Rutherfordton, NC
Population 3,669 · North Carolina
About Rutherfordton, NC
Rutherfordton is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,669 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,750 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rutherfordton features a median home value of $226,900, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rutherfordton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $901, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,691 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (935 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (503 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rutherfordton shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rutherfordton have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.5% of Rutherfordton 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 4.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 7.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rutherfordton, NC
Compared to national averages, Rutherfordton has a median household income of $59,750 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $226,900, which is 7% below the national median. Monthly rent at $901 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Rutherfordton's income is 7% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 1% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Rutherfordton, NC?
Rutherfordton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $226,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $901/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,750) that falls below the national average. However, Rutherfordton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rutherfordton has a population of 3,669 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Rutherfordton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Rutherfordton
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastover | 3,666 | $80,000 | $238,900 | Compare |
| Wilkesboro | 3,664 | $41,175 | $197,600 | Compare |
| Glen Raven | 3,684 | $64,189 | $204,000 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 3,685 | $90,542 | $266,600 | Compare |
| Welcome | 3,649 | $65,342 | $171,100 | Compare |
| Tabor City | 3,695 | $37,014 | $109,600 | Compare |
| Gamewell | 3,701 | $55,977 | $154,100 | Compare |
| Tyro | 3,635 | $57,198 | $182,000 | 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 Rutherfordton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rutherfordton
What is the population of Rutherfordton, NC?
The population of Rutherfordton, NC is 3,669 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 Rutherfordton?
The median household income in Rutherfordton, NC is $59,750 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rutherfordton?
The median home value in Rutherfordton, NC is $226,900, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rutherfordton?
The median monthly rent in Rutherfordton, NC is $901, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rutherfordton?
The unemployment rate in Rutherfordton, NC is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rutherfordton, NC a good place to live?
Rutherfordton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,669 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rutherfordton, NC?
29.5% of residents in Rutherfordton 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 Rutherfordton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rutherfordton, NC: median home value is $226,900 (7% below national), median rent is $901/month, and median household income is $59,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rutherfordton?
The poverty rate in Rutherfordton, NC is 19.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rutherfordton, NC?
Rutherfordton's population is 4.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 9.4% two or more races. 7.0% of residents are foreign-born.