Rutherford County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 41st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Rutherford County, North Carolina is 64,850 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 41st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $49,771, the median home value is $180,800, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Rutherford County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (67,739 → 65,587), a -0.23% annualized rate.
64,850
Population
-0.23%
Annual growth
115
People / sq mi
$49,771
Median Income
$180,800
Median Home Value
Rutherford County covers 565 sq mi of land at 114.7 people per square mile.
About Rutherford County, NC
What sets Rutherford County apart is money: median household income runs $49,771, below the US median of $78,538. Rutherford County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 64,850. It ranks #41 among counties in North Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $49,771, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.3% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $180,800, with typical rent around $748.
20.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.7%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Rutherford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rutherford County had a population of 67,739 in 2010 and 65,587 in 2024, a -3.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 67,739 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
65,587
Population (2024)
67,739
Population (2010)
67,739
Peak (2010)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 67,739 |
| 2011 | 67,424 |
| 2012 | 67,227 |
| 2013 | 66,866 |
| 2014 | 66,587 |
| 2015 | 66,408 |
| 2016 | 66,318 |
| 2017 | 66,558 |
| 2018 | 66,721 |
| 2019 | 67,031 |
| 2020 | 64,357 |
| 2021 | 64,508 |
| 2022 | 64,829 |
| 2023 | 65,369 |
| 2024 | 65,587 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.0% |
| Black or African American | 8.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
22.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 22.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,771$-20,133 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,617 |
| Per-capita income | $29,217 |
| Poverty rate | 13.3%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rutherford County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
81.2%
Public transit
6.7%
Work from home
26.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$180,800$-78,600 vs state
Median home value
$748
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
32,682
Total housing units
81.4%
Occupied
18.6%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.2%
With health insurance
90.1%
With broadband internet
29.7%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
21.4%
With a disability
94.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.6%
High School+
20.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rutherford County, North Carolina has a population of 64,850 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 41st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 115 people per square mile.
The population of Rutherford County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (67,739 → 65,587), a -0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rutherford County, North Carolina is $49,771, with mean (average) household income of $69,617 and per-capita income of $29,217. 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rutherford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.0%), Black or African American (8.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rutherford County, North Carolina is 45.3 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Rutherford County is $180,800 and median monthly rent is $748. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 32,682 total housing units, 18.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rutherford County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Rutherford County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Rutherford County, NC Climate
Rutherford County, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.8°C (59°F) and receives about 1308 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.8°C
Avg Temp
1308
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 107 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 108 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 132 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 95 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 120 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 116 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 113 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 110 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 105 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 99 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 101 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Rutherford County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Rutherford County, NC are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rutherford County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.