The Unique Context of Economic Mobility in Happy Hill

2026 Economic Mobility Summit

Created for Guy McPerson

Happy Hill is a neighborhood that mixes residential and commercial uses where most families live in multifamily housing. Today, more than 2,000 people live in the part of the neighborhood covered by the primary census tract in the area.

During the last decade, the population in this portion of Happy Hill declined by nearly 300 people. We can also see that the area has changed in other ways.

This part of Happy Hill is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the nation. Around 56% of residents live below the poverty line, which is about three times greater than the average for Forsyth County and over four times more than the national average.

We can also observe how some of the indicators linked to future prosperity are currently performing.

Homeownership is low in this portion of Happy Hill. Only 24% of homes are owner-occupied.

Housing growth during the last decade was positive in this part of Happy Hill. The number of local homes grew by 3%.

Long-term vacancy is moderate in this portion of Happy Hill. Around 7% of homes sit empty and off the market.

Self-employment rates are moderate in this part of Happy Hill. Approximately 6% of workers work for themselves.

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