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High Point, North Carolina

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

64
Overall Score

High Point, North Carolina, uniquely spans parts of Guilford, Davidson, Randolph, and Forsyth counties, anchoring itself firmly in the Piedmont Triad region. Historically renowned as the 'Home Furnishings Capital of the World,' the city draws global buyers and designers twice a year for the massive High Point Market. Over recent years, High Point has undergone a remarkable urban revitalization, spearheaded by downtown investments like the Truist Point ballpark and the rapid expansion of High Point University. Today, it balances its rich manufacturing legacy with a vibrant, modern community spirit that attracts new residents looking for a dynamic yet accessible Southern lifestyle.

About North Carolina

North Carolina offers a diverse landscape, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast, contributing to varied climates and lifestyles. The state's economy, once reliant on textiles and furniture, has diversified into advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, finance, and information technology, with a gross state product of $693.0 billion in 2026. The cost of living is generally considered affordable, with housing and utilities often below the national average, though costs can vary by city. North Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to moderately cold winters, offering four distinct seasons.

120,571
Population
$52K
Avg Salary
93
Cost Index
63.7
Quality Score
How this 64/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 68 / 100 68.0 30% 20.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 93.0 52.5 25% 13.1
Economy & jobs Median household income: $64,561 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 4.6% 67.8 20% 13.6
Growth Population growth rate: 1.8% Job growth rate: 1.9% 64.0 15% 9.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 63.7

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (ungrounded) (q=55, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 11 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in High Point

Featured local businesses in High Point.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
73
Affordability
82
Growth
74

Cost of Living

The cost of living in High Point remains notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families, remote workers, and retirees alike. Housing costs, grocery prices, and utility expenses routinely track below typical U.S. benchmarks, allowing residents to stretch their income further than in larger metropolitan areas. While downtown revitalization projects and new stadium-district developments have introduced upscale urban housing options, overall affordability remains a key hallmark of the local economy.

Average Rent
$1,330/mo
Groceries
$390/mo
Transport
$115/mo
Utilities
$175/mo
Healthcare
$230/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$20.00
Monthly groceries
$390.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$135.00

Salary Insights

High Point's economy is historically anchored in manufacturing, furniture production, and textiles, though it has successfully diversified into healthcare, education, logistics, and professional services. High Point University serves as both a major educational anchor and a prominent local employer, alongside health networks and manufacturing enterprises. The regional job market benefits from its strategic placement inside the Piedmont Triad, offering steady employment growth and accessible opportunities for skilled professionals and trade workers.

The average salary in High Point is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Healthcare & Social Assistance +2.60% Transportation & Warehousing +2.80% Educational Services +2.20% Retail & Wholesale Trade +1.50% Manufacturing & Furniture Production +1.20%

Climate

🌡️
60°F
Avg Temp
☀️
85°F
Summer High
❄️
32°F
Winter Low
🌧️
37.80"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
259
Sunny Days

Transport

High Point is a largely car-dependent city, though it offers public transit options via High Point Transit System bus routes to help navigate key corridors. Commuting times are generally shorter than the national average, providing smooth access across the broader Greensboro–High Point metropolitan area. Major highways like I-85 and U.S. 311 provide seamless connectivity to nearby Piedmont Triad International Airport and neighboring economic hubs.

21 min
Avg Commute
42.00/10
Transit Score
45.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median home values and overall cost of living run roughly 7% to 29% below the national average per U.S. Census data.
Rapid downtown revitalization featuring the Truist Point stadium district has sparked millions in private investments.
Shorter average commute times than the national norm, easing daily travel across the Piedmont Triad.
Home to the renowned High Point Market, driving international commerce, tourism, and local business exposure.
Strategic central North Carolina location providing easy access to major mountains and coastal destinations.
Drawbacks
Poverty rate sits slightly above the national average at approximately 15.7% according to recent Census figures.
High reliance on personal vehicles due to limited public transit coverage outside core routes.
Average individual and household incomes trail behind national benchmarks, mirroring broader regional wage trends.
Fluctuations in traditional furniture manufacturing sectors can create localized employment shifts.
Property crime rates in certain urban pockets require ongoing municipal intervention and policing strategies.

Nearby Cities

Questions about High Point

What people ask about living in and moving to High Point, North Carolina.

What public transportation options are available in High Point? Getting Around 1 answer

High Point is served by a regional transit authority that operates bus routes connecting residential areas with the downtown core, shopping districts, and nearby employment centers. The city also lies near a commuter rail line that provides service to larger neighboring cities, offering an alternative for longer trips. For schedules, fare information, and route maps, visit the transit authority’s website or the city’...

How does the cost of living in High Point compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

High Point’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average, especially when it comes to housing and everyday expenses. Rent and home prices tend to be more affordable than in many larger cities, while groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are close to or slightly below national figures. Because the city is part of a larger metropolitan area, you can also benefit from regional shopping options t...

What are the typical rent ranges for a two‑bedroom apartment in High Point? Housing 1 answer

Two‑bedroom rentals in High Point vary by neighborhood, size, and amenities, but you’ll usually find options ranging from the low‑mid hundreds to the high‑mid hundreds per month. Apartments closer to the central business district or near major employment centers tend to be on the higher end of that spectrum, while units farther out or in more residential areas are generally cheaper. To see current listings and exact...

How are the public schools rated in High Point? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in High Point are administered by the county school system and include a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools with varying performance levels. Overall, the district’s schools tend to score around state averages on standardized assessments, with some schools recognized for strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. To evaluate specific schools, visit the stat...

Where can I find hospitals or urgent care in High Point? Healthcare 1 answer

High Point has a major medical center that provides emergency services, inpatient care, and a range of specialty clinics. In addition, there are several urgent‑care facilities and community health centers spread throughout the city that handle non‑life‑threatening illnesses and routine check‑ups. For detailed provider listings, insurance network directories, and patient reviews, consult the state health department’s...

What utilities should I set up before moving to High Point? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to High Point, you’ll need to arrange electric service, water and sewer, natural gas (if applicable), internet or cable, and waste collection. The city’s public works department manages water, sewer, and trash pickup, and they provide information on service providers, billing cycles, and how to start or transfer accounts. Electricity and gas are supplied by regional utility companies that operate in the a...

What are the biggest industries hiring in High Point right now? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

High Point has a diversified economy with strong employment in furniture manufacturing, textiles, and related supply‑chain businesses, reflecting its historic role in the furniture industry. In addition, health care, education, and retail sectors are significant employers, and the city’s proximity to larger metropolitan areas brings opportunities in logistics, technology, and professional services. For the most up‑to...

Is High Point considered a safe city for families? Safety 1 answer

High Point’s overall crime rates are comparable to other mid‑size cities in the region, with property crime being more common than violent crime. Many neighborhoods have active community watch groups and regular police‑community outreach events, which help maintain a sense of safety. For detailed, up‑to‑date statistics, you can consult the city’s police department annual crime reports or the state’s public safety dat...

What are the top recreational activities for newcomers in High Point? Things to Do 1 answer

High Point offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including extensive park systems with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields. The city also hosts cultural festivals and seasonal events that showcase local arts and crafts, especially related to its furniture heritage. Nearby lakes and greenways provide fishing, boating, and hiking options, while community centers offer indoor sports, fitness classes...

What’s the climate like throughout the year in High Point? General 1 answer

High Point experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the upper 80s °F (around 30 °C) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are mild to cool; average lows hover in the low 30s °F (around 0 °C), and snowfall is occasional but generally light. Spring and fall are transitional, offering pleasant temperatures and moderate humidi...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in High Point? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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