| ZIP Code | 28694 |
|---|---|
| City | West Jefferson |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Ashe County |
| Area Code | 336/743 |
| Elevation | 3,368 ft |
| Latitude | 36.366337 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.468016 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37009 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 49.1 yrs ↓ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.08 |
| Below Poverty | 11.2% ▲ 12% above avg |
| College Grads | 33.9% ▼ 12% below avg |
| Unemployment | 9.2% ▲ 88% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 23 (0.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,746 (33.5%) |
| Some College | 814 (15.6%) |
| Associates | 865 (16.6%) |
| Bachelors | 560 (10.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,209 (23.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $48,135 ▼ 37% below avg ↑ 17% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $239,800 ▼ 14% below avg ↑ 64% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 5.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $757/mo ↑ 12% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 4,805 |
| Vacant Units | 1,305 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.08 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 4,805 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,305 |
| Owner Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter Occupied | 21.2% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.08 |
ZIP code 28694 is located in West Jefferson, North Carolina, within Ashe County. With a population of 7,369, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 49.1 years. Economically, 28694 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $48,135 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28694 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $239,800 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $757 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 78.8% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 64% since 2019.
The population of 28694 is primarily White (84.08%). Residents are moderately educated — 33.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 11.2%. Household income has grown by 17% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28694 stands at 9.2%, which is significantly above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 83%.
Overall, ZIP code 28694 in West Jefferson, NC is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 7,369 residents, a median household income of $48,135, and a median home value of $239,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.