Mars Hill City Demographics

Mars Hill city in Madison County, NC, had an estimated population of 2,002 in 2022. The median age is about 22.7 years, influenced by Mars Hill University’s student population. Gender distribution is roughly 53% female and 47% male. Racially, the city is approximately 83% White, 9% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 5% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). These figures highlight Mars Hill’s youthful and somewhat diverse community.

Mars Hill City Housing

Mars Hill is a small town in Madison County, NC, where approximately 67% of residents are homeowners and 33% rent. The median home value is around $235,000, with home values having increased by about 8% over the past year. Rental prices average about $1,100 per month for a two-bedroom. Housing predominantly consists of single-family homes with some townhomes and apartments near Mars Hill University. Notable neighborhoods include downtown Mars Hill and Wolf Laurel. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average effective rate near 0.7%, contributing to the area’s affordability.

Education in Mars Hill City

Mars Hill is a town in Madison County, NC, featuring Mars Hill Elementary and Madison Early College High, with a total of 3 public schools nearby. The average GreatSchools rating is around 6/10. Approximately 85% of adults have a high school diploma, while about 22% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Mars Hill University also offers higher education options locally. School safety is rated average for the region, and schools provide various educational programs, including college prep and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Transportation in Mars Hill City

Mars Hill, located in Madison County, North Carolina, has limited public transportation, with over 85% of residents commuting by private vehicle; carpooling accounts for about 9%, while less than 1% use public transit. The average commute time is approximately 25 minutes. Most households (over 93%) own at least one vehicle. Key transportation infrastructure includes access to US Highway 19 and proximity to Interstate 26. Major employment hubs are Mars Hill University, local schools, and businesses in nearby Asheville, which attracts a significant share of daily commuters from Mars Hill.

Mars Hill City Healthcare

Mars Hill, located in Madison County, North Carolina, does not have a hospital within city limits; residents typically access care at Mission Hospital or Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in nearby Asheville or Spruce Pine. Local clinics include Mission Health's Mars Hill Medical Center. Madison County has about 3,000 residents over age 65, with ~15% uninsured (2021, US Census). The area faces high rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Healthcare provider density is lower than the state average, with ~1 primary care provider per 2,300 people. Access barriers stem from rural geography and limited public transportation.

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