Median Income
$50,893
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,700
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$937
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.1%
30% higher than US avg
How High Shoals Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population565
Median Age31.7 yrs
Density217/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans1.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,893
Per Capita$22,856
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty16.1%
County GDP$11,264M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,700
Rent$937
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$162,037
Rent Burden25.1%
Health
Obesity35.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain49.5 in/yr
Elevation735 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+92.0%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.0%
Libraries10
Is High Shoals a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, High Shoals receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. High Shoals offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in High Shoals is $50,893, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 16.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in High Shoals is $145,700, 48% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $937 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
High Shoals enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.5 inches, including 5.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
High Shoals has a population of 565 with a density of 217 people per square mile. The median age is 31.7 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (80.2%), with 8.8% Black.
Population
31.7yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
High Shoals vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.1% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.9% |
| 78% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
High Shoals vs U.S. Average
The median household income in High Shoals is $50,893, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Income: High Shoals vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,893 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,856 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,245 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.1% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,635 |
| County GDP | $11,264M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 410 |
| Healthcare | 553 |
| Retail | 631 |
| Manufacturing | 265 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,212 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in High Shoals is $145,700, 48% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $937 (19% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,037.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,700 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,037 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $937 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,212 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.89% |
In High Shoals, 35.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.0% report depression. 24.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: High Shoals vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 553 |
Crime Rates: High Shoals vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
Safety Score
High Shoals has an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation is 49.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.8°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 49.5 inches |
| 30% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 5.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 735 ft (224 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 217/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3900°N, 81.2021°W |
| County FIPS | 37071 |