North Carolina
Rutherfordton is a small town in North Carolina with a population of 3,669. Residents earn $59,750 per year, which is 20% below the national average.
Based on current data, Rutherfordton receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Rutherfordton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Rutherfordton is $59,750, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Rutherfordton is $226,900, 20% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $901 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Rutherfordton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,246 per 100,000, 66% above the national average.
29.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Rutherfordton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 85.0% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 15.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $59,750 |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,346 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,859 |
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,498 |
| County GDP | $2,490M |
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 136 |
| Retail | 205 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,341 |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.47% |
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
| Census Median | $226,900 |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,563 |
| Median List Price | $324,750 |
| Median List Price | $324,750 |
| $/Sq Ft | $237 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.7% |
| Price Drops | 13.3% |
| Inventory | 30 |
| Census Median Rent | $901 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,341 |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.47% |
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,778/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 136 |
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
| Total Property | 3,246.5/100K |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 3,222.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 23.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg | |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 52.1 inches |
| 37% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 917 ft (280 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 884/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3641°N, 81.9613°W |
| County FIPS | 37161 |
Winner: Republican by 47.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 29.5% |
| 12% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 89.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.46 |
| RUCC Code 4 | Nonmetro — Urban 20K+, adjacent |
| Population Density | 884/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.2 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 136 |
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Retail Stores | 205 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Commute | 21.3 min |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |