McDowell County, North Carolina
McDowell County, North Carolina, has 45,198 residents (July 2025 estimate). Its county seat is Marion. It uses Eastern Time and covers 440 sq mi (1,139 km²) of land.
- Resident population, July 2025
- 45,198
- Land area
- 440 sq mi (1,139 km²)
- County seat or government
- Marion
- Time zone
- Eastern TimeUTC-05:00 in January; UTC-04:00 in July
- Median household income
- $57,168 ± $4,181
- Median home value
- $171,100 ± $10,414
- Median rent, with utilities
- $806 ± $45
- Homes lived in by their owners
- 75.6% ± 2.3 points
- County type
- County
- Metro or micro area
- Marion, NC micro areaCentral county
- Water area
- 5.4 sq mi (14 km²)
- State
- North Carolina
- County code (FIPS)
- 37111
- Coordinates (central point)
- 35.682268, -82.048045
These coordinates mark a central point for the area, not a street address. Income, home value, rent and homes lived in by their owners: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, ± margin at 90% confidence; checked on October 13, 2026.
Time zones in McDowell County
| Time zone | Local time and UTC offset | Next clock change |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern TimeAmerica/New_York | UTC-05:00 in January; UTC-04:00 in July. Enable JavaScript for the live clock. | Enable JavaScript for upcoming changes. |
Near a time-zone line, check where you are with the time-zone finder. Your phone’s setting can differ.
ZIP Code areas, largest first
- 2865555,100 people
- 2875230,292 people
- 2871112,663 people
- 2877710,178 people
- 286578,188 people
- 287618,150 people
- 287626,599 people
- 281672,253 people
- 287490 people
9 ZIP Code areas overlap McDowell County. People counts are 2020–2024 estimates for each whole ZIP area. Mailing ZIPs can differ; check an address with USPS ZIP Code Lookup.
Official county information
We don’t have a website for this county yet. The US government’s local-office directory ↗ lists its offices. A geographic lookup cannot determine eligibility, tax liability or a court obligation.
Townships in McDowell County, largest first
- Marion Township18,633 people
- Nebo Township4,145 people
- Crooked Creek Township3,696 people
- Dysartsville Township3,487 people
- Old Fort Township3,425 people
- Higgins Township3,232 people
- North Cove Township2,714 people
- Glenwood Township2,665 people
- Montford Cove Township2,356 people
- Brackett Township464 people
People counts are American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates. All townships in North Carolina, by county
School districts in McDowell County, largest first
- McDowell County Schools44,817 people
Districts with land in the county; a district can cross county lines. People counts are American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates. A district boundary doesn’t decide which school a student attends.
Cities, towns and communities, largest first
These areas overlap the mapped boundary; an overlap does not mean that every address belongs to both.
- Marion, North Carolina (city)7,579 people
- Nebo, North Carolina (CDP)1,670 people
- West Marion, North Carolina (CDP)1,066 people
- Old Fort, North Carolina (town)555 people
- Glenwood, North Carolina (CDP)226 people
Bordering areas, nearest first
Distances are straight lines between map points.
- Burke County, North Carolina20 mi east
- Yancey County, North Carolina20 mi northwest
- Rutherford County, North Carolina21 mi south
- Mitchell County, North Carolina24 mi north
- Buncombe County, North Carolina28 mi west
- Avery County, North Carolina28 mi north
Before using this answer on a form
Use a precise point for address-level questions. A device accuracy circle can cross a boundary; confirm tax, voting or jury details with the responsible office.
Find the county where you are now, check its ZIP area, or check the time zone where you are.
Areas that only touch the edge
These areas meet the boundary only along a sliver. Most addresses here are not in them; for an address near the line, check with the county.