CountyScore

Rutherford County

North Carolina · NC

#34 in North Carolina
69
County Score

County Report Card

About Rutherford County, North Carolina

Rutherford outpaces national livability median

Rutherford County scores 77.0 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 54% advantage over the national baseline reflects a county where affordability and tax efficiency create meaningful quality-of-life gains for residents.

Above-average performer in North Carolina

At 77.0, Rutherford ranks above the North Carolina state average of 72.7, making it one of the stronger counties in the state for overall livability. This above-state-average profile suggests Rutherford offers conditions comparable to or better than most of its peers across the state.

Tax and housing costs drive the advantage

Rutherford excels in tax efficiency with a score of 85.9 and an effective tax rate of just 0.582%, among the lowest in the state. Housing affordability is equally compelling: the median home value sits at $180,800 with gross rents averaging $748/month, anchoring a cost score of 85.5.

Income growth lags behind cost advantages

With a median household income of $49,771 and an income score of just 15.9, wage levels represent the county's softest spot relative to its strong affordability profile. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available but will offer important context for families considering relocation.

Ideal for budget-conscious families seeking stability

Rutherford County suits families and individuals prioritizing low living costs and tax efficiency over high wages—retirees, remote workers, and those starting out will find exceptional value here. The county's combination of affordable housing and favorable tax rates makes it a fiscally smart choice, though prospective residents should investigate school and health services once data becomes available.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.9Cost85.5SafetyComing SoonHealth61.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.9Risk27.3WaterComing Soon
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Rutherford County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Murray County
Georgia
69
Median income: $67,880
Treutlen County
Georgia
69
Median income: $43,750
Johnson County
Illinois
69
Median income: $65,203
Boone County
Indiana
69
Median income: $104,865
Grant County
Kansas
69
Median income: $72,484

Deep Dives

Rutherford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rutherford County

via TaxByCounty

Rutherford taxes rank well below nation

Rutherford County's effective tax rate of 0.582% sits comfortably below the national median, meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than their counterparts nationwide. At the national median of 0.95%, Rutherford residents save money—paying roughly $1,053 annually versus the national median tax of $2,690.

State-best rates in Rutherford County

Rutherford's 0.582% rate ranks among North Carolina's lowest, well below the state average of 0.701%. This positions Rutherford as a tax-friendly county within North Carolina, where median property taxes average $1,433.

Rutherford outpaces regional peers

Compared to neighboring counties, Rutherford holds its own with a 0.582% rate that beats Stokes (0.620%), Surry (0.621%), and Stanly (0.623%). Only Swain County (0.402%) offers lower rates in the broader region.

Your annual Rutherford tax bill

On a median home valued at $180,800, Rutherford homeowners pay approximately $1,053 annually—or about $88 per month. With a mortgage, that climbs to $1,162; without one, it drops to $941.

Many Rutherford homeowners can appeal

Across North Carolina, thousands of homeowners are overassessed and eligible to challenge their valuations. If you believe your assessment is unfair, filing an appeal with your county assessor costs nothing and could lower your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rutherford County

via CostByCounty

Rutherford rents are a bargain nationally

At 18.0%, Rutherford County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national comparison point, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of earnings on housing than typical American households. The county's median rent of $748/month is significantly lower than what national affordability trends suggest for a household earning $49,771 annually.

Among NC's most affordable counties

Rutherford ranks better than the state average rent-to-income ratio of 18.6%, and its median gross rent of $748/month undercuts the statewide average of $938 by nearly $200. This positions Rutherford as one of North Carolina's more accessible housing markets for working families.

Rutherford beats nearby rent markets

Rutherford's $748 monthly rent is lower than neighboring Stanly County ($830) and comparable counties like Scotland ($766) and Sampson ($811). Owner costs tell a similar story: Rutherford homeowners pay $627/month versus Stanly's steeper $847, making both rental and purchase options more modest here.

Housing takes 18 cents of each dollar

The typical Rutherford renter spends $748/month on gross rent from a median household income of $49,771—that's 18% of earnings. Homeowners with a median monthly cost of $627 fare slightly better, while the median home value of $180,800 remains accessible compared to state peers.

