Cost of Living in Rutherfordton, NC
Population 3,669 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rutherfordton is a smaller North Carolina community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,750 and housing costs ($227,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 9.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 65 miles west of Charlotte, Rutherfordton is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rutherfordton
The median home value in Rutherfordton is $226,900 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $901/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,750/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 68.2°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 10.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rutherfordton has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.
Rutherfordton has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49 | 53 | 60 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 85 | 84 | 79 | 70 | 60 | 52 |
| Low °F | 29 | 31 | 37 | 45 | 53 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 58 | 46 | 36 | 31 |
| Precip" | 4.13 | 3.46 | 3.80 | 4.17 | 4.13 | 4.79 | 4.67 | 5.04 | 4.13 | 3.37 | 3.72 | 4.18 |
| Snow" | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rutherfordton, NC?
Rutherfordton has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rutherfordton, NC?
The median gross rent in Rutherfordton is $901 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rutherfordton?
The median home value in Rutherfordton is $226,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rutherfordton?
The median household income in Rutherfordton is $59,750 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rutherfordton, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rutherfordton is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Rutherfordton, NC affordable?
Yes, Rutherfordton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rutherfordton?
Rutherfordton has average high temperatures of 68.2°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 49.6". Average annual snowfall is 10.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rutherfordton at a Glance
- Population
- 3,669
- Median Income
- $59,750
- Home Value
- $226,900
- Median Rent
- $901/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs