Everything You Should Know Before Moving to High Shoals, NC
Thinking of moving to High Shoals, NC? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of just 650, High Shoals offers affordable living with a median home price of $165,000 and average rent around $850. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, moderate commute times, and access to reputable schools and nearby healthcare in Gastonia. The area features mild winters, warm summers, and 62% sunny days annually, making it a welcoming spot for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle close to nature.
Demographics - High Shoals, NC
Demographics - High Shoals, NC
High Shoals is a small, close-knit community of about 650 residents, with a median age of 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White at 85%, with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority groups contributing to the town's diversity. Most residents speak English, and the area offers a relaxed pace ideal for families and individuals alike.
Population:
650
Density:
650 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
8.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in High Shoals, NC?
Living in High Shoals is very affordable, with a median home value of $165,000 and average rents around $850 per month. The cost of living index is 85.7, well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. Residents also benefit from low utility and transportation costs, along with moderate state taxes.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
94.8
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
93.5
Crime
Is High Shoals, NC a safe place to live?
High Shoals experiences low violent crime rates, with about 185 incidents per 100,000 people, and a moderate property crime rate. Residents have a 1 in 541 chance of encountering violent crime, making it a relatively safe place to live. The town's crime index indicates a peaceful, secure environment compared to larger cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,605
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 541
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in High Shoals, NC year-round?
The climate in High Shoals features mild winters with lows around 30°F and warm summers reaching up to 89°F. With an annual rainfall of nearly 48 inches and 62% of days being sunny, residents can enjoy outdoor activities for much of the year. The pleasant weather adds to the area's appeal for those who value a moderate climate.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
51°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
High Shoals is a friendly town where the median household income is $54,500 and the poverty rate stands at 15.5%. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work, and unemployment is below 5%. The area is largely English-speaking, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting its suburban, car-friendly nature.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,500
Income Male:
$32,800
Income Female:
$28,200
Poverty Rate:
15.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in High Shoals, NC?
High Shoals offers quality educational options, with the local elementary school maintaining a low student-teacher ratio of 14.5 and serving around 400 students. While there are no private schools in town, several reputable colleges, including Gaston College and Belmont Abbey College, are located within 20 miles, providing ample higher education opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
High Shoals Elementary School
Street:
101 Thompkins St
Phone:
704-736-4384
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Colleges
Name:
Gaston College
City:
Dallas
State:
NC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
Belmont Abbey College
City:
Belmont
State:
NC
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in High Shoals is strong, with CaroMont Regional Medical Center in nearby Gastonia offering comprehensive services. The area has 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, ensuring quality care is within easy reach. The healthcare index also reflects reliable local medical resources.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CaroMont Regional Medical Center
Address:
2525 Court Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054
Phone:
(704) 834-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.3%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in High Shoals, NC?
High Shoals offers a stable housing market, with a median home price of $165,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 71%. Home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year, and rental options remain affordable with average rents of $850 for a two-bedroom. The market is favorable for both buyers and renters seeking affordability and growth.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of High Shoals are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, which provides standard licensing and vehicle registration services. The main DMV office is located in Raleigh and offers comprehensive online resources for convenience. Local drivers benefit from straightforward access to all necessary state motor vehicle services.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
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.