| ZIP Code | 28719 |
|---|---|
| City | Cherokee |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Swain County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 3,552 ft |
| Latitude | 35.510891 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -83.520266 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37173 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.0 yrs ↑ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.34 |
| Below Poverty | 20.2% ▲ 102% above avg |
| College Grads | 22.4% ▼ 42% below avg |
| Unemployment | 11.1% ▲ 126% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 38 (1.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,315 (36.6%) |
| Some College | 722 (20.1%) |
| Associates | 713 (19.8%) |
| Bachelors | 231 (6.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 575 (16%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $52,221 ▼ 32% below avg ↑ 25% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $144,700 ▼ 48% below avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $673/mo ↑ 15% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 3,150 |
| Vacant Units | 401 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.34 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 3,150 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 401 |
| Owner Occupied | 75.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 25.0% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.34 |
ZIP code 28719 is located in Cherokee, North Carolina, within Swain County. With a population of 6,577, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38 years. Economically, 28719 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $52,221 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28719 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $144,700 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $673 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 75.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 31% since 2019.
The population of 28719 is racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 11.3%. Residents are less-educated — 22.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 20.2%. Household income has grown by 25% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28719 stands at 11.1%, which is more than double the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 84%.
Overall, ZIP code 28719 in Cherokee, NC is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 6,577 residents, a median household income of $52,221, and a median home value of $144,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.