Consider Rutherford if affordability matters

If you're relocating and prioritize low housing costs, Rutherford delivers: rents run $190 below the state average and rent-to-income ratios beat most of North Carolina. Compare these numbers to your current county, and you'll likely find Rutherford's market offers real breathing room for your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rutherford County

via IncomeByCounty

Rutherford earns 33% below national average

Rutherford County's median household income of $49,771 falls significantly short of the national median of $74,755, a gap of $25,000 per year. This places the county in the lower third nationally for household earning power. The disparity reflects broader economic challenges in rural North Carolina compared to more prosperous urban and suburban regions across the U.S.

Below average among North Carolina counties

At $49,771, Rutherford's median household income trails the state average of $61,072 by more than $11,000 annually. The county ranks in the lower half of North Carolina's 100 counties for household income. This gap suggests limited access to higher-wage employment sectors that drive earnings in more economically dynamic regions of the state.

Less prosperous than surrounding piedmont

Rutherford's $49,771 median income lags behind neighboring Stanly County ($61,631) and Transylvania County ($64,523), both within the state's upper-middle income range. Compared to peer rural counties like Sampson ($53,159) and Surry ($56,095), Rutherford consistently underperforms. This regional income disparity reflects differences in industrial base and employment opportunities across the piedmont.

Housing costs manageable but income tight

At 18% of household income, Rutherford's rent-to-income ratio remains affordable—well below the 30% threshold that signals housing cost burden. However, the median home value of $180,800 requires annual income well above the county median, creating barriers for homeownership. For renters and existing homeowners, the income level leaves limited cushion for other essential expenses like healthcare and education.

Strategic saving builds long-term security

Rutherford families earning the median $49,771 can build wealth through disciplined saving and investment, starting even with modest monthly contributions to retirement accounts. Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans with matching contributions offer immediate returns on investment. Community resources like financial literacy programs and low-cost investment platforms help households bridge the income gap through wealth accumulation over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rutherford County

via HealthByCounty

Rutherford lags behind national life expectancy

Residents here live to 71.9 years on average, about 5.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.4 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, compared to roughly one in seven nationwide.

Below North Carolina's health curve

At 71.9 years, Rutherford's life expectancy trails the state average of 74.4 years by 2.5 years. The county's uninsured rate of 12.3% matches the state average, meaning insurance access isn't the primary barrier to health outcomes here.

Middling health outcomes in the region

Rutherford outperforms nearby Scotland County (69.5 years) but falls short of Stanly County (74.1 years) and Transylvania County (79.1 years). The county's primary care availability at 45 providers per 100,000 residents is middle-of-the-pack for surrounding areas.

Healthcare access present but limited

Primary care providers number 45 per 100,000 residents—adequate but below the most accessible counties nearby. Mental health support is stronger at 195 providers per 100,000, offering residents meaningful behavioral health resources.

Secure your health insurance today

With 12.3% of residents uninsured, coverage gaps remain despite matching the state rate. Check your eligibility for Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage—ensuring continuous care access is the first step toward better health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rutherford County

via RiskByCounty

Rutherford's risk sits slightly above national average

With a composite risk score of 72.68, Rutherford County ranks in the relatively low category, sitting modestly above the national baseline. This score reflects the county's particular vulnerability to earthquakes and floods, while tornado and wildfire risks remain moderate by state standards.

Middle-of-the-road risk among North Carolina counties

Rutherford's 72.68 score sits above North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it in the upper-middle range of risk exposure statewide. The county faces notably higher earthquake risk (78.59) than most state peers, an uncommon threat in North Carolina.

Safer than Sampson, riskier than Stanly neighbors

Rutherford's risk profile places it between neighboring Sampson County (90.20, relatively moderate) and Stanly County (58.84, relatively low). Compared to Transylvania County to the west (64.25), Rutherford shoulders meaningfully higher overall exposure.

Floods and earthquakes dominate Rutherford's profile

Flood risk (79.17) and earthquake risk (78.59) represent the county's two highest individual hazard scores, each reaching near 80. Tornado risk (69.85) rounds out Rutherford's top three threats, affecting the county's agricultural and rural communities particularly.

Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage now

Standard homeowners policies rarely cover flood or earthquake damage, so Rutherford residents should secure separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and earthquake riders from private insurers. With both hazards scoring above 78, dual protection is essential for financial security.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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