| ZIP Code | 28690 |
|---|---|
| City | Valdese |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Burke County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 1,141 ft |
| Latitude | 35.732735 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.57423 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37023 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 51.9 yrs ↑ 13% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.10 |
| Below Poverty | 8.7% ▼ 13% below avg |
| College Grads | 45.5% ▲ 17% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.3% ▼ 11% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 10 (0.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,064 (30.4%) |
| Some College | 901 (13.3%) |
| Associates | 725 (10.7%) |
| Bachelors | 908 (13.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,184 (32.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $67,974 ▼ 11% below avg ↑ 40% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $185,000 ▼ 34% below avg ↑ 49% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $670/mo ↑ 8% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 4,754 |
| Vacant Units | 340 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.10 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 4,754 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 340 |
| Owner Occupied | 80.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 19.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.10 |
ZIP code 28690 is located in Valdese, North Carolina, within Burke County. With a population of 9,294, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 51.9 years. Economically, 28690 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $67,974 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28690 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $185,000 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $670 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 49% since 2019.
The population of 28690 is primarily White (88.98%). Residents are well-educated — 45.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.7%. Household income has grown by 40% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28690 stands at 4.3%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 88%.
Overall, ZIP code 28690 in Valdese, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 9,294 residents, a median household income of $67,974, and a median home value of $185,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.