degree 150 11.6% -17.1%
Bachelor's degree 404 31.1% -11.8%
Graduate degree 151 11.6% -24.9%
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 Horse Shoe

How much people earn in Horse Shoe

The average annual household income in Horse Shoe was $83,895 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,096, reflecting a -5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Horse Shoe
$83,895/year
-4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Horse Shoe
$64,096/year
-5.3% year-over-year change

Horse Shoe income by age

In Horse Shoe, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $108,625. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,250 overall. Overall, 95.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $108,625 47.5%
45 - 64 $71,250 -20.6%
Over 65 $55,714 -10.5%
Above poverty level
1,423
Below poverty level
67
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,423 95.5% -7.9%
Below poverty level 67 4.5% -56.5%

Average renter income in Horse Shoe

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Horse Shoe, their median household income was $35,625 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$35,625
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Horse Shoe

Workforce and job types in Horse Shoe

The job market in Horse Shoe is powered by 437 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.2% run their own businesses, 65.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
437
-28.5% year-over-year change
White collar
408
Blue collar
29
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 408 93.4% -25.9%
Blue collar 29 6.6% -51.7%
Employer type
Self employees
16.2%
Private companies
65.4%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 71 16.2% -15.5%
Private companies 286 65.4% -31.7%
Governmental workers 56 12.8% -5.1%
Not for profit companies 24 5.5% -51.0%
Unemployment rate
10.8%
3.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Horse Shoe stands at 10.8%, 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 Horse Shoe

How people get around in Horse Shoe

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 332 77.6% -31.8%
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 Horse Shoe by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28742 2,710 1,123 $99,007 $110,488

Explore more communities

FAQs about Horse Shoe demographics 

What is the total population of Horse Shoe?

Horse Shoe has a total population of 1,490 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 -12.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Horse Shoe?

The gender ratio in Horse Shoe is as follows:
  • 53.1% males (791 residents)
  • 46.9% females (699 residents)

What is the median age in Horse Shoe?

The median age in Horse Shoe is 55.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Horse Shoe?

The age distribution in Horse Shoe is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.9% (163 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.8% (86 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.3% (272 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.3% (422 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.7% (547 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Horse Shoe?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Horse Shoe is as follows:
  • White: 93.7% (1,396 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (14 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: 5.4% (80 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Horse Shoe are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94% of the population in Horse Shoe.

How many housing units are there in Horse Shoe?

There are 746 housing units in Horse Shoe, reflecting a -8.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Horse Shoe and what is the average household size?

Horse Shoe has a total of 653 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Horse Shoe?

Horse Shoe has a median household income of $64,096, representing a -5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Horse Shoe?

The employment rate is 89.2% in Horse Shoe, with a workforce of 437 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.4% (408 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.6% (29 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.2% (71 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.4% (286 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (56 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (24 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