Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.1 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.35 |
| Below Poverty | 13.6% ▲ 36% above avg |
| College Grads | 34.2% ▼ 12% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.6% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 533 (1.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 9,616 (32.8%) |
| Some College | 4,918 (16.8%) |
| Associates | 4,203 (14.3%) |
| Bachelors | 4,346 (14.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 5,705 (19.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $56,955 ▼ 25% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $168,503 ▼ 40% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $778/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 21,623 |
| Vacant Units | 3,141 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
McDowell County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 5 ZIP codes spanning 5 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 44,885 residents. With a median age of 42.07, it is a middle-aged county.
McDowell County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $56,955 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 13.6% is above the national average.
Housing in McDowell County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $168,503 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $778. Homeownership rates are high at 74.1%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of McDowell County are primarily White (86.39%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 34.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
McDowell County, NC is a solidly middle-class area in North Carolina. The 5 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.