McDowell County, North Carolina
5 ZIP codes · Avg score 68/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, McDowell County's 5 ZIP codes show a split record — several have documented water safety violations.
How McDowell County Compares
How McDowell County Compares
McDowell County scores 5 points below the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 0 points above the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: McDowell 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: 14.6 (asthma 10.9%, diabetes 13%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,538, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.388% avg pipe failure probability, 25% of ZIPs at high risk
63.5% 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: $1,538
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
21,441 housing units in McDowell 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 McDowell County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in McDowell 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 McDowell 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 McDowell County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MARION, CITY OF | 9,362 | 19 |
| 2 | Old Fort, Town of | 1,700 | 13 |
| 3 | Mcdowell Company--nebo | 902 | 8 |
| 4 | Marion Moose Lodge | 320 | 8 |
| 5 | Bear Den Acres | 140 | 8 |
16 total water systems serve McDowell County.
All ZIP Codes in McDowell County
5 ZIP codes tracked in McDowell County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28761 | Nebo | 77 | B | 6 (1 health) | $172K |
| 2 | 28762 | Old Fort | 77 | B | 5 (1 health) | $176K |
| 3 | 28749 | Little Switzerland | 70 | B | 6 (2 health) | — |
| 4 | 28752 | Marion | 64 | C | 8 (1 health) | $166K |
| 5 | 28737 | Glenwood | 53 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for McDowell County
Filtered against EPA monitoring data and CDC lead-exposure guidance, the guides below skip the generic catalog and connect directly to the contaminants and hazards on file here.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 63.5% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- 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 McDowell County, North Carolina
Overview
McDowell County in North Carolina covers 5 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (68/100).
4 of 5 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 5 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.