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McDowell County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#40 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.3
County Score
Property Tax 80.6Cost of Living 74.9Weather & Climate 68.2

County Report Card

About McDowell County, North Carolina

Close to National Standards

McDowell County earns a composite score of 47.8, landing just shy of the national median of 50.0. This represents a solid competitive standing relative to rural counties across the country.

Leading the State Average

The county's score of 47.8 beats the North Carolina average of 44.7. It manages to balance costs and services more effectively than many other rural regions in the state.

Exceptional Fiscal Value

McDowell is a standout for fiscal health, boasting a tax score of 84.1 and a cost score of 79.8. Its low effective tax rate of 0.517% and affordable $168,300 median home value are major draws.

Focusing on Safety and Water

The county faces challenges in safety (14.5) and water quality (24.3), which weigh down its overall ranking. An income score of 26.6 also indicates a need for more high-wage job growth.

A Budget-Friendly Haven

This county is a strong fit for budget-conscious families looking to maximize their purchasing power. It offers some of the best tax and housing value in the region.

2040608010080.674.914.528.242.326.340.824.368.2Tax80.6Cost74.9Safety14.5Health28.2Schools42.3Income26.3Risk40.8Water24.3Weather68.246.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

McDowell County DNA

Foverall

How McDowell County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

McDowell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (80.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (14.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
80.6+28.599999999999994
Cost
74.9+26.900000000000006
Safety
14.5-40.5
Health
28.2-21.8
Schools
42.3-11.700000000000003
Income
26.3-24.7
Risk
40.8
Water
24.3-33.7
Weather
68.2+12.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$171,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$806/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$171,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,168/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Rutherford County
North Carolina
44.7
Burke County
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40.2
Yancey County
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Buncombe County
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Mitchell County
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Avery County
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Polk County
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Caldwell County
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Deep Dives

McDowell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McDowell County

via TaxByCounty

McDowell ranks among America's lowest-tax counties

McDowell County's effective tax rate of 0.517% places it in the lowest 25% nationally. The median property tax of $871 is one-third the national median of $2,690, offering substantial tax savings.

McDowell is among North Carolina's bargains

At 0.517%, McDowell's effective rate falls well below the state average of 0.701%, ranking it in the lowest-tax tier statewide. The median tax bill of $871 saves homeowners $562 compared to the state median of $1,433.

Mountain region keeps taxes consistently low

McDowell's 0.517% rate mirrors Madison County (0.496%) and Mitchell County (0.502%) in the western mountain corridor. This cluster represents some of North Carolina's most tax-affordable areas.

On a median McDowell home, here's the bill

A $168,300 home—McDowell's median value—costs approximately $871 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage face $1,033 when county fees are included.

Even low-tax counties have savings opportunities

Assessment inaccuracy affects all counties, including those with lower rates. McDowell homeowners should verify their assessments and explore available exemptions—the assessor's office can guide the appeal process at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in McDowell County

via IncomeByCounty

McDowell trails national income benchmark

McDowell County's median household income of $55,527 falls significantly below the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap of $19,228 or 26%. This income deficit is typical of Appalachian coal-region counties navigating post-industrial economic transitions.

Among North Carolina's lower-income counties

McDowell County's $55,527 median household income ranks below North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by $5,545. The per capita income of $29,555 is also below state average, positioning the county in the lower third of North Carolina's income distribution.

Slightly outearns Martin County only

McDowell County earns more than Martin County ($46,793) but trails most other neighboring counties, including Mitchell County ($58,089) and Madison County ($58,628). The county's historical dependence on coal mining creates income volatility and limited diversification.

Housing costs remain manageable

McDowell County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates solid housing affordability relative to income, staying well below the 30% sustainability threshold. The median home value of $168,300 remains modestly priced, offering stability for homeowners despite modest incomes.

Diversify income sources strategically

McDowell County households earning $55,527 should explore dual-income strategies, side businesses, or remote work to supplement primary earnings. Building an emergency fund first—targeting 3-6 months of expenses—creates the foundation for safer long-term wealth investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McDowell County

via CrimeByCounty

McDowell County tracks closely with national averages

The county reports 2,426.6 total crimes per 100,000 people, which is nearly identical to the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this volume, the county earns a safety score of 96.2. Five local reporting agencies manage the area's law enforcement data.

Above-average crime rates within North Carolina

McDowell County's crime rate of 2,426.6 sits approximately 18% higher than the state average of 2,050.0. Its safety score of 96.2 is slightly under the state's overall average of 96.8. This places the county in the middle tier for safety across North Carolina's 100 counties.

