| ZIP Code | 27542 |
|---|---|
| City | Kenly |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Johnston County |
| Area Code | 919/984 |
| Elevation | 190 ft |
| Latitude | 35.618293 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -78.136838 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37101 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.4 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.43 |
| Below Poverty | 17.2% ▲ 72% above avg |
| College Grads | 34.1% ▼ 12% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.2% ▼ 14% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 269 (4.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,898 (31.9%) |
| Some College | 863 (14.5%) |
| Associates | 893 (15%) |
| Bachelors | 956 (16.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,075 (18.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $56,157 ▼ 26% below avg ↑ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $180,800 ▼ 35% below avg ↑ 64% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $769/mo ↑ 3% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 4,307 |
| Vacant Units | 428 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 4,307 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 428 |
| Owner Occupied | 71.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 28.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
ZIP code 27542 is located in Kenly, North Carolina, within Johnston County. With a population of 9,441, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 40.4 years. Economically, 27542 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $56,157 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 27542 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $180,800 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $769 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 71.4% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 64% since 2019.
The population of 27542 is primarily White (74.24%). Residents are moderately educated — 34.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.2%. Household income has grown by 14% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 27542 stands at 4.2%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 81%.
Overall, ZIP code 27542 in Kenly, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 9,441 residents, a median household income of $56,157, and a median home value of $180,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.