McDowell
North Carolina

What stands out

Against every county in America, McDowell County is unusual in one way: the property tax rate is in the bottom 15% of American counties (0.53%). Within North Carolina it ranks 13th of 100 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in McDowell County, North Carolina. 44,629 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +346).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $53,532 a year, lower than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,365. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 52% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,136 a year.

Home

The median home costs $261K, pricier than 59% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $698 a month. Property tax is 0.53% of home value, roughly $811 a year on that median home, lower than 85% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 67% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 24 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.4 years, shorter than 55% of American counties. There are 47 active physicians in the county, about 10.5 per 10,000 people. 12.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.06 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 52% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 48 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 66% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 58°F, highs near 68 and lows near 47, warmer than 58% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 55 out of 100, riskier than 55% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 155 Mbps down, slower than 69% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 museums.