| ZIP Code | 28665 |
|---|---|
| City | Purlear |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Wilkes County |
| Area Code | 336/743 |
| Elevation | 1,363 ft |
| Latitude | 36.209682 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.373878 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37193 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.6 yrs ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.53 |
| Below Poverty | 20.9% ▲ 109% above avg |
| College Grads | 23.3% ▼ 40% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.8% ≈ Avg |
| HS Graduate | 738 (43.4%) |
| Some College | 230 (13.5%) |
| Associates | 336 (19.8%) |
| Bachelors | 168 (9.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 228 (13.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $42,347 ▼ 45% below avg ↓ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $165,900 ▼ 40% below avg ↑ 19% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $620/mo ↑ 9% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,556 |
| Vacant Units | 484 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.53 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,556 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 484 |
| Owner Occupied | 80.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 19.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.53 |
ZIP code 28665 is located in Purlear, North Carolina, within Wilkes County. With a population of 2,708, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47.6 years. Economically, 28665 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $42,347 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28665 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $165,900 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $620 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 19% since 2019.
The population of 28665 is primarily White (94.98%). Residents are less-educated — 23.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 20.9%. Household income has declined by 4% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28665 stands at 4.8%, which is near the national average. About 16% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 76%.
Overall, ZIP code 28665 in Purlear, NC is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,708 residents, a median household income of $42,347, and a median home value of $165,900, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.