US ZIP Code
27938

Gatesville, NC

Gates County  ·  North Carolina

● Active
👥 1,863 Population ↑ 51% since 2019
💰 $49,757 Median HH Income
▼ 35% below avg ↑ 2% since 2019
🎂 50.4 Median Age
🏠 $119,200 Median Home Value
▼ 57% below avg ↓ 5% since 2019
🎓 9.1% College Grads
▼ 77% below avg
📊 12.3% Unemployment
▲ 151% above avg ↑ 152% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code27938
CityGatesville
StateNorth Carolina (NC)
CountyGates County
Area Code252
Elevation21 ft
Latitude36.384296
Longitude-76.716
TimezoneNew York (DST)
FIPS37073
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 51.6% (962) Female 48.4% (901) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 41.9%Hispanic: 7%Black: 51.1%Race
White41.9%
Hispanic7.0%
Black51.1%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
1%
5–17
12%
18–24
13%
25–44
18%
45–64
35%
65+
6%

Key Indicators

Median Age50.4 yrs
Avg Household Size2.33
Below Poverty12.1% ▲ 21% above avg
College Grads9.1% ▼ 77% below avg
Unemployment12.3% ▲ 151% above avg
HS Graduate544 (44.3%)
Some College129 (10.5%)
Associates443 (36.1%)
Bachelors28 (2.3%)
Graduate Degree83 (6.8%)

Education

HS Grad: 44.3%Some College: 10.5%Associates: 36.1%Bachelors: 2.3%Graduate: 6.8%Edu
HS Grad44.3%
Some College10.5%
Associates36.1%
Bachelors2.3%
Graduate6.8%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 82.1%Renter: 17.9%Tenure
Owner82.1%
Renter17.9%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
33%
$50k–100k
3%
$100k–150k
24%
$150k–200k
23%
$200k–300k
10%
$300k–500k
5%
Over $500k
3%

Financials

Median HH Income$49,757 ▼ 35% below avg ↑ 2% since 2019
Median Home Value$119,200 ▼ 57% below avg ↓ 5% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio2.4x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Total Units874
Vacant Units104
Avg HH Size2.33

Income Distribution

Under $25k
23%
$25k–50k
28%
$50k–75k
11%
$75k–100k
25%
$100k–150k
12%
$150k–200k
1%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
95%
Walked
1%
Work From Home
4%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
12%
15–30 min
5%
30–45 min
27%
Over 45 min
57%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
1%
1940s–1950s
3%
1960s–1970s
12%
1980s–1990s
20%
2000+
63%

Summary

Total Units874
Vacant104
Owner Occupied82.1%
Renter Occupied17.9%
Avg HH Size2.33
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 27938 is in Gatesville, NC, in Gates County.
ZIP code 27938 is located in North Carolina (NC).
ZIP code 27938 is in Gates County, NC.
ZIP 27938 observes the New York timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 27938 is 1,863 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 27938 is $49,757 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 27938 is $119,200 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 27938

ZIP code 27938 is located in Gatesville, North Carolina, within Gates County. With a population of 1,863, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 50.4 years. Economically, 27938 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $49,757 is below the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 27938 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $119,200 is well below the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 82.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have decreased by 5% since 2019.

The population of 27938 is majority Black (51.10%). Residents are less-educated — 9.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is well below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.1%. Household income has grown by 2% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 27938 stands at 12.3%, which is more than double the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.

Overall, ZIP code 27938 in Gatesville, NC is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,863 residents, a median household income of $49,757, and a median home value of $119,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.