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Marion, NC

Cost of living in McDowell County, NC

Estimated monthly cost
$2,801/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 44,679 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $836 30%
Healthcare $480 17%
Federal tax $454 16%
Groceries $327 12%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $142 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in McDowell County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$780
per month
1 bedroom
$836
per month
2 bedroom
$930
per month
3 bedroom
$1,172
per month
4 bedroom
$1,243
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in McDowell County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$55,527
per year
Individual earnings
$37,823
per year
Per capita
$29,555
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in McDowell County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$168,300
Annual property tax
$871

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in McDowell County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$147
per month · 14¢/kWh
Natural gas
$40
per month
Annual total
$2,244
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in McDowell County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
11.7%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in McDowell County

State and local tax rates for North Carolina.

State income tax
4.5%
Flat rate
State sales tax
4.8%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in McDowell County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
24.9 min
Drive alone
83.6%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
5.3%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for McDowell County

What it costs to live in McDowell County each month.

Single person
$2,801
per month
  • Rent $836
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $454
  • State tax $142
Couple
$3,832
per month
  • Rent $930
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $579
  • State tax $208
Family
$6,206
per month
  • Rent $1,172
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $579
  • State tax $208

Frequently asked questions about McDowell County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in McDowell County?

In McDowell County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $836 per month, a two-bedroom averages $930 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,172 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in McDowell County?

In McDowell County, NC, the average household income is $55,527 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $37,823 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in McDowell County?

The estimated cost of living in McDowell County, NC is approximately $2,801 per month for a single person, $3,832 for a couple, $6,206 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in McDowell County?

The combined sales tax rate in McDowell County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.

Is McDowell County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in McDowell County, NC would need approximately $2,801 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $55,527 per year ($4,627 per month). McDowell County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in McDowell County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in McDowell County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in McDowell County?

The average home value in McDowell County, NC is $168,300, with average annual property taxes of $871, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does McDowell County compare to other areas?

You can compare McDowell County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. McDowell County is in the Marion, NC metro area.

Other counties in North Carolina

Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in North Carolina

Compare McDowell County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources