Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hayesville, NC
Considering a move to Hayesville, NC? This small, welcoming town of 431 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $212,000 and rents near $820. Enjoy peaceful rural charm, low violent crime rates (98 per 100K), and a short average commute of just 23 minutes. Hayesville features mild mountain weather, a strong sense of community, and access to quality local schools—making it an appealing choice for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in western North Carolina.
Demographics - Hayesville, NC
Demographics - Hayesville, NC
Hayesville is a small, close-knit community with a population of 431 and a median age of 48.5, reflecting its appeal to both retirees and families. The town is predominantly White at 93.5%, with a modest presence of other ethnic groups and a low percentage of non-English speakers. Residents enjoy a quiet, rural atmosphere with a balanced gender ratio and moderate population density.
Population:
431
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.5
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hayesville, NC?
Hayesville offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $212,000 and average rents around $820. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare costs track below national averages, making it a budget-friendly choice for individuals and families. State income tax is steady at 5.25%, and the overall cost of living index is a low 84.7.
Median House Value:
$212,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
70.3
Utilities:
91.5
Transportation:
89.8
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Hayesville, NC a safe place to live?
Residents of Hayesville benefit from very low violent crime rates, with only 98 incidents per 100,000 people, and a moderate property crime rate. The overall risk of violent crime is low, with odds of 1 in 1,020, contributing to a safe and secure environment. This makes Hayesville particularly attractive for those seeking peace of mind in a small-town setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,030
Crime Index:
1,128
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 97
Weather
What is the weather like in Hayesville, NC year-round?
The town experiences mild mountain weather, with cool winters averaging 27°F–48°F and pleasant summers from 62°F to 85°F. Residents enjoy 63% sunny days and ample rainfall at 56.5 inches per year, supporting lush natural surroundings. This climate is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate changing seasons.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Hayesville residents have a median household income of $38,900 and a poverty rate of 15.5%, with most people commuting about 23 minutes to work. The community is largely English-speaking, and over 83% of adults have at least a high school diploma. With low unemployment and minimal public transport usage, the town reflects a rural, self-reliant character.
Median Income:
$26,400
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$47,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,150
Income Male:
$30,100
Income Female:
$23,800
Poverty Rate:
15.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Hayesville, NC?
Families in Hayesville benefit from local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, including elementary, middle, and high schools all located in town. While there are no private schools, residents have access to nearby colleges such as Tri-County Community College and Young Harris College, both within a 15-mile drive. This provides a supportive educational environment from kindergarten through postsecondary levels.

Public Schools
Name:
Hayesville Elementary School
Street:
72 Elementary School Dr
Phone:
828-389-8586
Students:
455
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Hayesville Middle School
Street:
135 School Dr
Phone:
828-389-9924
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Hayesville High School
Street:
205 Yellow Jacket Dr
Phone:
828-389-6532
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Colleges
Name:
Tri-County Community College
City:
Murphy
State:
NC
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Young Harris College
City:
Young Harris
State:
GA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Hayesville includes access to a local long-term care center and a general hospital with emergency services nearby in Hiawassee, GA. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and 87.2% health insurance coverage, basic healthcare needs are well supported. The area’s healthcare index of 70.3 suggests reliable medical services for a rural community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Clay County Care Center
Address:
86 Valley Hideaway Dr, Hayesville, NC 28904
Phone:
(828) 389-8083
Type:
Long-Term Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Chatuge Regional Hospital
Address:
110 S Main St, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Phone:
(706) 896-2222
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
70.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hayesville, NC?
Hayesville’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $212,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $820. Homeownership is high at nearly 73%, and the area sees steady appreciation with low foreclosure rates. With a small percentage of new construction, the market is well-suited for buyers seeking long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$212,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Hayesville residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office in Robbinsville. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, titling, and registration both online and in person. For more details, residents can visit the official DMV website or contact the office by phone.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
NC Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
199 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.