| ZIP Code | 28655 |
|---|---|
| City | Morganton |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Burke County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 1,089 ft |
| Latitude | 35.763266 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.749862 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37023 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.5 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.43 |
| Below Poverty | 20.4% ▲ 104% above avg |
| College Grads | 36.0% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 5.3% ▲ 8% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1,501 (4.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 11,693 (32.3%) |
| Some College | 5,664 (15.7%) |
| Associates | 4,298 (11.9%) |
| Bachelors | 4,782 (13.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 8,233 (22.8%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $53,464 ▼ 30% below avg ↑ 22% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $170,400 ▼ 39% below avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $827/mo ↑ 24% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 24,542 |
| Vacant Units | 2,401 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 24,542 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 2,401 |
| Owner Occupied | 72.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 27.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
ZIP code 28655 is located in Morganton, North Carolina, within Burke County. With a population of 56,201, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 43.5 years. Economically, 28655 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $53,464 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28655 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $170,400 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $827 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 72.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 36% since 2019.
The population of 28655 is primarily White (74.59%). Residents are moderately educated — 36.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 20.4%. Household income has grown by 22% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28655 stands at 5.3%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 82%.
Overall, ZIP code 28655 in Morganton, NC is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 56,201 residents, a median household income of $53,464, and a median home value of $170,400, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.