| ZIP Code | 28778 |
|---|---|
| City | Swannanoa |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Buncombe County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 2,541 ft |
| Latitude | 35.614196 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -82.39767 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37021 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 41.5 yrs ↑ 7% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.97 |
| Below Poverty | 10.5% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 41.0% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 1.2% ▼ 75% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 779 (9.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,067 (25.3%) |
| Some College | 1,162 (14.2%) |
| Associates | 809 (9.9%) |
| Bachelors | 700 (8.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,647 (32.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $72,717 ≈ Avg ↑ 56% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $273,800 ≈ Avg ↑ 65% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,004/mo ↑ 21% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 4,865 |
| Vacant Units | 1,126 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.97 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 4,865 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,126 |
| Owner Occupied | 79.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 20.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.97 |
ZIP code 28778 is located in Swannanoa, North Carolina, within Buncombe County. With a population of 11,933, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 41.5 years. Economically, 28778 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $72,717 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28778 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $273,800 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,004 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 79.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 65% since 2019.
The population of 28778 is primarily White (84.01%). Residents are well-educated — 41.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 10.5%. Household income has grown by 56% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28778 stands at 1.2%, which is well below the national average. About 14% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.
Overall, ZIP code 28778 in Swannanoa, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 11,933 residents, a median household income of $72,717, and a median home value of $273,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.