The Appalachian Trail passes through Hot Springs. Photo by Mike Thornhill.

Hot Springs, a town located in Madison County, North Carolina, is a haven for those seeking a relaxing and healthful mountain retreat. Outdoor recreation abounds. Hikers can explore some of the scenic stretches of the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which runs down main street before crossing the French Broad River and climbing back onto the ridgetops.

Rafters can shoot the rapids on the French Broad River. Mountain bikers can wind along wooded paths to open meadows with commanding views of the surrounding peaks. Those seeking time for relaxation can simply savor the area’s breathtaking scenery while soaking in hot mineral baths in secluded outdoor tubs at the Hot Springs Spa.

As of the census of 2020, there are 520 people, 223 households, and 143 families residing in the town.

Hot Springs Welcome Center

Hot Springs Tourism Association
PO Box 66 Hot Springs, NC 28743
(828) 622-9932
Local and regional information. Hot Springs, North Carolina – A Better State of Mind!
www.hotspringsnc.org

Geography

Hot Springs is located at 35°53’44” North, 82°49’52” West (35.895577, -82.831023).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 9.0 km2 (3.5 mi). 8.2 km2 (3.2 mi) of it is land and 0.8 km2 (0.3 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 8.96% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 645 people, 293 households, and 176 families residing in the town. The population density was 205.1 inhabitants per square mile (79.2/km2). There were 368 housing units at an average density of 117.0 per square mile (45.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.45% White, 0.47% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.47% Asian, and 0.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31% of the population.

There were 293 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.4% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $20,714, and the median income for a family was $30,882. Males had a median income of $30,714 versus $20,781 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,497. 24.4% of the population and 16.1% of families were below the poverty line. 25.8% of those under the age of 18 and 29.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty level.

Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Springs,_North_Carolina