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Houses for Rent in McDowell County, NC

1-9 of 9 rentals

House for rent at 89 Leach St, Marion, NC 28752

1/10

Managed by Greybeard Realty & Rentals

$1,500

House3 Beds1 Bath1,152 ft²

89 Leach St

Marion, NC 28752

3 bedroom/1 bathroom rental in Marion. One level living with wood floors throughout. Large windows for great natural sunlight and freshly painted walls. Large basement area for storage. W/D hookups. Pets considered. Please note, the electric fireplace is off limits.

1/10

Managed by House In Order

$2,500

Townhouse4 Beds2 Baths1,969 ft²

219 Ridge Rd

Marion, NC 28752

Welcome to 219 Ridge Road in Marion. This well-maintained 4-bedroom brick ranch offers plenty of space inside and out, all while being conveniently located just minutes from downtown Marion. The home features a spacious living room, a lovely kitchen, and an additional den just off the kitchen-providing plenty of room for everyday living, entertaining, or a home office. Downstairs, the full unfinished basement offers a tremendous amount of additional space for storage, hobbies, a workshop, or recreational use. A large covered carport and generous driveway offer convenient parking for multiple vehicles.

House for rent at 41 Mountain View Annex, Old Fort, NC 28762

1/11

Managed by PURE HomeRiver Property Management

$1,195

House2 Beds1 Bath

41 Mountain View Annex

Old Fort, NC 28762

Move In Special: $500 Off First Month's Rent. Welcome to your new home, a delightful blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort. This beautifully preserved farmhouse offers the perfect combination of classic character and modern amenities, all situated just half a mile from growing downtown Old Fort. Key Features: Two Bedrooms: Each bedroom is bathed in natural light, with ample closet space and fresh, brand new carpet for a cozy feel. Large Bonus Room: This versatile space can serve as a home office, playroom, or extra living area to suit your needs. It's perfect for adding that personal touch.

House for rent at 556 E Yancey St #B, Marion, NC 28752

1/10

Featured

Listed by Brian F

$1,100

House1 Bed1 Bath500 ft²

556 E Yancey St #B

Marion, NC 28752

Available November 1 2026. Smaller studio home with all features of a larger home. Due to the size of this unit maximum occupancy will be limited to 1 individual. Parking is also limited to 1 vehicle. Located in the heart of downtown Marion NC 28752. Near east jr high school. Also close to interstate 40, with only a 30 minute drive to Asheville or Hickory. Tenant responsible for power with duke energy. Home offers an energy efficient Mini split for heating and air. Full size appliances with stackable Washer dryer in the home.

1/10

Managed by House In Order

$2,750

House3 Beds2.5 Baths1,521 ft²

72 Grace Estates Dr

Marion, NC 28752

Enjoy easy, elegant living in this beautifully designed home featuring true one-level living with absolutely no steps. With soaring ceilings, custom finishes, and an open, inviting floor plan, this home offers the perfect combination of comfort, style, and convenience. Step through the stunning mahogany French doors into a spacious great room featuring an impressive 11-foot tray ceiling with decorative wood beams. The open-concept layout creates a wonderful space for relaxing or entertaining, while the split-bedroom design provides added privacy.

1/10

Featured

Listed by Barefoot Landing Camping Resort

$1,895

House2 Beds1 Bath952 ft²

120 Barefoot Ridge Dr

Marion, NC 28752

Welcome to our spacious two-bedroom rental cabin nestled within the beautiful Barefoot Landing Camping Resort. Located in a gated community next to Lake James, this cabin offers a serene and private retreat for your vacation or longer term rental. Upon entering, you'll find a fully furnished interior, thoughtfully designed for your comfort and convenience. The first bedroom features a cozy queen-size bed, while the second bedroom boasts two full-size beds in bunk style and an additional double. Stay connected and entertained in this home with Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream your favorite shows on the TV.

