Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 44,679 ↑ 0.2% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $55,527 26% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $168,300 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% |
| Median Age | 44.3 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 14.1% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 172 transactions |
| Active Listings | 199 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 196 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Mar 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $14,706 |
| Recent Sales | 155 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 194 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 8.93 acres |
| Active Listings | 166 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 2.00 | $19,900 | $9,950 | 1291 Scenic Vista Dr #288 | Nebo |
| Mar 2026 | 6.49 | $23,500 | $3,621 | 1099 Mitchell View Dr #915/915A | Old Fort |
| Mar 2026 | 1.09 | $490,000 | $449,541 | 17 Aqua Vista Way | Nebo |
| Mar 2026 | 1.17 | $30,000 | $25,641 | Southern Way | Nebo |
| Feb 2026 | 35.65 | $308,700 | $8,659 | Lavender Rd | Old Fort |
| Feb 2026 | 1.46 | $14,000 | $9,563 | V/l Trail Rdg Lot 112 | Marion |
| Feb 2026 | 2.23 | $15,000 | $6,726 | Brindlewood Dr #38V | Nebo |
| Feb 2026 | 3.14 | $9,000 | $2,866 | V/l Jeremy Dr #74-75 | Nebo |
| Feb 2026 | 5.96 | $1,975,000 | $331,377 | 179 Turtle Head Dr | Nebo |
| Feb 2026 | 5.96 | $1,975,000 | $331,376 | 179 Turtlehead Dr #14 | Nebo |
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | 1.90 | $235,500 | $123,947 | SR1552 Lake James Rd | Nebo |
| Jan 2026 | 13.40 | $265,000 | $19,781 | Wildlife Lake Rd | Old Fort |
| Jan 2026 | 1.12 | $30,000 | $26,714 | TRACT 1 Timber Rd | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 1.78 | $42,500 | $23,876 | 2830 Nix Creek Rd | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 7.06 | $145,000 | $20,538 | Misty Mountain Dr #Top | Nebo |
| Jan 2026 | 3.32 | $13,500 | $4,066 | 119 Ridge Rd | Lake Lure |
| Jan 2026 | 32.51 | $90,000 | $2,768 | 1006 Seagle St | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 3.75 | $69,500 | $18,548 | 281 Sunset Vista Dr #12 | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 54.85 | $443,000 | $8,077 | 0 Lytle Mountain Rd | Old Fort |
| Jan 2026 | 1.02 | $23,000 | $22,549 | 0 Scenic View Dr #150 | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 2.94 | $70,000 | $23,810 | 1078 Paradise Cir #51 & 52 | Nebo |
| Jan 2026 | 25.53 | $167,000 | $6,542 | 0 Mackey Creek Rd | Old Fort |
| Jan 2026 | 1.95 | $39,000 | $20,000 | Bambi Dr | Marion |
| Dec 2025 | 14.85 | $152,800 | $10,290 | Vl W Payne Rd | Marion |
| Dec 2025 | 4.18 | $16,000 | $3,828 | 90 Adirondack Trl #88 | Nebo |
| Dec 2025 | 11.30 | $85,000 | $7,522 | 0 Bethlehem Rd | Old Fort |
| Dec 2025 | 13.87 | $2,100,000 | $151,406 | 167 Cabin Bluff Dr #5&6 | Marion |
| Dec 2025 | 1.48 | $85,000 | $57,549 | 1504 Pisgah Preserve Dr #6 | Nebo |
| Dec 2025 | 1.74 | $60,000 | $34,483 | Ridge Point Rd #3 | Nebo |
| Dec 2025 | 1.46 | $8,000 | $5,479 | 79 Big Branch Dr | Marion |
| Dec 2025 | 3.40 | $48,000 | $14,118 | 37 Skyline Rd | Little Switzerland |
| Dec 2025 | 3.74 | $105,000 | $28,075 | 125 Brindlewood Dr | Nebo |
| Dec 2025 | 37.22 | $321,500 | $8,638 | 3223 Mount Hebron Rd | Old Fort |
| Nov 2025 | 4.38 | $55,000 | $12,557 | 36 Everett Dr | Nebo |
| Nov 2025 | 22.79 | $225,000 | $9,873 | 37 Spooky Hollow Rd | Marion |
| Nov 2025 | 2.09 | $360,000 | $172,249 | 77 Whispering Pines Trl #82 | Nebo |
| Nov 2025 | 8.70 | $55,000 | $6,322 | Mountain Crest Dr S #58 | Marion |
| Nov 2025 | 7.41 | $169,775 | $22,912 | 0 Us Highway 70 W | Marion |
| Nov 2025 | 2.13 | $30,000 | $14,085 | Lot 177 Larkhaven Drive | Nebo |
| Nov 2025 | 33.16 | $200,000 | $6,031 | 9999 Westwood Dr | Marion |
| Nov 2025 | 2.50 | $55,000 | $22,000 | 0 Holland Dr | Nebo |
| Oct 2025 | 1.95 | $17,500 | $8,974 | V/l Marterdan Rdg | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 1.60 | $14,000 | $8,750 | 156 Kenwood Ct | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 3.65 | $28,000 | $7,671 | 74 Tayberry Dr | Nebo |
| Oct 2025 | 10.42 | $107,000 | $10,269 | 3288 Tatertown Loop #4 | Nebo |
| Oct 2025 | 3.22 | $110,000 | $34,161 | 332 Linville Rd | Nebo |
| Oct 2025 | 4.53 | $92,500 | $20,419 | 0 Hidden Lake Pkwy | Nebo |
| Oct 2025 | 1.19 | $8,000 | $6,723 | LOT 12 Fox Ridge Trl | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 1.00 | $42,500 | $42,500 | 8 E Spring Wheel Dr | Old Fort |
| Oct 2025 | 2.63 | $28,000 | $10,646 | 0 Harmony Grove Rd #10 | Nebo |
| Oct 2025 | 2.82 | $60,000 | $21,277 | Hidden Acres #1-2-3 | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 3.66 | $13,250 | $3,620 | Forest Country Dr #66 | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 2.05 | $13,250 | $6,463 | Overland Dr #168 | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 1.49 | $80,000 | $53,691 | 113 Valley View Trl #323 | Nebo |
| Oct 2025 | 34.10 | $1,700,000 | $49,853 | 0 Ridge Rd | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 3.76 | $82,500 | $21,941 | Toms Creek Rd | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 1.96 | $20,000 | $10,204 | LOT 15 Hidden Lake Pkwy | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 1.31 | $17,000 | $12,977 | 278 Scenic Vista Dr | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 2.00 | $35,000 | $17,500 | 91 Meadows Station Dr #50 | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 14.62 | $140,000 | $9,576 | 101 Arbor View Dr | Marion |
| Sep 2025 | 5.21 | $1,025,000 | $196,737 | 99999 Peninsula Dr | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 1.04 | $43,000 | $41,227 | 64 Cherry Cove Way #8 | Old Fort |
| Sep 2025 | 2.39 | $18,000 | $7,531 | 149 Fall Creek Dr #161 | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 3.72 | $20,000 | $5,376 | 9999 N Woodchuck Ln | Marion |
| Sep 2025 | 2.50 | $68,900 | $27,560 | Ashworth Rd | Marion |
| Sep 2025 | 1.18 | $32,000 | $27,119 | 0 Woodchuck Ln #18 | Marion |
| Sep 2025 | 32.96 | $359,000 | $10,892 | 0 Harmony Grove Rd | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 1.01 | $650,000 | $643,564 | 123 Linville View Dr #12 | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 2.32 | $65,000 | $28,017 | 310 Walnut Grove Dr | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 1.10 | $235,000 | $213,636 | 2127 Catawba Trl #166 | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 42.40 | $300,000 | $7,075 | 567 Drucilla Church Rd | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 9.64 | $20,000 | $2,075 | Lytle Mountain Rd | Marion |
