US ZIP Code
28480

Wrightsville Beach, NC

New Hanover County  ·  North Carolina

● Active
👥 2,727 Population ↑ 5% since 2019
💰 $165,682 Median HH Income
▲ 117% above avg ↑ 52% since 2019
🎂 55.6 Median Age ↑ 27% since 2019
🏠 $1,049,500 Median Home Value
▲ 276% above avg ↑ 30% since 2019
🎓 78.1% College Grads
▲ 102% above avg
📊 1.3% Unemployment
▼ 74% below avg ↓ 52% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code28480
CityWrightsville Beach
StateNorth Carolina (NC)
CountyNew Hanover County
Area Code472/910
Latitude34.214753
Longitude-77.800506
TimezoneNew York (DST)
FIPS37129
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 55.8% (1,522) Female 44.2% (1,205) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 94.4%Hispanic: 2.9%Black: 0.6%Asian: 0.5%Other: 1.7%Race
White94.4%
Hispanic2.9%
Black0.6%
Asian0.5%
Other1.7%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
3%
5–17
10%
18–24
5%
25–44
18%
45–64
34%
65+
17%

Key Indicators

Median Age55.6 yrs ↑ 27% since 2019
Avg Household Size2.07
Below Poverty3.5% ▼ 66% below avg
College Grads78.1% ▲ 102% above avg
Unemployment1.3% ▼ 74% below avg
No HS Diploma16 (0.7%)
HS Graduate245 (11.3%)
Some College46 (2.1%)
Associates169 (7.8%)
Bachelors150 (6.9%)
Graduate Degree1,551 (71.2%)

Education

No HS: 0.7%HS Grad: 11.3%Some College: 2.1%Associates: 7.8%Bachelors: 6.9%Graduate: 71.2%Edu
No HS0.7%
HS Grad11.3%
Some College2.1%
Associates7.8%
Bachelors6.9%
Graduate71.2%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 81.2%Renter: 18.8%Tenure
Owner81.2%
Renter18.8%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
3%
$100k–150k
3%
$300k–500k
15%
Over $500k
79%

Financials

Median HH Income$165,682 ▲ 117% above avg ↑ 52% since 2019
Median Home Value$1,049,500 ▲ 276% above avg ↑ 30% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio6.3x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$1,892/mo ↑ 14% since 2019
Total Units2,940
Vacant Units1,648
Avg HH Size2.07

Income Distribution

Under $25k
12%
$25k–50k
3%
$50k–75k
11%
$75k–100k
9%
$100k–150k
11%
$150k–200k
9%
Over $200k
43%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
73%
Walked
2%
Work From Home
26%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
44%
15–30 min
42%
30–45 min
2%
Over 45 min
11%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
2%
1940s–1950s
10%
1960s–1970s
20%
1980s–1990s
12%
2000+
55%

Summary

Total Units2,940
Vacant1,648
Owner Occupied81.2%
Renter Occupied18.8%
Avg HH Size2.07
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 28480 is in Wrightsville Beach, NC, in New Hanover County.
ZIP code 28480 is located in North Carolina (NC).
ZIP code 28480 is in New Hanover County, NC.
ZIP 28480 observes the New York timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 28480 is 2,727 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 28480 is $165,682 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 28480 is $1,049,500 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 28480

ZIP code 28480 is located in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, within New Hanover County. With a population of 2,727, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 55.6 years. Economically, 28480 is a affluent ZIP code: the median household income of $165,682 is more than double the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 28480 represents among the most expensive housing markets in the country. The median home value of $1,049,500 is more than double the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,892 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 81.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 30% since 2019.

The population of 28480 is primarily White (94.35%). Residents are highly educated — 78.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is more than double the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 3.5%. Household income has grown by 52% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 28480 stands at 1.3%, which is well below the national average. About 25% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 69%.

Overall, ZIP code 28480 in Wrightsville Beach, NC is characterized as affluent, highly educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,727 residents, a median household income of $165,682, and a median home value of $1,049,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.