Rutherford County, North Carolina
9 ZIP codes · Avg score 63/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring figures for Rutherford County indicate average water quality overall — some ZIP codes among the 9 tracked have recorded health-based violations, while others operate cleanly, making individual ZIP-level data the most actionable reference point.
How Rutherford County Compares
How Rutherford County Compares
Rutherford County scores 10 points below the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 5 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Rutherford 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: 15.2 (asthma 11.2%, diabetes 14.2%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $960, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.379% avg pipe failure probability, 38% of ZIPs at high risk
52% 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: $960
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
21,974 housing units in Rutherford 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 Rutherford County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Broad River Water Authority | 18,242 | 30 |
| 2 | Forest City, Town of | 21,521 | 25 |
| 3 | CLEVELAND COUNTY WATER | 58,755 | 19 |
| 4 | Concord Commission Water System | 1,867 | 17 |
| 5 | Ellenboro Town of | 2,322 | 17 |
16 total water systems serve Rutherford County.
All ZIP Codes in Rutherford County
9 ZIP codes tracked in Rutherford County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28043 | Forest City | 79 | B | 8 | $176K |
| 2 | 28746 | Lake Lure | 77 | B | 8 (1 health) | $433K |
| 3 | 28720 | Chimney Rock | 76 | B | 5 | $361K |
| 4 | 28024 | Cliffside | 65 | C | 5 | — |
| 5 | 28710 | Bat Cave | 63 | C | 0 | — |
| 6 | 28167 | Union Mills | 58 | C | 11 (1 health) | $216K |
| 7 | 28160 | Spindale | 53 | D | 0 | $121K |
| 8 | 28018 | Bostic | 52 | D | 6 | $152K |
| 9 | 28040 | Ellenboro | 45 | D | 11 (1 health) | $148K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Rutherford County
Retailer arrangements don't shape what appears here — the selection logic is independent, filtered against EPA detections and the federal hazard data on file for this county.
- Best Water Filters for Lead — Lead above EPA action level in 2 ZIP codes
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 52% 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 Rutherford County, North Carolina
Overview
Rutherford County in North Carolina covers 9 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (63/100).
7 of 9 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 3 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.