| ZIP Code | 28692 |
|---|---|
| City | Vilas |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Watauga County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 3,592 ft |
| Latitude | 36.314565 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.837539 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37189 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 45.3 yrs ↑ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 1.99 |
| Below Poverty | 6.1% ▼ 39% below avg |
| College Grads | 45.2% ▲ 17% above avg |
| Unemployment | 5.2% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 58 (1.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 862 (26.4%) |
| Some College | 448 (13.7%) |
| Associates | 419 (12.8%) |
| Bachelors | 210 (6.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,264 (38.8%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $48,750 ▼ 36% below avg ↓ 27% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $289,200 ≈ Avg ↑ 41% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 5.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $985/mo ↑ 10% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 3,101 |
| Vacant Units | 859 |
| Avg HH Size | 1.99 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 3,101 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 859 |
| Owner Occupied | 73.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 26.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 1.99 |
ZIP code 28692 is located in Vilas, North Carolina, within Watauga County. With a population of 4,462, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 45.3 years. Economically, 28692 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $48,750 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28692 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $289,200 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $985 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 73.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 41% since 2019.
The population of 28692 is primarily White (94.71%). Residents are well-educated — 45.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 6.1%. Household income has declined by 27% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28692 stands at 5.2%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 85%.
Overall, ZIP code 28692 in Vilas, NC is characterized as working-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 4,462 residents, a median household income of $48,750, and a median home value of $289,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.