| ZIP Code | 28604 |
|---|---|
| City | Banner Elk |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Avery County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 4,017 ft |
| Latitude | 36.177556 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.858051 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37011 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.5 yrs ↓ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.20 |
| Below Poverty | 8.8% ▼ 12% below avg |
| College Grads | 53.9% ▲ 39% above avg |
| Unemployment | 5.0% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 49 (1.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 810 (17.8%) |
| Some College | 576 (12.7%) |
| Associates | 665 (14.6%) |
| Bachelors | 391 (8.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,059 (45.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $64,052 ▼ 16% below avg ↑ 29% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $319,200 ▲ 14% above avg ↑ 39% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 5.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $932/mo ↑ 10% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 9,148 |
| Vacant Units | 6,192 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.20 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 9,148 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 6,192 |
| Owner Occupied | 76.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 23.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.20 |
ZIP code 28604 is located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, within Avery County. With a population of 7,280, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.5 years. Economically, 28604 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $64,052 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28604 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $319,200 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $932 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 76.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 39% since 2019.
The population of 28604 is primarily White (87.64%). Residents are well-educated — 53.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.8%. Household income has grown by 29% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28604 stands at 5.0%, which is near the national average. About 12% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 74%.
Overall, ZIP code 28604 in Banner Elk, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 7,280 residents, a median household income of $64,052, and a median home value of $319,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.