Cliffside City Demographics

Cliffside, an unincorporated community in Rutherford County, NC, has an estimated population of around 735. The demographic makeup is approximately 90% White, 6% Black or African American, and 4% other races/ethnicities, with about 2% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median age is around 48, indicating an older population, and 53% are female while 47% are male.

Cliffside City Housing

Cliffside, a community in Rutherford County, NC, features a mix of single-family homes and some manufactured housing. The median home value is about $145,000, with average rents around $900/month. Owner-occupied homes make up about 70% of housing. Property values have risen roughly 10% over the past year. Popular neighborhoods, such as Avondale and Henrietta, offer quiet, rural living. Property tax rates in Rutherford County are approximately $0.66 per $100 assessed value, making the area relatively affordable for both buyers and renters compared to state averages.

Education in Cliffside City

Cliffside, a community in Rutherford County, NC, is served by Rutherford County Schools, with students typically attending Chase High School (approx. 550 students, 77% graduation rate), Chase Middle, and Cliffside Elementary. There are no colleges in Cliffside; just 13.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above state average, and programs include STEM and career/technical education. Rutherford County offers adult education and GED programs. District schools average a 6/10 GreatSchools rating, and student-to-teacher ratios are about 16:1.

Transportation in Cliffside City

Cliffside, located in Rutherford County, NC, relies primarily on personal vehicles for transportation, as public transit is limited or nonexistent. Approximately 90% of residents commute by car, with less than 1% using public transport. The average one-way commute time is about 25 minutes. Most households own two or more vehicles, reflecting the area’s low-density infrastructure and limited public transportation options. Major employment hubs are in nearby Forest City and Shelby, leading many residents to commute regionally for work. Road infrastructure is the primary network, with highways NC 120 and US 221A serving local travel needs.

Cliffside City Healthcare

Cliffside, a small unincorporated community in Rutherford County, North Carolina, does not have its own hospital but relies on nearby Rutherford Regional Health System in Rutherfordton (~15 miles away). Local clinics, such as Foothills Family Healthcare, serve primary care needs. Rutherford County reports an uninsured rate of ~13% and about 25% of residents live below the poverty line. The population is predominantly White (over 80%), with significant rates of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Healthcare access is challenged by transportation and provider shortages, with a primary care provider ratio of 1:2,000 residents in the county.

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