| Sep 2025 | 68.68 | $379,900 | $5,531 | 0 Vein Mountain Rd | Nebo |
| Sep 2025 | 4.78 | $112,000 | $23,431 | 234 Mount Pleasant Church Rd | Marion |
| Sep 2025 | 7.12 | $67,000 | $9,410 | 0 Vein Mountain Rd | Marion |
| Aug 2025 | 3.44 | $68,000 | $19,767 | 284 Bear Cliff Cir #53 | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 2.09 | $80,000 | $38,278 | 637 Ridge Rd | Marion |
| Aug 2025 | 2.31 | $33,000 | $14,286 | 352 Walnut Grove Dr | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 2.00 | $83,000 | $41,500 | 2446 Fairview Rd | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 150.00 | $1,669,900 | $11,133 | / Moondance Trl | Black Mountain |
| Aug 2025 | 2.02 | $30,000 | $14,851 | 23 Highland Trl | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 3.00 | $7,500 | $2,500 | Lots 198 200 McKenzie Way S | Old Fort |
| Aug 2025 | 5.30 | $49,000 | $9,245 | Pine Needle Ln | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 14.39 | $7,000 | $486 | 2198 Us Highway 70 W | Marion |
| Aug 2025 | 2.23 | $12,000 | $5,381 | LOT-38V Brindlewood Dr | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 6.20 | $150,000 | $24,194 | 6780 Buck Creek Rd | Marion |
| Aug 2025 | 1.01 | $25,000 | $24,752 | LOT 2 Glenhaven Dr | Marion |
| Aug 2025 | 1.02 | $21,000 | $20,588 | 5050 Walker Rd #5 | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 11.08 | $135,000 | $12,184 | 83 Rock Dr #808 | Old Fort |
| Aug 2025 | 1.07 | $21,000 | $19,626 | 6060 Walker Rd #6 | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 2.33 | $40,000 | $17,167 | 18 Watson Rd | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 3.80 | $62,000 | $16,316 | Executive Estates Dr #5 & 6 | Old Fort |
| Aug 2025 | 1.74 | $50,000 | $28,736 | 65 Serene Trl #461 | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 1.12 | $32,000 | $28,571 | 0 Woodchuck Ln #103 | Marion |
| Aug 2025 | 1.00 | $42,000 | $42,000 | 16 Waters Edge Dr | Nebo |
| Aug 2025 | 6.50 | $130,000 | $20,000 | 0 Open Valley Rd | Marion |
| Aug 2025 | 1.87 | $25,000 | $13,369 | 99999 Sir Winston Way #50 & 51 | Marion |
| Jul 2025 | 11.47 | $170,500 | $14,865 | LOT 224 Cumberland Falls Trl | Black Mountain |
| Jul 2025 | 5.00 | $50,000 | $10,000 | 99999 Fairfield Ln | Marion |
| Jul 2025 | 2.58 | $28,000 | $10,853 | 5B Wilderness Dr | Marion |
| Jul 2025 | 1.42 | $31,000 | $21,831 | 0 Tatertown Loop | Nebo |
| Jul 2025 | 12.00 | $110,000 | $9,167 | 3288 Tatertown Loop #1 | Nebo |
| Jul 2025 | 14.21 | $140,000 | $9,852 | 3288 Tatertown Loop #2 | Nebo |
| Jul 2025 | 19.73 | $197,300 | $10,000 | 0 Paxton Creek Rd | Marion |
| Jul 2025 | 1.32 | $14,000 | $10,606 | LOT 15 Song Sparrow Dr | Marion |
| Jul 2025 | 1.04 | $42,250 | $40,782 | 98 Cherry Cove Way #7 | Old Fort |
| Jul 2025 | 2.93 | $11,500 | $3,925 | 30 Hull Ave | Nebo |
| Jul 2025 | 3.01 | $30,000 | $9,967 | 268 Crest View Dr S #94 | Nebo |
| Jul 2025 | 61.63 | $55,000 | $892 | State Rd #1130 | Old Fort |
| Jul 2025 | 2.12 | $10,000 | $4,719 | 0 Forest Country Dr #48 | Marion |
| Jul 2025 | 5.16 | $15,000 | $2,907 | Lowden Dr #19 | Nebo |
| Jul 2025 | 3.00 | $66,000 | $22,000 | 0 Mud Cut Loop | Marion |
| Jul 2025 | 3.02 | $54,900 | $18,203 | 0 Paradise Ln | Old Fort |
| Jun 2025 | 1.27 | $475,000 | $374,016 | 267 Crest View Dr S | Nebo |
| Jun 2025 | 10.00 | $90,000 | $9,000 | 0 Burma Rd W | Marion |