Navigating safety in the foothills

While McDowell County sees more reports than some of its western neighbors, its violent crime rate is lower than many other regions. The total rate is driven primarily by property incidents rather than personal confrontations. This creates a different safety profile than more urbanized neighbor counties.

Property crimes drive the local totals

The violent crime rate is 194.9 per 100,000, which is much lower than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is more prevalent at 2,231.7, exceeding the national benchmark of 2,015.7. Residents are more likely to encounter theft or burglary than physical violence.

Prioritize property protection and theft prevention

Because property crime is the primary driver of local statistics, home security systems are a wise investment for McDowell residents. Securing outbuildings and vehicles is crucial since property crime exceeds both state and national norms. Five agencies are available to help residents implement better local security measures.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in McDowell County

via WeatherByCounty

Foothills Climate with Moderate Extremes

McDowell County averages 57.9°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median. Situated at the edge of the Blue Ridge, it bridges the gap between mountain and piedmont weather.

Cooler than the North Carolina Average

McDowell's 57.9°F average is cooler than the state's 59.3°F mark. However, it receives 56.6 inches of rain, which is higher than the state average of 51.5 inches.

Wetter than Piedmont Neighbors

McDowell is much wetter than Lincoln County, receiving about 7 more inches of rain annually. It also sees 7.1 inches of snow, slightly outpacing the 5.6 inches found in Lincoln.

Warm Summers and Bracing Winters

The county experiences 32 days of 90-degree heat, mostly during the 76.0°F average July. Winters are distinct, with average lows helping produce 7.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage Moisture and Winter Chills

With 56.6 inches of rain, basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance are critical. Residents should prepare for occasional winter storms that bring the county's 7.1 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McDowell County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils of the Blue Ridge Foothills

McDowell County has an average soil pH of 5.12, which is nearly identical to the North Carolina average but lower than the 6.5 national median. The county earns a soil score of 35.4, indicating relatively healthy land for the region.

A Gritty Composition for Better Airflow

The soil is comprised of 52.4% sand, 26.4% silt, and 14.7% clay. This majority-sand mix allows for excellent root aeration and prevents the heavy compaction often found in clay-heavy regions.

Rich Organic Matter and Average Water Retention

At 6.53%, the organic matter content is significantly higher than the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.128 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark, meaning organic amendments can help improve moisture holding.

Navigating Mountain Hydrology

Though specific hydrologic groups are not listed in this dataset, the high sand content generally leads to moderate to fast drainage. This makes the soil well-suited for building and farming on sloped terrains where water runoff is a concern.

Growing Success in Zone 7b

The climate in McDowell County is ideal for growing apples, peaches, and hearty shrubs. With organic matter levels exceeding the national average of 2.0%, your garden has a strong head start.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McDowell County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating McDowell's Mid-Range Growing Conditions

McDowell County has a lawn difficulty score of 43.5, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average. This Hardiness Zone 7b area offers a more forgiving environment than many other parts of North Carolina.

Abundant Rainfall Fuels Growth

Annual precipitation reaches 56.6 inches, which is higher than the state average and the ideal range for most grasses. This moisture, combined with 4,104 growing degree days, ensures a long season but requires careful monitoring for water-logged roots.

Balancing Acidic Soil and Loamy Texture

With a pH of 5.12, the soil is acidic and requires lime to reach the 6.0 to 7.0 sweet spot for turf health. The mix of 52.4% sand and 14.7% clay provides a decent physical foundation, though amendments are needed to boost fertility.

Staying Resilient During Severe Dry Spells

The county has experienced 22 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the land is currently in severe drought. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and keep grass hydrated through the 32 annual heat days.

Transition Zone Success Starts in April

Tall Fescue is a popular choice for McDowell's 7b climate, offering durability through changing seasons. Plan your seeding projects after the final spring frost on April 5 to give new grass the best start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McDowell County's county score?
McDowell County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 46.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does McDowell County rank among counties in North Carolina?
McDowell County ranks #40 among all counties in North Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in McDowell County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in McDowell County is $911, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns McDowell County a tax score of 80.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McDowell County?
The median household income in McDowell County, North Carolina is $57,168 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McDowell County earns an income score of 26.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is McDowell County, North Carolina a good place to live?
McDowell County scores 46.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate McDowell County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare McDowell County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.