| ZIP Code | 28168 |
|---|---|
| City | Vale |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Lincoln County |
| Area Code | 704 |
| Elevation | 984 ft |
| Latitude | 35.552363 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.425084 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37109 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 46.5 yrs ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.44 |
| Below Poverty | 13.8% ▲ 38% above avg |
| College Grads | 36.3% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 4.5% ▼ 8% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 56 (0.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,183 (32.9%) |
| Some College | 1,308 (19.7%) |
| Associates | 675 (10.2%) |
| Bachelors | 1,239 (18.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,169 (17.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $63,396 ▼ 17% below avg ↑ 21% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $176,100 ▼ 37% below avg ↑ 40% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $821/mo ↑ 22% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 4,743 |
| Vacant Units | 466 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.44 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 4,743 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 466 |
| Owner Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 16.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.44 |
ZIP code 28168 is located in Vale, North Carolina, within Lincoln County. With a population of 10,436, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 46.5 years. Economically, 28168 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $63,396 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28168 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $176,100 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $821 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 83.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 40% since 2019.
The population of 28168 is primarily White (84.27%). Residents are moderately educated — 36.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 13.8%. Household income has grown by 21% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28168 stands at 4.5%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 87%.
Overall, ZIP code 28168 in Vale, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 10,436 residents, a median household income of $63,396, and a median home value of $176,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.