US ZIP Code
27278

Hillsborough, NC

Orange County  ·  North Carolina

● Active
👥 28,546 Population ↑ 6% since 2019
💰 $101,821 Median HH Income
▲ 33% above avg ↑ 34% since 2019
🎂 44.9 Median Age
🏠 $380,000 Median Home Value
▲ 36% above avg ↑ 48% since 2019
🎓 64.7% College Grads
▲ 67% above avg
📊 2.8% Unemployment
▼ 43% below avg ↓ 37% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code27278
CityHillsborough
StateNorth Carolina (NC)
CountyOrange County
Area Code919/984
Elevation648 ft
Latitude36.090195
Longitude-79.086929
TimezoneNew York (DST)
FIPS37135
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 48.1% (13,742) Female 51.9% (14,804) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 70.5%Hispanic: 12.1%Black: 9.8%Asian: 3%Other: 4.1%Race
White70.5%
Hispanic12.1%
Black9.8%
Asian3.0%
Other4.1%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
6%
5–17
16%
18–24
6%
25–44
23%
45–64
31%
65+
9%

Key Indicators

Median Age44.9 yrs
Avg Household Size2.44
Below Poverty7.2% ▼ 28% below avg
College Grads64.7% ▲ 67% above avg
Unemployment2.8% ▼ 43% below avg
No HS Diploma471 (2.5%)
HS Graduate2,687 (14.5%)
Some College1,428 (7.7%)
Associates1,960 (10.6%)
Bachelors1,820 (9.8%)
Graduate Degree10,168 (54.9%)

Education

No HS: 2.5%HS Grad: 14.5%Some College: 7.7%Associates: 10.6%Bachelors: 9.8%Graduate: 54.9%Edu
No HS2.5%
HS Grad14.5%
Some College7.7%
Associates10.6%
Bachelors9.8%
Graduate54.9%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 77.3%Renter: 22.7%Tenure
Owner77.3%
Renter22.7%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
6%
$50k–100k
2%
$100k–150k
6%
$150k–200k
6%
$200k–300k
15%
$300k–500k
35%
Over $500k
31%

Financials

Median HH Income$101,821 ▲ 33% above avg ↑ 34% since 2019
Median Home Value$380,000 ▲ 36% above avg ↑ 48% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio3.7x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$1,294/mo ↑ 26% since 2019
Total Units12,328
Vacant Units824
Avg HH Size2.44

Income Distribution

Under $25k
10%
$25k–50k
13%
$50k–75k
14%
$75k–100k
11%
$100k–150k
20%
$150k–200k
11%
Over $200k
20%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
72%
Public Transit
1%
Walked
2%
Work From Home
25%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
20%
15–30 min
43%
30–45 min
23%
Over 45 min
14%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
1%
1940s–1950s
5%
1960s–1970s
12%
1980s–1990s
21%
2000+
61%

Summary

Total Units12,328
Vacant824
Owner Occupied77.3%
Renter Occupied22.7%
Avg HH Size2.44
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 27278 is in Hillsborough, NC, in Orange County.
ZIP code 27278 is located in North Carolina (NC).
ZIP code 27278 is in Orange County, NC.
ZIP 27278 observes the New York timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 27278 is 28,546 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 27278 is $101,821 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 27278 is $380,000 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 27278

ZIP code 27278 is located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, within Orange County. With a population of 28,546, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 44.9 years. Economically, 27278 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $101,821 is above the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 27278 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $380,000 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,294 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 77.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 48% since 2019.

The population of 27278 is primarily White (70.45%). Residents are highly educated — 64.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 7.2%. Household income has grown by 34% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 27278 stands at 2.8%, which is below the national average. About 23% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 64%.

Overall, ZIP code 27278 in Hillsborough, NC is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 28,546 residents, a median household income of $101,821, and a median home value of $380,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.