Rutherford County is located in western North Carolina and is part of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Rutherfordton.

Rutherford County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, which is elected by the citizens of the county. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for setting the county's tax rate, approving the county budget, and setting policies for county government.

The county is served by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement and the operation of the county jail. The county is also served by the Rutherford County Emergency Services, which provides fire protection and emergency medical services.

The county is home to several state parks, including Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, and South Mountains State Park. The county is also home to the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which hosts equestrian events throughout the year.

For the most up-to-date and in-depth information, please check the public records links below.