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AREA: County, 563 sq. miles; Rutherfordton, 2.6 sq. miles; Spindale, 4.62 sq. miles; Forest City, 10.6 sq. miles. The county is composed of eight municipalities: Bostic, Chimney Rock, Ellenboro, Forest City, Rutherfordton, Ruth, Spindale and Lake Lure. Connected by US Hwy 74-Business, Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City form the Tri- City area. The towns of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are located approximately 20 miles west of Rutherfordton. Lake Lure is a private lake with public access.

ELEVATION: Rutherfordton, 1075 ft.; Spindale, 960 ft.; Forest City, 860 ft. County’s lowest elevation - Caroleen, 806. County’s highest elevation - Sugar Loaf, 3,967 ft.

CLIMATE: Average annual temperature, 59.9 F; average rainfall, 49.91 inches. Rainfall is concentrated in Spring and Fall. Average humidity, approximately 65%. Located in the Isothermal Belt, there are 200 frost-free days in the growing season. Average snowfall, 2.74 inches.

EMPLOYMENT: Rutherford county workforce totals 22,790 (2006 report). It breaks down as follows: manufacturing, 18.2 %; construction, 5.5%; transportation and utilities, 21.4%; education and health services, 24%; professional and business services, 9.3%; leisure and hospitality, 8.4%; information, 4%; financial activities, 2%; public administration, 5.3% and all other, 2.08%. For employment opportunities call the N.C. Employment Security Commission at (828) 246-9841 or contact the Chamber and ask for a listing of Temporary Agencies.

RELIGION: Most major religions are active in the county or in nearby communities.

SCHOOLS: North Carolina requires all children ages 7 to 16 to attend school. Students must present a vaccination certificate, birth certificate, and medical examination form upon entering kindergarten or first grade. In addition to the public schools, Rutherford County has two private schools (K-8), (Trinity School and The Master's Academy) and one charter school (Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy). For more information on the public school system call (828) 286-2757 or visit the Rutherford County School System website. Isothermal Community College offers a variety of courses and activities to county residents. Whether you are looking to obtain a two or four-year degree, ICC can meet your educational needs. For more information call (828) 286-3636.

For more information about Rutherford County, please download the following publications:
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