Mcdowell Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of the 2020 Census, McDowell County, NC, had a population of approximately 44,578. The median age is about 45 years. The gender distribution is nearly balanced—about 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the county is 89% White, 4% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 5% Hispanic or Latino, with other races and multiracial making up the remainder. This diverse population is spread across several small towns and rural areas.

As of November 2023, McDowell County, NC, had about 28,000 registered voters: 50% Republican, 18% Democrat, 31% Unaffiliated. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2022 general election, Republicans won 75% of county votes. Polling locations include the County Administration Building and several precincts. Key issues are economic development and education. The Board of Elections administers voting alongside party officials from both major parties, ensuring compliance and transparency.

McDowell County, NC, has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with median home values around $176,000 in 2023, up approximately 10% year-over-year. Median rent is $870 per month. Housing stock features single-family homes, manufactured houses, and some apartment complexes, mainly in Marion and Old Fort neighborhoods. Recent years show moderate property value growth due to increased demand. Property tax rates average $0.65 per $100 assessed value. The area remains affordable compared to national averages, offering diverse housing options across rural and suburban communities.

McDowell County, NC, has an employment rate of approximately 54.2%, with a labor force participation rate near 54%. Key industries include manufacturing (25.2%), educational services, health care & social assistance (20.6%), and retail trade (12.9%). The most common occupations are production (16.7%), office/administrative support (12.2%), and sales (8.3%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes; nearly 46% work outside the county, primarily in Buncombe and Burke counties.

McDowell County, NC, has 17 public schools, including McDowell High School and 1 early college. Around 77% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 12% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county school district scores 5/10 on GreatSchools overall. Graduation rates exceed 85%. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational offerings feature AP, CTE, and dual-enrollment classes, supporting college and career readiness for roughly 6,000 enrolled students.

McDowell County, NC, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 3.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 17.5 per 1,000. The county saw a total of 142 violent crimes and 774 property crimes reported, according to local law enforcement data. Despite these figures, proactive policing and community programs have contributed to a slight decrease in overall crime rates year-over-year, improving residents’ sense of safety. Crime statistics are regularly published by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office and accessible to the public.