| ZIP Code | 28774 |
|---|---|
| City | Sapphire |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Transylvania County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 3,646 ft |
| Latitude | 35.093536 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -82.994977 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37099 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 63.6 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 1.96 |
| Below Poverty | 6.3% ▼ 37% below avg |
| College Grads | 75.0% ▲ 94% above avg |
| Unemployment | 0.0% ▼ 100% below avg |
| HS Graduate | 155 (14.3%) |
| Some College | 34 (3.1%) |
| Associates | 82 (7.6%) |
| Bachelors | 38 (3.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 774 (71.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $119,183 ▲ 56% above avg ↑ 114% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $723,200 ▲ 159% above avg ↑ 79% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 6.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,629/mo ↑ 18% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,603 |
| Vacant Units | 1,870 |
| Avg HH Size | 1.96 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,603 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,870 |
| Owner Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 12.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 1.96 |
ZIP code 28774 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina, within Transylvania County. With a population of 1,437, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 63.6 years. Economically, 28774 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $119,183 is significantly above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28774 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $723,200 is more than double the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,629 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 87.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 79% since 2019.
The population of 28774 is primarily White (93.60%). Residents are highly educated — 75.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 6.3%. Household income has grown by 114% since 2019.
A notably high share of workers — 35% — work from home, reflecting the professional makeup of the area. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 51%.
Overall, ZIP code 28774 in Sapphire, NC is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,437 residents, a median household income of $119,183, and a median home value of $723,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.