McDowell County

NC · Pop. 122,837 · Suburban County

6Homestead Score

McDowell County is a suburban county in NC with a population of approximately 122,837.

$/Acre: $2,696

Property Tax: 0.84%

Growing Season: 190 days

Broadband: 67%

Safety: 6/10

Density: 73.6/sq mi

Pros

Affordable land, Long growing season

Cons

Strict building codes, Higher crime rate

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.84%

Local Sales Tax0.35%

Combined Sales Tax5.1%

Cost of Living Index99.4

Median Household Income$41,143

Poverty Rate10.9%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$2,696

Median Home Price$223K

Acres for Sale4422

Building CodeFull IRC

Permit Required

Zoning TypeLimited Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size0.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6

Growing Season190 days

Annual Rainfall41.6 inches

Avg Summer High86°F

Avg Winter Low34°F

Soil TypeLoam

Soil Quality8/10

Elevation1,894 ft

Top CropsCorn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought2/10

Wildfire1/10

Tornado2/10

Flood3/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceWell

Well Depth (avg)300 ft

Water AvailabilityAbundant

Solar (Avg PSH)4.3

Wind Potential8/10

Electric Rate$0.16/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceSome

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceRestricted

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessNo

Safety

Violent Crime /100K421

Property Crime /100K306

Overall Safety6/10

Sheriff Response21 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital10.7 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities5

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage67%

Cell CoverageFair

Starlink Available

Nearest Town19 miles

Nearest City25 miles

School District6/10

Farmers Markets1

Public Land Nearby52%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate7.7%

Ag EconomyModerate