Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 64,850 ↑ 0.6% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $49,771 33% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $180,800 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% |
| Median Age | 45.3 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 18.6% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 197 transactions |
| Active Listings | 195 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 79 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $11,344 |
| Recent Sales | 150 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 80 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 13.40 acres |
| Active Listings | 126 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 98.44 | $1,045,000 | $10,616 | Rutherfordton |
| Feb 2026 | 1.21 | $29,000 | $23,967 | Forest City |
| Feb 2026 | 3.70 | $47,000 | $12,703 | Bostic |
| Feb 2026 | 189.78 | $1,200,000 | $6,323 | Ellenboro |
| Feb 2026 | 12.02 | $149,900 | $12,471 | Rutherfordton |
| Feb 2026 | 1.54 | $18,000 | $11,688 | Rutherfordton |
| Feb 2026 | 2.88 | $9,800 | $3,403 | Lake Lure |
| Feb 2026 | 2.00 | $35,000 | $17,500 | Lake Lure |
| Feb 2026 | 11.87 | $98,634 | $8,310 | Bostic |
| Feb 2026 | 10.02 | $83,262 | $8,310 | Bostic |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $20,000 |
| Recent Sales | 47 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 76 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 69 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.71 | $30,900 | Lake Lure |
| Mar 2026 | 0.97 | $20,000 | Union Mills |
| Feb 2026 | 0.06 | $13,000 | Forest City |
| Feb 2026 | 0.87 | $17,000 | Rutherfordton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.26 | $10,000 | Spindale |
| Feb 2026 | 0.56 | $35,000 | Lake Lure |
| Feb 2026 | 0.40 | $8,000 | Forest City |
| Feb 2026 | 0.73 | $27,500 | Rutherfordton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.73 | $27,500 | Rutherfordton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.15 | $8,750 | Forest City |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 64,850 |
| Population (2020) | 64,444 |
| Population Growth | 0.63% |
| Median Household Income | $49,771 |
| Median Home Value | $180,800 |
| Total Housing Units | 32,682 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 6,093 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 18.6% |
| Median Age | 45.3 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 6,265 (9.7%) |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% |
Market Overview
Rutherford County, North Carolina has a population of 64,850, which has grown 0.63% since 2020. The median household income is $49,771, below the national median of $74,580 by 33.3%. The housing vacancy rate of 18.6% suggests soft market conditions. As part of North Carolina, Rutherford County benefits from the state's growing interest in vacant land investment. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $11,344 per acre, with properties averaging 13.40 acres. There are currently 195 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
- Sell Land in Rutherford County, NC
- How to Sell Land in North Carolina
- FSBO Guide
- Land Valuation Guide
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Rutherford County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Rutherford County has a population of 64,850. The county has grown 0.63% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Rutherford County?
The median household income in Rutherford County is $49,771, which is 33.3% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Rutherford County growing or shrinking?
Rutherford County is growing. The population has increased 0.63% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Rutherford County?
The median home value in Rutherford County is $180,800. The housing vacancy rate is 18.6%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, reflecting the local economic conditions. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $11,344 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $20,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Rutherford County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Rutherford 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.