| Jun 2025 | 5.12 | $85,000 | $16,602 | 4617 Bethlehem Rd | Old Fort |
| Jun 2025 | 1.71 | $18,000 | $10,526 | 0 Dirksen Ave #67 | Nebo |
| Jun 2025 | 2.00 | $30,000 | $14,993 | 0 Gypsy Mountain Dr | Marion |
| Jun 2025 | 10.00 | $150,000 | $15,000 | 690 Hidden Acres Dr | Marion |
| May 2025 | 10.40 | $114,900 | $11,048 | 3288 Tatertown Loop #3 | Nebo |
| May 2025 | 2.41 | $50,000 | $20,747 | 78 Secluded Cir | Marion |
| May 2025 | 2.07 | $14,000 | $6,763 | 18 Deer Ridge Trl | Marion |
| May 2025 | 12.47 | $375,000 | $30,072 | 231 Eula Parker Rd | Old Fort |
| May 2025 | 102.67 | $565,000 | $5,503 | Off Hwy #70 | Nebo |
| May 2025 | 1.00 | $28,000 | $28,000 | 7070 Walker Rd #7 | Nebo |
| May 2025 | 5.13 | $30,000 | $5,848 | 171 Woodchuck Ln N #118 & 119 | Marion |
| May 2025 | 9.37 | $145,000 | $15,475 | Old Fort Sugar Hill Rd | Old Fort |
| May 2025 | 1.45 | $62,000 | $42,877 | 116 Cherry Cove Way #6 | Old Fort |
| May 2025 | 11.80 | $160,000 | $13,559 | 4906 Old Hickory Tree Rd | Morganton |
| May 2025 | 1.00 | $65,000 | $65,000 | 99999 Davistown Church Rd | Old Fort |
| May 2025 | 1.05 | $20,000 | $19,048 | 365 S Feather Falls Trl #48 | Black Mountain |
| May 2025 | 76.55 | $295,000 | $3,854 | 0 Old Highway 221 S | Marion |
| Apr 2025 | 4.50 | $95,900 | $21,311 | 1388 Fairview Rd | Marion |
| Apr 2025 | 1.31 | $15,000 | $11,450 | Deer Ln | Marion |
| Apr 2025 | 1.79 | $60,000 | $33,520 | 588 Peninsula Reserve Rd #35 | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 3.74 | $55,000 | $14,706 | Tatertown Loop #3 | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 1.52 | $39,900 | $26,250 | 0 S Mountain Dr #13 | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 1.46 | $12,000 | $8,219 | 78 Big Branch Dr | Marion |
| Apr 2025 | 2.50 | $50,000 | $20,000 | Holland Dr | Marion |
| Apr 2025 | 1.09 | $15,000 | $13,761 | Pheasant Trl #30 | Marion |
| Apr 2025 | 2.32 | $18,000 | $7,759 | 0 Double Eagle Dr #14 | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 1.72 | $30,000 | $17,442 | 32 Grandview Peaks Dr Lot 32 | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 1.28 | $28,000 | $21,875 | 33 Grandview Peaks Dr #33 | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 2.92 | $16,000 | $5,479 | 23 N Ridge Dr | Marion |
| Apr 2025 | 2.75 | $100,000 | $36,364 | 96 Seclusion Ridge Dr Lot 184 | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 1.52 | $45,000 | $29,605 | 0 Highway 226a | Little Switzerland |
| Apr 2025 | 4.21 | $90,000 | $21,378 | 43 Biggerstaff Dr | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 3.00 | $33,500 | $11,167 | 81 N Mill Rdg | Nebo |
| Apr 2025 | 3.02 | $23,000 | $7,616 | 0 Mountain Crest Dr S #71 | Marion |
| Apr 2025 | 2.05 | $8,000 | $3,902 | Mentinck Dr | Nebo |
| Mar 2025 | 5.74 | $98,000 | $17,073 | 109 Highland Trl #471 | Nebo |
| Mar 2025 | 5.69 | $60,000 | $10,545 | 53 Pretty Creek Ln #20&22 | Nebo |
| Mar 2025 | 2.65 | $42,000 | $15,849 | 37 Clearwater Dr | Nebo |
| Mar 2025 | 2.47 | $10,000 | $4,049 | V/l Jeremy Dr #70 & 71 | Nebo |
| Mar 2025 | 5.80 | $70,000 | $12,069 | 937 S View Rd #937 | Old Fort |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Sep 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $28,000 |
| Recent Sales | 17 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 86 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.65 acres |
