Median Income
$67,703
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$396,400
41% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
48.5%
44% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.6%
11% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.7%
114% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Horse Shoe Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,699
Median Age53.1 yrs
Density228/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,703
Per Capita$39,113
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$6,372M
Commute24 min
Housing
B
Home Value$396,400
Ownership87.9%
Zillow$503,737
Housing Units833
Rent Burden20.0%
Health
Obesity28.6%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking12.0%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain51.4 in/yr
Elevation2,648 ft (807 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.5%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+16.7%
School Score6.35
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute24 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Horse Shoe a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Horse Shoe receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Horse Shoe offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Horse Shoe is $67,703, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Horse Shoe is $396,400, 41% above the national median. The price-to-income ratio of 5.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Horse Shoe experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.4 inches, including 10.3 inches of snow.
Horse Shoe has a population of 1,699 with a density of 228 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age is 53.1 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,699
Total Population
2023 Census
53.1yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Horse Shoe vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Horse Shoe vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Horse Shoe is $67,703, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,113. The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,120 business establishments, including 250 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 15.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Horse Shoe vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,703 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,113 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,950 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.7% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,120 |
| County GDP | $6,372M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 250 |
| Healthcare | 324 |
| Retail | 407 |
| Manufacturing | 132 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,686 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.7% |
| Public Transit | 3.8% |
| Work from Home | 15.6% |
The median home value in Horse Shoe is $396,400, 41% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $503,737, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $540,000 with homes selling in an average of 130 days. Homes sell for 97.1% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 833 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $3,686. 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $396,400 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $503,737 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $540,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $540,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $268 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 130 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.1% |
| Price Drops | 18.8% |
| Inventory | 16 |
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 | 87.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.1% |
| Housing Units | 833 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,686 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.93% |
In Horse Shoe, 28.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 18.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,145. The dentist ratio is 1:1,596. 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Horse Shoe vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.6% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.0% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,145 |
| Dentists | 1:1,596 |
| Mental Health | 1:364 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,875/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 324 |
Horse Shoe experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,648 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,648 ft (807 m) |
| Area | 7.6 sq mi (19.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 228/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3324°N, 82.5627°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Henderson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Asheville Regional (AVL) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.4"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.32"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
93 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
131 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
39 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| Sep 24, 1991 |
6 km NE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
74 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
46 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Nov 10, 1992 |
4 km ESE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 |
1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Jul 11, 1990 |
1 km NW of Alcoa, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Hugo (1989, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
151 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
276 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 436 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
90 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
6 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 2017 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2008 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1998 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1997 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1996 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK MOUNTAIN (25,224 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ROCK MOUNTAIN |
25,224 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
CHIMNEY TOPS 2 |
14,998 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
TELLICO |
14,172 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
BRUSHY RIDGE |
12,405 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
33 km |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
34 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
SILVER MINE |
6,082 |
67 km |
| 2001 |
SHARP |
6,039 |
83 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
52 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
83 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
59 km |
| 2016 |
CAMP BRANCH |
3,234 |
92 km |
| 2023 |
PANTHER KNOB |
3,170 |
94 km |
| 2001 |
LARMAN |
3,072 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
TIPTON HILL |
2,661 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
FOURNEY CREEK |
2,579 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
4.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
4.4 in |
|
Horse Shoe has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 37°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.3") and October the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Horse Shoe. 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 | $842 |
| Toddler | $644 |
| Preschool | $558 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $771 |
| Toddler | $679 |
| Preschool | $611 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Shoe
What is the population of Horse Shoe?
Horse Shoe has a population of 1,699 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 228 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Horse Shoe expensive to live in?
Horse Shoe is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,703, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $396,400 (41% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Horse Shoe?
Horse Shoe has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 51.4 inches, with 10.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Horse Shoe?
The unemployment rate in Horse Shoe is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 4,120 business establishments in the area, including 250 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 15.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Horse Shoe?
The median home value in Horse Shoe is $396,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $503,737. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $540,000, with homes typically selling within 130 days. The homeownership rate is 87.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,686.
How are the schools in Horse Shoe?
Schools in Horse Shoe score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 48.5% of adults in Horse Shoe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 16.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Horse Shoe?
The obesity rate in Horse Shoe is 28.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 18.0% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 5.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,145.
What is transportation like in Horse Shoe?
The average commute in Horse Shoe is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.7% of workers drive alone to work, 3.8% use public transit, and 15.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Horse Shoe?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Horse Shoe is 95.4% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.