| ZIP Code | 28594 |
|---|---|
| City | Emerald Isle |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Carteret County |
| Area Code | 252 |
| Latitude | 34.701105 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -76.973912 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37031 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 58.7 yrs ↑ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.15 |
| Below Poverty | 3.9% ▼ 61% below avg |
| College Grads | 60.3% ▲ 56% above avg |
| Unemployment | 1.3% ▼ 73% below avg |
| HS Graduate | 471 (15.3%) |
| Some College | 267 (8.7%) |
| Associates | 483 (15.7%) |
| Bachelors | 296 (9.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,562 (50.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $89,432 ▲ 17% above avg ↑ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $563,600 ▲ 102% above avg ↑ 49% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 6.3x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,688/mo ↑ 20% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 6,802 |
| Vacant Units | 4,983 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.15 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 6,802 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 4,983 |
| Owner Occupied | 83.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 16.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.15 |
ZIP code 28594 is located in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, within Carteret County. With a population of 3,915, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 58.7 years. Economically, 28594 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $89,432 is above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28594 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $563,600 is more than double the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,688 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 83.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 49% since 2019.
The population of 28594 is primarily White (93.15%). Residents are highly educated — 60.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 3.9%. Household income has grown by 14% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28594 stands at 1.3%, which is well below the national average. About 23% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 71%.
Overall, ZIP code 28594 in Emerald Isle, NC is characterized as middle-income, highly educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 3,915 residents, a median household income of $89,432, and a median home value of $563,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.