| ZIP Code | 28043 |
|---|---|
| City | Forest City |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Rutherford County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 892 ft |
| Latitude | 35.312387 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.870315 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37161 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.3 yrs ↓ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.53 |
| Below Poverty | 23.6% ▲ 136% above avg |
| College Grads | 32.7% ▼ 16% below avg |
| Unemployment | 6.5% ▲ 33% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 221 (1.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,898 (32%) |
| Some College | 1,930 (15.8%) |
| Associates | 2,165 (17.8%) |
| Bachelors | 1,583 (13%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,400 (19.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $41,746 ▼ 45% below avg ↑ 18% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $176,100 ▼ 37% below avg ↑ 60% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $744/mo ↑ 24% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 9,356 |
| Vacant Units | 1,205 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.53 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 9,356 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,205 |
| Owner Occupied | 64.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 35.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.53 |
ZIP code 28043 is located in Forest City, North Carolina, within Rutherford County. With a population of 20,896, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 40.3 years. Economically, 28043 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $41,746 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28043 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $176,100 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $744 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 64.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 60% since 2019.
The population of 28043 is majority White (68.06%). Residents are moderately educated — 32.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 23.6%. Household income has grown by 18% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28043 stands at 6.5%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 82%.
Overall, ZIP code 28043 in Forest City, NC is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 20,896 residents, a median household income of $41,746, and a median home value of $176,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.