| Active Listings | 33 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.15 | $21,000 | Hill St | Marion |
| Feb 2026 | 0.82 | $295,000 | 16 Harborside Dr | Nebo |
| Jan 2026 | 0.78 | $32,500 | 35 Westview Dr | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 0.90 | $42,500 | Olde Duffer Dr #10 | Nebo |
| Jan 2026 | 0.79 | $45,000 | 84 Grace Estates Dr | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 0.73 | $63,000 | 154 S Slope Ln #18 | Old Fort |
| Jan 2026 | 0.79 | $32,000 | 961 Deep Woods Dr | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 0.49 | $20,500 | 0 Hidden Cove Dr #5 | Marion |
| Jan 2026 | 0.34 | $25,000 | 122 Bumpy Hill Dr | Marion |
| Dec 2025 | 0.75 | $35,000 | 0 Wildlife Lake Rd | Old Fort |
| Date | Acres | Price | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | 0.83 | $26,000 | 12 Whippoorwill Dr | Marion |
| Nov 2025 | 0.47 | $15,000 | 137 Smith Hill Rd | Marion |
| Nov 2025 | 0.24 | $20,000 | 541 Blue Ridge Dr S | Marion |
| Oct 2025 | 0.92 | $28,000 | 8080 Walker Rd #8 | Nebo |
| Oct 2025 | 0.80 | $42,500 | 60 E Spring Wheel Dr | Old Fort |
| Oct 2025 | 0.59 | $25,000 | 120 Squirrel Hollow Dr | Marion |
| Sep 2025 | 0.62 | $25,000 | Blue Ridge Dr N #210 | Marion |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 44,679 |
| Population (2020) | 44,578 |
| Population Growth | 0.23% |
| Median Household Income | $55,527 |
| Median Home Value | $168,300 |
| Total Housing Units | 21,475 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 3,030 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 14.1% |
| Median Age | 44.3 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 3,985 (8.9%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.6% |
Market Overview
McDowell County, North Carolina has a population of 44,679, which has grown 0.23% since 2020. The median household income is $55,527, below the national median of $74,580 by 25.5%. With a median home value of $168,300 and an unemployment rate of 3.6%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 14.1% suggests soft market conditions. The county's location in North Carolina makes it accessible for investors and developers seeking rural land. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $14,706 per acre, with properties averaging 8.90 acres. There are currently 199 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of McDowell County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, McDowell County has a population of 44,679. The county has grown 0.23% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in McDowell County?
The median household income in McDowell County is $55,527, which is 25.5% below the national median of $74,580.
Is McDowell County growing or shrinking?
McDowell County is growing. The population has increased 0.23% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in McDowell County?
The median home value in McDowell County is $168,300. The housing vacancy rate is 14.1%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $14,706 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $26,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in McDowell County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including McDowell County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.