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NC area data

Highlands, NC

Highlands, NC.

Population: 4,257 (Census ACS)

Home values & appreciation

Median home value
$1.08M
1-year appreciation
+6.7%
3-year appreciation
+16.3%
5-year appreciation
+39.9%
10-year appreciation
+135.1%
All-time peak (2026-07)
$1.08M
House Price Index
438.2 (+1.0% YoY)

Market activity

Days to pending
82 days
New listings (monthly)
33

Affordability

Cost of living index (Below Average)
92.5 (100 = US avg)
Electricity rate (state-level)
14.0¢/kWh
Natural gas rate (state-level)
$16.40/MCF
30-year mortgage rate (national)
6.66%
15-year mortgage rate (national)
6.00%

Schools

Total schools
1
Elementary schools
0
Middle schools
0
High schools
0

Natural hazards & flood risk

Overall hazard risk
Relatively Low
Top hazards
coldWave, landslide, iceStorm, lightning

Climate (30-year normals)

Average annual temperature
57.0°F
Average high
70.0°F
Average low
44.0°F
Annual precipitation
72.6 in

Air quality

Air quality rating
Good
Median AQI (annual)
34
Days with Good air quality
342

Amenities

National parks within ~60 mi
2
Nearest national park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (33 mi)
Nearest airport
Macon County Airport (7 mi)
Nearest major airport
Western Carolina Regional Airport (26 mi)
Hospitals nearby (~15 mi)
1
Solar radiation rating
Fair (4.4 kWh/m²/day)

Migration

Net migration
+269 tax filers

Housing stock

Median year housing built
1,985
Median annual property tax
$1,926
Households with broadband internet
63.3%

Employment & development

Total county employment
10,643
Average weekly wage
$874
Top industries (by employment)
Accommodation & Food, Health Care, Professional Services
Annual residential building permits (county)
218

Area data compiled from public government, academic, and industry research feeds. Data sources →

Data last updated

Most recent source refresh: Aug 2026. See all data sources →

Data compiled by REAIGENT7 — AI listing platform for real estate agents