Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rutherford College, NC
Considering a move to Rutherford College, NC? This small town of 1,280 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $178,000 and average rents at $840. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, low violent crime rates (132 per 100K), and short commutes averaging 22 minutes. While education levels and incomes are modest, families appreciate the friendly community feel and access to local schools and a nearby hospital. Explore affordable, laid-back living with a safe, welcoming vibe.
Demographics - Rutherford College, NC
Demographics - Rutherford College, NC
Rutherford College is a small North Carolina town with about 1,280 residents, a population density of 630 people per square mile, and a median age of 47.2. The community is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and accessible environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,280
Density:
630 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
3.9%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rutherford College, NC?
The cost of living in Rutherford College is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $178,000 and average rents of $840 for a two-bedroom apartment. Utilities and other expenses remain below national averages, making the town an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$178,000
Gross Rent:
$840
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$940
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
96.3
Housing:
65.7
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
80.6
Health Care:
92.7
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Rutherford College, NC a safe place to live?
Rutherford College enjoys a low crime rate, with violent crime at just 132 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 757 chance of being affected. Property crime is also moderate, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
132
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,342
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 757
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Rutherford College, NC year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons with mild winters averaging 29°F to 48°F and warm summers reaching up to 88°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 62% of the year, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community features modest household incomes, with a median of $45,600 and a poverty rate of 14.8%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute time is a manageable 22 minutes, reflecting the town's relaxed pace and strong sense of neighborliness.
Median Income:
$27,400
Household Income:
$45,600
Family Income:
$52,700
Per Capita Income:
$24,100
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.6%
Rent:
$840
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.9%
Bachelors or More:
19.1%
Education
How are the schools in Rutherford College, NC?
Education options include Rutherford College Elementary School with a favorable student-teacher ratio, and higher education is easily accessible at Western Piedmont Community College, just seven miles away. The town's educational resources support families and adult learners alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Rutherford College Elementary School
Street:
170 Honeycutt Dr
Phone:
828-874-4644
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3

Colleges
Name:
Western Piedmont Community College
City:
Morganton
State:
NC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Rutherford College is supported by nearby facilities like UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 87% of people insured, essential medical care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UNC Health Blue Ridge - Morganton
Address:
2201 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655
Phone:
(828) 580-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rutherford College, NC?
The housing market is stable and accessible, with median home prices at $178,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74.5%. Home values have appreciated moderately over the past year, and rental vacancies are low, indicating a healthy demand for both buying and renting.
Median Home Price:
$178,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$840
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Raleigh and convenient online services available at the state DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.