1/10

Managed by Cottonwood Properties

$1,350

House2 Beds2 Baths832 ft²

92 Wayne Hyatt

Marion, NC 28752

Two-bedroom, two-bath manufactured home situated on 1.17 acres. The home features a split-bedroom floor plan, with a primary bedroom and private bath at one end and a second bedroom and full bath at the other. The central living area and kitchen provide a functional layout, while the covered front porch and rear deck offer outdoor space to enjoy the surroundings. Central heat and air conditioning provide year-round comfort. The property also includes a detached garage for additional use. Located a short drive from Marion, the home offers convenient access to shopping, restaurants, and everyday necessities while providing room to spread out.

1/10

Listed by Alicia Helms

$1,250

House2 Beds2 Baths900 ft²

198 Dawn Dr

Marion, NC 28752

Amazing 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in Marion. Amenities included: central air, central heat, deck, dishwasher, hardwood floors, and yard. Utilities included: water/sewer/lawn maintenance. Is not pet friendly. Available: October 31, 2026. $1,250/month rent. $1,400 security deposit required.

1/8

New 3 days ago

Managed by Greybeard Realty & Rentals

$1,900

House3 Beds1.5 Baths1,800 ft²

730 Forest Hill Dr

Marion, NC 28752

This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Marion, NC offers comfortable living with practical features throughout. Enjoy central air for everyday comfort, a back deck for outdoor space, a large yard, carport parking, and basement storage for added convenience. With a straightforward layout and useful amenities, this property provides a solid option in a convenient location.

Viewing 1-9 of 9 rentals in McDowell County

What to Know About

Life in McDowell County & Beyond

McDowell County shares many of the great qualities that make North Carolina a desirable place to live.

North Carolina is diverse, with coastal beaches and mountainous regions, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. North Carolina is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, and Outer Banks, as well as popular tourist destinations like the North Carolina Zoo and USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial. The state is home to several major universities, including North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It also offers historic sites like the Biltmore Estate and Wright Brothers National Memorial.

There is a strong sports culture in North Carolina, with popular teams including the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), and Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and a rabid college sports scene. North Carolina also has a vibrant arts and theater scene, with some of the country's most prestigious performance venues, like the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

With an affordable cost of living, abundant job opportunities, high quality of life, stunning natural beauty, top-notch education, and a wealth of cultural offerings, North Carolina is a top choice for many looking for a great place to live.

Rental Market Trends

McDowell County, NC

As of November 2026, McDowell County's rental market is stable, with rentals spending about 32 days on the market, about the same as in North Carolina (32), and rents down 3.1% over the past year. McDowell County's average rent is 19.9% ($348) lower than the North Carolina average of $1,747 and 31.3% ($637) lower than the U.S. average of $2,036.

Average Rent

$1,399

Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change

0.58% ($8)

Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change

3.1% ($45)

Days on Market

Unit Type	Average Rent	Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change	Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
1 Bed	$1,170	0.17% ($2)	0.5% ($6)
2 Beds	$1,295	0.30% ($4)	2.8% ($38)
3 Beds	$1,414	0.13% ($2)	2.6% ($37)

Cities within McDowell County	Average Rent	Avg. Rent vs. McDowellAverage Rent vs. McDowell County	Days on Market
Marion	$1,403	0.3% ($4)	32 days
Nebo	$1,273	9.0% ($126)	31 days
Old Fort	$1,386	0.9% ($13)	32 days

Based on rentals advertised on RentalSource in and around McDowell County.

Frequently Asked Questions

McDowell County Rental Market FAQs

Explore rental prices, market conditions, and affordability in McDowell County, NC.

What is the average rent in McDowell County, NC?

The average rent in McDowell County, NC is about $1,399 per month.

What is the average rent for different bedroom sizes in McDowell County, NC?

In McDowell County, the average rent is about $1,170 per month for a 1-bedroom house, about $1,295 for a 2-bedroom house and about $1,414 for a 3-bedroom house.

How do rent prices in McDowell County, NC compare with the national average?

The average rent in McDowell County is 31.3% ($637) lower than the national average of $2,036 per month.

How competitive is the rental market in McDowell County, NC?

The rental market in McDowell County, NC is currently stable, with rentals spending about 32 days on the market, about the same as in North Carolina (32), and rents down 3.1% over the past year.

Can I afford to rent a house in McDowell County, NC?

Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of about $51,800 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom house in McDowell County.

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