| ZIP Code | 28697 |
|---|---|
| City | Wilkesboro |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Wilkes County |
| Area Code | 336/743 |
| Elevation | 1,050 ft |
| Latitude | 36.136665 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.162721 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37193 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.9 yrs ↓ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.40 |
| Below Poverty | 14.6% ▲ 46% above avg |
| College Grads | 38.0% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 3.5% ▼ 29% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 44 (0.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,456 (29.8%) |
| Some College | 1,303 (15.8%) |
| Associates | 1,309 (15.9%) |
| Bachelors | 1,006 (12.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,131 (25.8%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $55,217 ▼ 28% below avg ↑ 9% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $190,700 ▼ 32% below avg ↑ 15% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $763/mo ↑ 21% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 6,038 |
| Vacant Units | 612 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.40 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 6,038 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 612 |
| Owner Occupied | 68.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 31.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.40 |
ZIP code 28697 is located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, within Wilkes County. With a population of 13,412, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.9 years. Economically, 28697 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $55,217 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28697 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $190,700 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $763 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 68.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 15% since 2019.
The population of 28697 is primarily White (82.96%). Residents are moderately educated — 38.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 14.6%. Household income has grown by 9% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28697 stands at 3.5%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 88%.
Overall, ZIP code 28697 in Wilkesboro, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 13,412 residents, a median household income of $55,217, and a median home value of $190,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.