Violent Crime
47/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.3%
81% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Gold Hill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population401
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density161/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$29,545
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$7,886M
Housing
Ownership87.5%
Zillow$328,620
Housing Units171
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent47/100K
Property2,841/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking17.6%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain43.7 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation750 ft (229 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.3%
High School+50.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.71
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 32%
Broadband71.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Gold Hill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gold Hill receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Gold Hill faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Gold Hill is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 47 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,841 per 100,000, 45% above the national average.
Education
6.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Gold Hill enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Gold Hill has a population of 401 with a density of 161 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (99.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gold Hill vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gold Hill vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $29,545 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,334 business establishments, including 235 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Gold Hill vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $29,545 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,150 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,334 |
| County GDP | $7,886M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 235 |
| Healthcare | 273 |
| Retail | 429 |
| Manufacturing | 181 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,570 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,620. Homes sell for 93.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 171 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,570. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $328,620 |
| Median List Price | $390,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $390,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $387 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.6% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.5% |
| Housing Units | 171 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,570 |
| 2% above US avg |
In Gold Hill, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,905. The dentist ratio is 1:2,050. 66.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gold Hill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,905 |
| Dentists | 1:2,050 |
| Mental Health | 1:384 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 273 |
Gold Hill has a violent crime rate of 47 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,841 per 100,000, 45% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gold Hill receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gold Hill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 46.6/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,841.2/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gold Hill enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 310 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 43.7 inches. The area receives 2.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 750 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.3°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 750 ft (229 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 161/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5186°N, 80.3475°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Rowan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Carolina Regional (SRW) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.7"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0475 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 7.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
119 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
40 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
90 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
74 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Aug 17, 2021 |
6 km N of Morganton, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Jul 8, 2023 |
Virginia-North Carolina border region |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Feb 4, 2021 |
1 km SSW of Sparta, North Carolina |
M2.6 |
129 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
5 km SSE of West Marion, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Jun 12, 2014 |
4 km NE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
138 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
63 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
13 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
247 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
245 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
256 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
275 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
271 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
154 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
256 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
114 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
252 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
334 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 327 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,968 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
98 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,989 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
SLATES CHURCH FIRE |
1,824 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
19990505 |
1,756 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
COUNTY LINE ROAD FIRE |
1,704 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
0505NS CRR RX |
1,382 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
COMP 3 |
1,382 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
2001 0505 |
1,376 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
COMP 5 |
1,341 |
100 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
100 km |
| 1997 |
50297 |
1,320 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
2004-0505 RX BURN |
1,294 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
CHUCKS FIRST BIG ONE |
1,252 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
27 km |
| 2018 |
STRAUSBURG ROAD |
1,219 |
99 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
1,214 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,156 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
RX BURN |
1,153 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Gold Hill has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 40°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.3") and November the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Gold Hill. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $862 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $515 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $565 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Hill
What is the population of Gold Hill?
Gold Hill has a population of 401 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 161 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Gold Hill expensive to live in?
Gold Hill is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Gold Hill safe?
Gold Hill is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 47 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,841 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gold Hill receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gold Hill?
Gold Hill enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.7 inches, with 2.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Gold Hill?
The job market in Gold Hill is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 3,334 business establishments in the area, including 235 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Gold Hill?
Schools in Gold Hill have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.3% of adults in Gold Hill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gold Hill?
The obesity rate in Gold Hill is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,905.
What are the demographics of Gold Hill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gold Hill is 99.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.