Mitchell County, North Carolina
4 ZIP codes · Avg score 57/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm for most of Mitchell County's 4 ZIP codes — but a notable subset have documented violations that push the grade to the middle tier.
How Mitchell County Compares
How Mitchell County Compares
Mitchell County scores 16 points below the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 11 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 14.7 (asthma 10.7%, diabetes 13%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,168, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.348% avg pipe failure probability, 25% of ZIPs at high risk
63% 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: $1,168
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
10,057 housing units in Mitchell 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 Mitchell County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spruce Pine, Town of | 5,661 | 6 |
| 2 | Swiss Pine Lakes | 185 | 4 |
| 3 | Bear Den Acres | 140 | 4 |
| 4 | Humpback Mountain | 25 | 4 |
| 5 | Bakersville, Town of | 725 | 2 |
7 total water systems serve Mitchell County.
All ZIP Codes in Mitchell County
4 ZIP codes tracked in Mitchell County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28765 | Penland | 63 | C | 1 | — |
| 2 | 28705 | Bakersville | 56 | C | 2 (1 health) | $202K |
| 3 | 28777 | Spruce Pine | 55 | C | 4 | $206K |
| 4 | 28740 | Green Mountain | 53 | D | 0 | $202K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Mitchell County
Below: editorial picks, no sponsored placements.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 63% of homes built before 1978
- 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
Overview
Mitchell County in North Carolina covers 4 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (57/100).
3 of 4 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation 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.