Caroleen Public RecordsNorth Carolina

Caroleen, located in Rutherford County, NC, has a population of approximately 560 residents. The community's median age is about 45 years. Gender distribution is fairly balanced, with women making up around 51% and men 49%. The racial and ethnic composition is predominantly White (over 85%), with African Americans making up roughly 8%, and other races and Hispanic or Latino residents accounting for less than 7% combined.

Caroleen, located in Rutherford County, NC, offers affordable housing with a median home value around $82,000 and median rent near $690 (2024). The housing stock is primarily single-family homes with some mobile homes, reflecting a rural, close-knit community. About 65% of residents are homeowners, while 35% rent. Neighborhoods are quiet, with modest lots and mature landscaping. Property values have seen a steady 3% annual increase. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average rate of 0.75% of assessed value, making Caroleen an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers and renters.

Caroleen, an unincorporated community in Rutherford County, NC, is primarily served by Rutherford County Schools, including nearby high schools such as Chase High. There are no college campuses in Caroleen; about 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Rutherford County Schools district has a 2023 GreatSchools rating of 6/10. Four public schools serve the broader area, offering educational programs from elementary to high school. Adult education options are provided by nearby Isothermal Community College. School safety initiatives are in place district-wide, with a reported low incident rate.

Caroleen, an unincorporated community in Rutherford County, NC, lacks fixed-route public transit, making personal vehicles the primary transportation mode; about 90% of residents commute by car, with average commute times near 25 minutes. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households owning two or more cars. Transportation infrastructure centers on U.S. Route 221A and local roads. Public transit options are limited to Rutherford County Transit on-demand services. Major employment hubs include nearby Forest City and Spindale, contributing to outbound commuting patterns. Public transit usage is low, at under 2%, reflecting the area's rural character and infrastructure limitations.

Caroleen, a small community in Rutherford County, NC, lacks its own hospital; residents typically access healthcare at Rutherford Regional Medical Center in nearby Rutherfordton (143 beds) or local clinics such as Foothills Medical Associates. Rutherford County’s uninsured rate is approximately 13%, with Medicaid covering 22%. The population skews older, with 20% aged 65+, and common health issues include diabetes (13%), hypertension, and chronic respiratory diseases. Healthcare providers per 100,000 population in the county is 53 (primary care physicians), below state average. Access challenges persist due to transportation and local provider shortages.