North CarolinaPop. 116,245Mid-size cities
Is High Point a Good Place to Live? High Point, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
High Point ranks #796 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #137 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.9%, #19 of 241) and low rents ($1,116/mo, #41 of 256), and trails on low household income ($64,561, #195 of 256).
High Point by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with High Point's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in High Point?
High Point's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,116/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $250,100, 25% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | High Point | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.9#371 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $250,100#249 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,372/mo#230 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $235,800#350 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,116/mo#355 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.7%#534 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
High Point housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. High Point is in the Greensboro-High Point, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is High Point safe?
High Point recorded 521 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% above the US rate of 328 and 58% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #861 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #170 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by High Point Police Department. Property crime runs 1,973 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | High Point | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 521#861 of 1,085 | 330 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,973#703 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in High Point?
The median household in High Point earns $64,561, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | High Point | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $64,561#938 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15.7%#902 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.9%#111 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in High Point?
The median resident of High Point is 37.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | High Point | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 34%#646 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 57.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are High Point's schools and health?
High Point's 25 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $12,897 spent per pupil. 37.7% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | High Point | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.5#379 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,897#846 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.7%#989 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.8%#857 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,915 students are enrolled in High Point's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in High Point?
The average commute in High Point is 20.7 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 0.8% of workers take transit and 10.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index High Point scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.2°F and winters 41.7°F, with 44 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | High Point | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.7 min#395 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 77.1% | 71.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.3% | 15.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49.3 | 30.1 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 53.3 | 32.7 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 61.3 | 39.3 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 71 | 47.9 | 3.8 |
| May | 78 | 57.1 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 85.2 | 65.4 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 88.5 | 69.3 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 86.6 | 68 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 80.4 | 61.5 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 71 | 49.4 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 60.6 | 38.9 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 52 | 33 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greensboro Airport.
| Measure | High Point | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 59.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 41.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 44 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greensboro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in High Point?
Guilford County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Guilford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | High Point | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#377 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Guilford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Guilford County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 71% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0065% | 69% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.089% | 59% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0026% | 47% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0038% | 32% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does High Point compare with similar-size cities?
High Point is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #137 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 116,245.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #796 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 | 20.7 min |
| Clearwater, FLPop. 117,247 | #629 | 56.2 | $66,381 | $1,658/mo | 254 | 22.7 min |
| West Jordan, UTPop. 116,692 | #454 | 58.8 | $108,153 | $1,757/mo | 313 | 24.1 min |
| Antioch, CAPop. 116,477 | #1226 | 43.8 | $97,465 | $2,278/mo | 762 | 42 min |
| League City, TXPop. 116,215 | #287 | 62.2 | $121,099 | $1,684/mo | 60 | 29.9 min |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #1196 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 | 18.3 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does High Point compare with the rest of North Carolina?
High Point ranks #14 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 13% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 58% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is High Point's score calculated?
High Point scores 53.3 out of 100, #796 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in High Point. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by High Point's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
59.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in High Point. Similar-size median 53.8.
46.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in High Point's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
59.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
High Point's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
78.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in High Point. Similar-size median 51.2.
39.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in High Point. Similar-size median 42.1.
58.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in High Point. Similar-size median 50.1.
47.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across High Point's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
66.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: High Point's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories High Point has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in High Point
Is High Point, NC a good place to live?
High Point ranks #796 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #137 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.9%, #19 of 241) and low rents ($1,116/mo, #41 of 256), and trails on low household income ($64,561, #195 of 256).
What is the cost of living in High Point?
High Point's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,116/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $250,100, 25% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in High Point?
High Point recorded 521 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% above the US rate of 328 and 58% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #861 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #170 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by High Point Police Department. Property crime runs 1,973 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in High Point?
The median household in High Point earns $64,561, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in High Point?
Median rent in High Point is $1,116/mo (Census), #355 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,372/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in High Point?
The typical home value in High Point is $250,100, up 0.1% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $235,800.
How are the public schools in High Point?
High Point's 25 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $12,897 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in High Point?
The average commute is 20.7 minutes, #395 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in High Point?
High Point averages 59.6°F over the year, 77.2°F in summer and 41.7°F in winter, with 44 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is High Point walkable?
High Point scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is High Point at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Guilford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in High Point?
Guilford County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in High Point?
High Point has 116,245 residents. The median resident of High Point is 37.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does High Point compare with the rest of North Carolina?
High Point ranks #14 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 13% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 58% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to High Point?
The tracked cities in other states closest to High Point's population of 116,245 are Clearwater, FL (#629 overall), West Jordan, UT (#454 overall), Antioch, CA (#1226 overall), League City, TX (#287 overall), and Evansville, IN (#1196 overall). High Point is #796.