Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 45.7 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.35 |
| Below Poverty | 18.1% ▲ 81% above avg |
| College Grads | 36.4% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 5.3% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 598 (1.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 11,695 (29.2%) |
| Some College | 5,913 (14.8%) |
| Associates | 7,120 (17.8%) |
| Bachelors | 5,404 (13.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 9,345 (23.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $48,859 ▼ 36% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $186,668 ▼ 33% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $784/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 31,178 |
| Vacant Units | 5,696 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Rutherford County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 12 ZIP codes spanning 12 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 61,355 residents. With a median age of 45.7, it is a mature county.
Rutherford County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $48,858 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 5.3%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 18.1% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in Rutherford County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $186,668 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $784. Homeownership rates are high at 74.4%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Rutherford County are primarily White (80.22%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 36.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Rutherford County, NC is a working-class area in North Carolina. The 12 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.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28018 | Bostic | 5,298 | $54,432 | $152,400 | $800 | 2.1% | 33.4% |
| 28040 | Ellenboro | 7,047 | $57,989 | $148,000 | $697 | 7.4% | 37.3% |
| 28043 | Forest City | 20,896 | $41,746 | $176,100 | $744 | 6.5% | 32.7% |
| 28746 | Lake Lure | 2,734 | $65,703 | $433,100 | $983 | 5.0% | 57.9% |
| 28139 | Rutherfordton | 18,887 | $52,148 | $195,300 | $842 | 3.1% | 38.6% |
| 28160 | Spindale | 3,825 | $38,625 | $121,300 | $692 | 12.8% | 31.6% |
| 28167 | Union Mills | 2,217 | $42,419 | $215,800 | — | 0.6% | 43.0% |