Rutherford County, North Carolina

Infobox U.S. County
county = Rutherford County
state = North Carolina




map size = 250
founded = 1779
seat = Rutherfordton | area_total_sq_mi =566
area_water_sq_mi =2
area percentage = 0.31%
census yr = 2000
pop = 62899
density_km2 =43
web = www.rutherfordcountync.gov
| Rutherford County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2000, the population was 62,899. Its county seat is RutherfordtonGR|6.

History

The county was formed in 1779 from the western part of the former Tryon County. It was named for Griffith Rutherford, leader of an expedition against the Cherokee in 1776 and a general in the American Revolutionary War.

In 1791 parts of Rutherford County and Burke County were combined to form Buncombe County. In 1841 parts of Rutherford County and Lincoln County were combined to form Cleveland County. In 1842 additional parts of Rutherford County and Burke County were combined to form McDowell County. Finally, in 1855 parts of Rutherford County and Henderson County were combined to form Polk County.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 566 square miles (1,466 km²), of which, 564 square miles (1,461 km²) of it is land and 2 square miles (5 km²) of it (0.31%) is water.

Adjacent counties

*McDowell County, North Carolina - north
*Burke County, North Carolina - north-northeast
*Cleveland County, North Carolina - east
*Cherokee County, South Carolina - south-southeast
*Spartanburg County, South Carolina - south-southwest
*Polk County, North Carolina - southwest
*Henderson County, North Carolina - west
*Buncombe County, North Carolina - northwest

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 62,899 people, 25,191 households, and 17,935 families residing in the county. The population density was 112 people per square mile (43/km²). There were 29,535 housing units at an average density of 52 per square mile (20/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.79% White, 11.23% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. 1.81% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 25,191 households out of which 30.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.40% were married couples living together, 11.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.80% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the county the population was spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,122, and the median income for a family was $37,787. Males had a median income of $28,890 versus $21,489 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,270. About 10.40% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.30% of those under age 18 and 13.80% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

*Bostic
*Chimney Rock
*Ellenboro
*Forest City
*Lake Lure
*Ruth
*Rutherfordton
*Spindale

Townships

The county is divided into 14 townships: Camp Creek, Chimney Rock, Colfax, Cool Spring, Duncans Creek, Gilkey, Golden Valley, Green Hill, High Shoals, Logan Store, Morgan, Rutherfordton, Sulphur Springs, and Union.

References

External links

* [http://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/ Rutherford County official website]