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CITY · 1990 CENSUS

Rutherfordton

North Carolina · 3,617 residents · 4.143 sq mi
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The short version

Rutherfordton has lower-than-average household income, with a median household income of $24,886. Population has declined 12% since 2000. Median home value is $57,700. With a median age of 39.1, the population is older than the US median of 33.0.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $30,130
Older
median age 39.1
US median: 33.0
More educated
25% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 20%
More affordable
home values down 23%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $93,722
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
3,617
−12%vs 2000
vs 4,131 in 2000
1990 – 2025
Population density
873 / sq mi
−12%vs 2000
vs 997 / sq mi in 2000
US average: 221
Median age
39.1
−3%vs 2000
vs 40.3 in 2000
US average: 33.0
Population, 1990 – 2024
4K4K4K4K4K1990201020202024Rutherfordton
20244K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$24,886
−14%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $37,941 in 2000
US average: $30,130
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$13,909
−36%vs 2000
vs $21,742 in 2000
US average: $14,340
Poverty rate
15.9%
+5.0 ptsvs 2000
vs 10.8% in 2000
US average: 13.2%
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$57,700
−23%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $98,200 in 2000
US average: $93,722
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$314
−2%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $423 in 2000
US average: $450
Owner-occupied
64.7%
+1.7 ptsvs 2000
vs 63.0% in 2000
35.3% rent
Afford Score
2.3
−10%vs 2000
vs 2.6 in 2000
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Rutherfordton on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000
White, non-Hispanic83.5%(3,451)
Black13.6%(561)
Hispanic / Latino1.3%(53)
Asian0.7%(28)
Other0%
Diversity Score33.8%(1,395)
1990
White, non-Hispanic86.9%(3,142)
Black13%(470)
Hispanic / Latino0.9%(32)
Asian0%(0)
Other0.1%(5)
Diversity Score30.2%(1,094)
Diversity Score
30
−10%vs 2000
vs 34 in 2000
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
24.9%
−4.2 ptsvs 2000
vs 29.1% in 2000
US average: 20.3%
High school or higher
68.0%
−8.7 ptsvs 2000
vs 76.7% in 2000
US average: 75.2%
Graduate degree
9.9%
+0.3 ptsvs 2000
vs 9.6% in 2000
US average: 7.1%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
14.4 min
+3%vs 2000
vs 14.0 min in 2000
US average: 21.9
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Rutherfordton

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Compare Rutherfordton to nearby cities

RUTHERFORDTON VS
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Income$72,068+190%
Home value$244,400+324%
Population12,936+247%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
RUTHERFORDTON VS
Shelby
Income$48,376+94%
Home value$197,200+242%
Population23,309+526%
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RUTHERFORDTON VS
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Home value$256,600+345%
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RUTHERFORDTON VS
Gaffney
Income$41,089+65%
Home value$137,700+139%
Population12,583+238%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Rutherfordton, North Carolina?

Rutherfordton, North Carolina has about 3,617 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Rutherfordton, North Carolina?

The typical household in Rutherfordton, North Carolina earns about $24,886 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Rutherfordton, North Carolina expensive?

In Rutherfordton, North Carolina, the median home is worth about $57,700, and the typical rent is about $314 a month.

How educated are people in Rutherfordton, North Carolina?

About 24.9% of adults age 25 and over in Rutherfordton, North Carolina hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Rutherfordton, North Carolina?

About 15.9% of people in Rutherfordton, North Carolina live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →