High Point, North Carolina is a city located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. With a population of over 110,000 residents, it is the ninth largest municipality in North Carolina. The city has a diverse economy and is a major center for furniture manufacturing, hence its nickname “The Furniture Capital of the World.”
Population and Demographics
According to the latest census data, the population of High Point is 112,316 residents. Over the past decade, the population has grown steadily at a rate of around 1% per year. The racial makeup of the city is 51% White, 34% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian, and 1% other races.
The median age in High Point is 35 years old. About 22% of the population is under age 18 and 13% is over age 65. There are slightly more females (52%) than males (48%) in the city.
High Point has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in North Carolina and the nation overall. The median home value is around $130,000 and the median household income is $42,000 per year.
Economy and Major Employers
High Point has a diverse and thriving economy. The city’s early claim to fame was being a major hub for furniture manufacturing. Today, High Point is home to many major industries and employers:
- Furniture manufacturing and wholesaling
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
- Logistics and distribution
- Advanced manufacturing
- Banking and finance
Some of the top employers in High Point include:
- Bank of America
- Cloverleaf Furniture
- High Point Regional Hospital
- Old Dominion Freight Line
- Ralph Lauren
- Thomasville Furniture Industries
The economy has diversified over the years but furniture manufacturing and the semi-annual High Point Furniture Market remain a vital part of the city’s economic engine. The market attracts over 75,000 visitors and buyers twice a year.
Attractions and Things to Do
Despite its small size, there are many fun attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy in High Point:
- High Point Museum – Learn about the history of the city and furniture industry. Features exhibits and collections showcasing High Point’s past.
- World’s Largest Chest of Drawers – A roadside attraction and photo op that lives up to its name at over 40 feet tall.
- High Point City Lake Park – Relax at this scenic 105-acre park featuring a lake, walking trails, picnic facilities, and more.
- Piedmont Environmental Center – An eco-education center with exhibits on local plants and animals plus an aquarium and nature trails.
- multicinema20 – Popular movie theater featuring first-run films.
- Emerywood Country Club – An award-winning public golf course in a historic setting.
- Fun Zone Family Entertainment Center – Indoor complex with bowling, arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, and more.
The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year like the High Point Barbecue Festival – one of the largest BBQ competitions in the nation.
Sports
High Point is home to several minor league and college sports teams that locals enthusiastically support. These include:
- High Point Rockers – Independent professional baseball team
- High Point University Panthers – NCAA Division I college teams
- Carolina Crush – Women’s professional soccer team
- High Point Panthers – Summer collegiate baseball team
The High Point Athletic Complex houses many of the city’s premier sports facilities including a baseball stadium, soccer stadium, and track & field arena.
Government
High Point has a council-manager style of government. The city council consists of a mayor and seven council members who are each elected to four year terms. The current mayor of High Point is Jay W. Wagner.
The day-to-day operations are handled by a professional city manager appointed by the council. The manager oversees the various city departments and implements policies set by the elected officials.
Residents can learn more about the local government, upcoming meetings, and city services on the official City of High Point website.