Demographics

Area

The county is 563 sq. miles (Rutherfordton 2.6 sq. miles, Spindale 4.62 sq. miles, and Forest City 10.6 sq. miles).

The county is composed of eight municipalities:

Bostic

Chimney Rock

Ellenboro

Forest City

Rutherfordton

Ruth

Spindale

Lake Lure

Connected by US Hightway 74-Business, Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City for the Tri-City area.  The towns of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are located approximately 20 miles west of Rutherfordton.  Lake Lure is a private lake with public access.

Elevation

Rutherfordton: 1,075 feet

Spindale: 960 feet

Forest City: 860 Feet

County’s lowest elevation: Caroleen at 806 feet

County’s highest elevation: Sugar Loaf at 3,967 feet

Climate

Average annual temperature: 59.9F

Average rainfall: 49.91 inches (rainfall is concentrated in Spring and Fall)

Average humidity: ~65%

Average snowfall: 2.75 inches

The county is located in the Isothermal Belt with 200 front-free days in the growing season.

Religion

Most major religions are active in the county or in nearby communities.

View additional demographic details: 19-20 Demographic Report