US ZIP Code
28531

Harkers Island, NC

Carteret County  ·  North Carolina

● Active
👥 1,080 Population ↓ 14% since 2019
💰 $58,750 Median HH Income
▼ 23% below avg ↑ 8% since 2019
🎂 59.5 Median Age ↑ 12% since 2019
🏠 $295,500 Median Home Value
≈ Avg ↑ 26% since 2019
🎓 33.8% College Grads
▼ 13% below avg
📊 0.5% Unemployment
▼ 90% below avg ↓ 91% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code28531
CityHarkers Island
StateNorth Carolina (NC)
CountyCarteret County
Area Code252
Latitude34.698038
Longitude-76.555547
TimezoneNew York (DST)
FIPS37031
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 43.2% (466) Female 56.9% (614) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 95.3%Black: 3.7%Asian: 0.7%Other: 0.3%Race
White95.3%
Black3.7%
Asian0.7%
Other0.3%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
5%
5–17
8%
18–24
4%
25–44
15%
45–64
35%
65+
15%

Key Indicators

Median Age59.5 yrs ↑ 12% since 2019
Avg Household Size2.39
Below Poverty11.9% ▲ 19% above avg
College Grads33.8% ▼ 13% below avg
Unemployment0.5% ▼ 90% below avg
HS Graduate235 (30.2%)
Some College133 (17.1%)
Associates147 (18.9%)
Bachelors55 (7.1%)
Graduate Degree208 (26.7%)

Education

HS Grad: 30.2%Some College: 17.1%Associates: 18.9%Bachelors: 7.1%Graduate: 26.7%Edu
HS Grad30.2%
Some College17.1%
Associates18.9%
Bachelors7.1%
Graduate26.7%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 84.2%Renter: 15.8%Tenure
Owner84.2%
Renter15.8%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
7%
$50k–100k
9%
$100k–150k
6%
$150k–200k
8%
$200k–300k
22%
$300k–500k
40%
Over $500k
9%

Financials

Median HH Income$58,750 ▼ 23% below avg ↑ 8% since 2019
Median Home Value$295,500 ≈ Avg ↑ 26% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio5.0x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$968/mo ↓ 9% since 2019
Total Units1,155
Vacant Units719
Avg HH Size2.39

Income Distribution

Under $25k
11%
$25k–50k
17%
$50k–75k
34%
$75k–100k
11%
$100k–150k
19%
$150k–200k
8%
Over $200k
1%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
83%
Public Transit
11%
Work From Home
5%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
28%
15–30 min
15%
30–45 min
15%
Over 45 min
42%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
2%
1940s–1950s
9%
1960s–1970s
19%
1980s–1990s
16%
2000+
54%

Summary

Total Units1,155
Vacant719
Owner Occupied84.2%
Renter Occupied15.8%
Avg HH Size2.39
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 28531 is in Harkers Island, NC, in Carteret County.
ZIP code 28531 is located in North Carolina (NC).
ZIP code 28531 is in Carteret County, NC.
ZIP 28531 observes the New York timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 28531 is 1,080 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 28531 is $58,750 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 28531 is $295,500 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 28531

ZIP code 28531 is located in Harkers Island, North Carolina, within Carteret County. With a population of 1,080, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 59.5 years. Economically, 28531 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $58,750 is below the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 28531 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $295,500 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $968 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 84.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 26% since 2019.

The population of 28531 is primarily White (95.28%). Residents are moderately educated — 33.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 11.9%. Household income has grown by 8% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 28531 stands at 0.5%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 83%.

Overall, ZIP code 28531 in Harkers Island, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,080 residents, a median household income of $58,750, and a median home value of $295,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.