Is Living In McDowell County, NC Right For You?

Living in McDowell County, North Carolina

A complete guide of the county from schools to diversity

County

Should You Move to McDowell County?

McDowell County is home to 86,810 North Carolina residents. Over the past ten years, the county has seen an increase in growth of 48.17%, ranking it聽#976 in the US and #36 in North Carolina for population growth.

Based on the counties residents and economy, McDowell County, NC is OK for retirees and great for families.

When considering schools and educational attainment, 88.9% of residents over 25 years of age graduated high school and 24.3% completed their bachelor’s degree or higher. The majority of students in McDowell County attend public school.

If diversity is essential, McDowell County received a D grade in diversity.

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How Does McDowell County Rank?

Retirement

Diversity

Professionals

Raising a Family

Learn about rankings & data

Who Lives in McDowell County?

Discover more about the people who make up the county

Total Population

86,810

10-Year Change

48.17%

Households are Families

76.3%

Per Households

Diversity Grade

White alone

83.8%

Black or African American alone

5.2%

American Indian and Alaska Native alone

0.4%

Asian alone

0.8%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone

Hispanic or Latino

7.4%

Retirement

Raising a Family

Under 5 years

Under 18 years

18.3%

Over 65 years

23.3%

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Housing in McDowell County

Buying or renting? Here’s more about real estate in the county.

Total Households

Own vs. Rent

Own 77.2%

Rent 22.8%

Connect with a local McDowell County REALTOR庐

Buying or selling? We’ll help you connect with the right real estate agents in McDowell County or anywhere you need help.

Typical Age of Homes

1980 to 1999

Common Residence Type

single-family homes

Moving advice

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North Carolina driver's license and registration for new residents

McDowell County Schools

Explore the school district and schools

B

Fall River Elementary School

B-

Bradshaw Elementary School

B-

East Mcdowell Middle School

B-

Eastfield Global Magnet School

B-

Mcdowell Academy For Innovation

B-

Marion Elementary School

B-

Mcdowell High School

B-

North Cove Elementary School

C

Glenwood Elementary School

C+

Nebo Elementary School

B-

East Mcdowell Middle School

C

River View High School

B-

Eastfield Global Magnet School

C

Sandy River Middle School

C

Mount View High School

C+

West Marion Elementary School

B-

Bradshaw Elementary School

NR

Career And Technology Center

B-

East Mcdowell Middle School

B-

Eastfield Global Magnet School

B

Fall River Elementary School

C+

Foothills Community School

C

Glenwood Elementary School

B-

Iaeger Elementary School

Student-Teacher Ratio

Mcdowell County School District

The Mcdowell County School District in McDowell County, NC, is home to 5,881 students across 15 schools. Based on enrollment numbers, Mcdowell County Schools ranks #56 in North Carolina. Grades from Pre-K to 13 are offered in the district.

Mcdowell County School District received a student-teacher ratio grade of A, averaging 13.96 students per teacher.

Learn more about the Mcdowell County School District and explore its schools.

District Schools

Student Enrollments

5,881

Student-Teacher Ratio

13.96:1

How does Mcdowell County School District compare?

Cost of Living in North Carolina

How Does North Carolina Compare?

in Cost of Living

in Minimum Wage

in Living Wage

North Carolina State Taxes

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Should you move to North Carolina?

North Carolina, the Tar Heel State, is a place of stunning landscapes, dynamic cities, and a mix of Southern charm and modern innovation. Known for its warm climate, top-notch research universities, and its booming tech industry, North Carolina offers an exciting, balanced lifestyle.

North Carolina’s economy is robust and diverse, with dominant sectors including technology, healthcare, finance, and agriculture. Raleigh and Charlotte are fast-growing hubs of innovation, while cities like Asheville and Wilmington offer a more laid-back vibe with vibrant art and food scenes.

Living in North Carolina provides a myriad of experiences. From the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks to the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor adventures abound. Meanwhile, basketball fans will love the fierce rivalry between Duke University and the University of North Carolina.

Education is highly valued in North Carolina, with excellent public schools and renowned higher education institutions like Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.

If you’re seeking a state offering a balanced lifestyle, a thriving economy, and a commitment to quality education, North Carolina could be your ideal destination. Just be prepared for passionate basketball debates and a healthy dose of Southern hospitality!

Need some help with your move?

Moving labor can be hired by the hour, helping you budget for the heavy stuff or your entire move.

McDowell County Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the zip code

Median Household Income

$65,399

US Average $74,580

How does McDowell County compare?

Unemployment rate

4.5%

Poverty rate

10.7%

Primary Occupations

Sales and related occupations

Secondary Occupations

Office and administrative support occupations

Crime in McDowell County

Learn more about the school district for this zip code.

Crime Rating: Low Crime

Total Crimes (2022)

2,259

Crime Rate

Per 100,000 residents

Violent crimes: 551.8

Murder: 2.2

Violent crimes: 551.8

Explore More Places

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Review McDowell County, NC

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