Cherokee County, North Carolina
6 ZIP codes · Avg score 52/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-04
In recent EPA cycles, Cherokee County's 6 ZIP codes show a persistent below-average water quality pattern — documented violations span multiple areas, have appeared consistently across recent reporting periods, and the compliance shortfalls are spread across the county rather than isolated to a single geographic pocket or utility district, suggesting a broader structural issue rather than a localized anomaly.
How Cherokee County Compares
How Cherokee County Compares
Cherokee County scores 21 points below the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 16 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Cherokee County, North Carolina
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15.8 (asthma 10.7%, diabetes 15.2%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $933, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.33% avg pipe failure probability
43.4% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $933
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
19,493 housing units in Cherokee County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Cherokee County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Cherokee County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Cherokee County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Cherokee County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MARBLE COMMUNITY WTR SYSTEM | 999 | 22 |
| 2 | ANDREWS, TOWN OF | 3,284 | 16 |
| 3 | MURPHY, TOWN OF | 4,498 | 15 |
| 4 | Granny Squirrel | 142 | 7 |
| 5 | Nantahala Shores | 53 | 7 |
10 total water systems serve Cherokee County.
All ZIP Codes in Cherokee County
6 ZIP codes tracked in Cherokee County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28905 | Marble | 68 | C | 9 (1 health) | $214K |
| 2 | 28901 | Andrews | 65 | C | 7 | $171K |
| 3 | 28781 | Topton | 53 | D | 0 | $261K |
| 4 | 28906 | Murphy | 45 | D | 6 (1 health) | $220K |
| 5 | 28902 | Brasstown | 40 | D | 0 | $259K |
| 6 | 28903 | Culberson | 40 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Cherokee County
Where county records show a lead exceedance or pre-1978 housing concentration, lead-specific filters and test kits move toward the top of the list.
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cherokee County, North Carolina
Overview
Cherokee County in North Carolina covers 6 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (52/100).
3 of 6 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to North Carolina water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Cherokee County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
43.4% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.