| ZIP Code | 28635 |
|---|---|
| City | Hays |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Wilkes County |
| Area Code | 336/743 |
| Elevation | 2,156 ft |
| Latitude | 36.332961 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.126011 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37193 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 55.5 yrs ↑ 16% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.28 |
| Below Poverty | 10.2% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 24.0% ▼ 38% below avg |
| Unemployment | 1.6% ▼ 68% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 42 (2%) |
| HS Graduate | 883 (42.2%) |
| Some College | 293 (14%) |
| Associates | 372 (17.8%) |
| Bachelors | 277 (13.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 225 (10.8%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $44,540 ▼ 42% below avg ↑ 61% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $141,600 ▼ 49% below avg ↑ 39% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 1,659 |
| Vacant Units | 296 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.28 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,659 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 296 |
| Owner Occupied | 95.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 4.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.28 |
ZIP code 28635 is located in Hays, North Carolina, within Wilkes County. With a population of 3,107, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 55.5 years. Economically, 28635 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $44,540 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28635 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $141,600 is below the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 95.4% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 39% since 2019.
The population of 28635 is primarily White (91.99%). Residents are less-educated — 24.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 10.2%. Household income has grown by 61% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28635 stands at 1.6%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 85%.
Overall, ZIP code 28635 in Hays, NC is characterized as working-class, less-educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 3,107 residents, a median household income of $44,540, and a median home value of $141,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.