Mcdowell County

As of the 2020 census, McDowell County, NC, has a population of approximately 44,578. The racial makeup is 89.9% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, and 4.6% from other races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 8.7% of the population. The median household income is around $42,546, and about 16.0% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county has a total area of 446 square miles, with the county seat located in Marion.

As of recent data, McDowell County, NC has a median home value of around $138,500. The median rent is approximately $731 per month. Homeownership rate stands at 73%, with a median household income of about $41,669. Housing units total 22,146 with a 14.1% vacancy rate. The market has seen a slight increase in home values, reflecting a steady demand. For new constructions or detailed market trends, it's advisable to consult local real estate professionals or county records.

In McDowell County, NC, elections include local, state, and federal races. For the 2024 general elections, the Board of Elections can provide specific candidate lists and ballot measures. Current electoral positions typically include County Commissioners, Sheriff, and members of the Board of Education.

For example, in the 2020 general elections, the voter turnout was 74.36% of registered voters. Republican candidates often dominate local elections; in 2020, the county favored Donald Trump with 74.4% vs. 24.6% for Joe Biden in the presidential race.

For up-to-date candidate lists and numerical values, visit the McDowell County Board of Elections website or contact them directly. Ensure you are registered to vote and know your precinct for smooth participation on election day.

As of the most recent data, McDowell County, NC, has a high school graduation rate of approximately 82%, lower than the national average of 88% and the North Carolina average of 86%. About 12% of the county's population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 32% and the state average of 32%. The county faces educational challenges, with school performance metrics generally below the state and national benchmarks. The presence of institutions like McDowell Technical Community College aims to improve access to higher education and vocational training. Despite ongoing efforts, McDowell County still lags behind both national and North Carolina state averages in several key educational indicators.

As of recent data, McDowell County, NC, has an employment rate with approximately 16,000 employed individuals. The top industries in the county include manufacturing, employing around 30% of the workforce, healthcare and social assistance (15%), retail trade (12%), and educational services (10%).

Comparatively, the manufacturing sector in McDowell County is significantly higher than the national average of about 8.5% and the North Carolina state average of 11%. Healthcare and social assistance align closely with national trends (14%), but slightly higher than the state average (13%). Retail trade employment is on par with both national (12%) and state (~12%) averages. Educational services in McDowell County are somewhat higher than both the national and state levels, which are around 9%.

Overall, McDowell's employment landscape is more concentrated in manufacturing compared to broader state and national trends.

As of the latest data, McDowell County, NC, has a median household income of around $41,000. This figure is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which is approximately $68,700, and the state median for North Carolina, which is approximately $54,600. The disparity highlights economic challenges locally compared to broader regions.

Mcdowell County's income levels reflect a more rural, less economically diverse area, often characterized by lower wages and limited high-paying job opportunities compared to urban and suburban areas.

As of the most recent data available, McDowell County, North Carolina, has a crime rate that reflects a mix of different crime types. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is around 25.5. Below is a table summarizing the types of crimes and their rates per 1,000 residents:

Overall, while McDowell County has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to national averages, property crimes are notably higher, necessitating preventive measures by residents and law enforcement. These figures are subject to change as new data becomes available.