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Rutherford County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#42 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
45.9
County Score
Cost of Living 77.8Property Tax 76.2Weather & Climate 64.1

County Report Card

About Rutherford County, North Carolina

Falling Just Below National Norms

Rutherford County earns a composite score of 45.9, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile that struggles with economic growth compared to the average American county.

Leading the State Average

Despite its national standing, Rutherford outperforms the North Carolina state average composite score of 44.7. It represents a more livable option than many of its rural peers across the state.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

The county excels in cost and tax metrics with scores of 77.8 and 76.2 respectively. Residents benefit from a low 0.582% effective tax rate and a median gross rent of only $748 per month.

Economic and Safety Hurdles

Income remains a significant challenge with a score of 14.0, reflecting a median household income of $49,771. Safety also lags behind with a score of 19.9, suggesting room for improvement in community security.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Residents

Rutherford is a strong match for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low housing costs and low taxes. The financial flexibility of the region offsets the slower local economic pace.

Score breakdown

Tax76.2Cost77.8Safety19.9Health28.6Schools35.9Income14Risk27.3Water51.8Weather64.1
🏛76.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Rutherford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Rutherford County

via CrimeByCounty

Rutherford County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Rutherford County maintains a strong 96.7 safety score, indicating a secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 2,085.7 per 100,000 people sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the North Carolina Safety Average

The county's safety score of 96.7 aligns perfectly with the North Carolina state average. However, its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 2,050.0 per 100,000 residents.

Consistent Performance Among Regional Peers

Rutherford's crime rate of 2,085.7 mirrors neighboring Sampson County, which reports a rate of 2,045.0. It remains significantly safer than more volatile regions like Scotland County.

Property Crimes Drive Local Incident Numbers

Property crime accounts for 1,787.3 incidents per 100,000, which is the primary driver of local statistics. Violent crime remains low at 298.4, staying well under the national violent crime rate of 369.8.

Simple Steps to Deter Property Theft

Since property crime is the most common issue, basic home security can make a big difference. Installing motion lights and smart doorbells helps keep Rutherford County neighborhoods safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Rutherford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Network of Local Schools

Rutherford County supports 9,329 students across 20 public schools and three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 10 elementary, three middle, and five high schools, plus two specialized campuses. This diverse network ensures that families across the county have accessible options for every grade level.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceeding State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 89.0% graduation rate, which outperforms both the North Carolina average of 88.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $6,576 remains lower than the state average, the county maintains a competitive school score of 52.1. These figures suggest efficient educational delivery and high completion rates for local students.

Major Districts and Charter Options

Rutherford County Schools is the largest provider, managing 18 schools and 7,527 students. Charter schools represent 10% of the total landscape, led by the high-enrollment Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy which serves 1,360 students. Lake Lure Classical Academy also provides a specialized choice for 442 students within the county.

Rural Roots and Varied Campus Sizes

Education here has a strong rural character, with 14 schools located in rural settings and six in town locales. The average school size is 466 students, providing a balance between community feel and academic resources. Students might attend large campuses like Thomas Jefferson Class Academy or smaller community elementary schools like Ellenboro.

Establish Your Home Near Top Schools

With graduation rates that lead the state, Rutherford County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing educational outcomes. Explore local real estate to find a home that puts your children in reach of high-performing districts like Rutherford County Schools. Proximity to these established campuses is a primary factor for many home buyers in the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Rutherford County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Foothills Climate

Rutherford County averages 58.6°F annually, placing it above the national median for temperature. The region experiences the high humidity and warm summers typical of the American Southeast.

Slightly Cooler Than the State

The county's average temperature is slightly lower than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. However, it is much wetter than average, receiving 54.3 inches of rain compared to the state's 51.5 inches.

A Rainier Regional Neighbor

Rutherford receives significantly more rainfall than eastern neighbor Rowan, totaling over 10 additional inches per year. It also records 45 extreme heat days, which is higher than many nearby mountain counties.

High Rainfall and Summer Heat

The county experiences 45 days of extreme heat annually with July temperatures averaging 77.5°F. Winters are manageable with a 41.3°F average and only 3.8 inches of snow.

Manage Moisture and Heat

Property owners should ensure robust drainage systems to handle the high annual precipitation of 54.3 inches. Cooling costs will peak during the 45 days of 90-degree weather each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rutherford County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foothill Soils in Rutherford

The soil shows an acidic pH of 5.06, which is lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.14. While taxonomic data is currently unavailable, the acidity suggests a need for lime to balance garden beds.

A Gritty Mix with Sand and Clay

The earth consists of 51.9% sand and 14.9% clay, creating a texture that is generally easy to work. This high sand content promotes drainage, though the modest clay levels help prevent the soil from becoming purely loose sediment.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Rutherford boasts an impressive 7.65% organic matter, far exceeding the North Carolina average of 5.12%. Although the available water capacity is slightly low at 0.110 in/in, the rich organic content provides excellent nutrient potential for crops.

Managing Water in the Foothills

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently listed for this region. Local gardeners should monitor their plots for runoff, as the moderate water capacity may require consistent irrigation during dry spells.

Warm Seasons in Zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a supports long-season crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. With such high organic matter, your soil is ready to feed a productive backyard garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rutherford County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Rutherford's Tough Growing Conditions

Rutherford County earns a 40.0 lawn difficulty score, trailing the national median of 50.0 and sitting just below the state average of 40.8. Located in hardiness zone 8a, this area presents a significant challenge for homeowners compared to more temperate regions.

Managing High Heat and Heavy Rains

The county receives 54.3 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the state average of 51.6 inches. With 45 extreme heat days each year and 4,305 growing degree days, lawns require frequent mowing and careful monitoring during the scorching summer months.

Correcting Acidic Soil for Better Growth

The local soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.06, falling far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turf. Because the soil contains 51.9% sand and 14.9% clay, homeowners must prioritize lime amendments to unlock essential nutrients for grass roots.

Battling Persistent Severe Drought Conditions

Over the past year, the county endured 21 weeks of drought, and currently, 100.0% of the area faces severe drought levels. To survive these periods, maintain a higher mowing height to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Starting Your Zone 8a Lawn Strategy

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are ideal for this climate and hardiness zone. Plan your seeding or sodding projects shortly after the last spring frost on April 11 to maximize the long growing season before the October 30 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rutherford County's county score?
Rutherford County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Rutherford County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Rutherford County ranks #42 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 Rutherford County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Rutherford County is $1,053, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Rutherford County a tax score of 76.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rutherford County?
The median household income in Rutherford County, North Carolina is $49,771 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rutherford County earns an income score of 14/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rutherford County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Rutherford County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Rutherford 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 Rutherford County with other counties side by side.

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