Rutherford College, NC
Population 1,327 · North Carolina
About Rutherford College, NC
Rutherford College is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,327 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,000 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rutherford College features a median home value of $196,600, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rutherford College in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,028, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 651 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (405 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (155 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rutherford College shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rutherford College have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.3% of Rutherford College residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rutherford College, NC
Compared to national averages, Rutherford College has a median household income of $63,000 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $196,600, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,028 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Rutherford College's income is 2% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 14% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Rutherford College, NC?
Rutherford College offers affordable housing with a median home value of $196,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,028/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,000) that falls below the national average. However, Rutherford College’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rutherford College has a population of 1,327 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Rutherford College with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Rutherford College
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinetops | 1,323 | $54,196 | $132,600 | Compare |
| Spring Hope | 1,334 | $35,577 | $142,400 | Compare |
| Robersonville | 1,319 | $43,359 | $85,900 | Compare |
| Dortches | 1,317 | $72,955 | $230,600 | Compare |
| Banner Elk | 1,338 | $67,917 | $422,900 | Compare |
| Cordova | 1,343 | $65,801 | $155,200 | Compare |
| East Spencer | 1,309 | $34,696 | $108,500 | Compare |
| Chadbourn | 1,347 | $19,853 | $100,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rutherford College With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rutherford College
What is the population of Rutherford College, NC?
The population of Rutherford College, NC is 1,327 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Rutherford College?
The median household income in Rutherford College, NC is $63,000 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rutherford College?
The median home value in Rutherford College, NC is $196,600, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rutherford College?
The median monthly rent in Rutherford College, NC is $1,028, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rutherford College?
The unemployment rate in Rutherford College, NC is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rutherford College, NC a good place to live?
Rutherford College offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,327 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rutherford College, NC?
28.3% of residents in Rutherford College aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rutherford College?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rutherford College, NC: median home value is $196,600 (20% below national), median rent is $1,028/month, and median household income is $63,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rutherford College?
The poverty rate in Rutherford College, NC is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rutherford College, NC?
Rutherford College's population is 0.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.