| ZIP Code | 28139 |
|---|---|
| City | Rutherfordton |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Rutherford County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 755 ft |
| Latitude | 35.348363 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.994737 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37161 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 49.1 yrs ↑ 7% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.34 |
| Below Poverty | 17.4% ▲ 74% above avg |
| College Grads | 38.6% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 3.1% ▼ 36% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 315 (2.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,791 (29.5%) |
| Some College | 1,618 (12.6%) |
| Associates | 2,182 (17%) |
| Bachelors | 1,794 (13.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 3,172 (24.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $52,148 ▼ 32% below avg ↑ 11% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $195,300 ▼ 30% below avg ↑ 38% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $842/mo ↑ 14% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 8,953 |
| Vacant Units | 1,117 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.34 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 8,953 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,117 |
| Owner Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 20.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.34 |
ZIP code 28139 is located in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, within Rutherford County. With a population of 18,887, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 49.1 years. Economically, 28139 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $52,148 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28139 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $195,300 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $842 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 79.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 38% since 2019.
The population of 28139 is primarily White (85.84%). Residents are moderately educated — 38.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.4%. Household income has grown by 11% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28139 stands at 3.1%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 78%.
Overall, ZIP code 28139 in Rutherfordton, NC is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 18,887 residents, a median household income of $52,148, and a median home value of $195,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.