| ZIP Code | 28779 |
|---|---|
| City | Sylva |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Jackson County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 2,263 ft |
| Latitude | 35.355752 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -83.209682 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37099 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.1 yrs ↓ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.18 |
| Below Poverty | 16.0% ▲ 60% above avg |
| College Grads | 43.2% ▲ 12% above avg |
| Unemployment | 3.1% ▼ 38% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 110 (0.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,197 (26.8%) |
| Some College | 1,608 (13.5%) |
| Associates | 1,864 (15.6%) |
| Bachelors | 1,775 (14.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 3,383 (28.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $54,407 ▼ 29% below avg ↓ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $234,200 ▼ 16% below avg ↑ 18% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.3x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $803/mo ↑ 9% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 9,551 |
| Vacant Units | 1,472 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.18 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 9,551 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,472 |
| Owner Occupied | 66.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 33.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.18 |
ZIP code 28779 is located in Sylva, North Carolina, within Jackson County. With a population of 17,845, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.1 years. Economically, 28779 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $54,407 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28779 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $234,200 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $803 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 66.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 18% since 2019.
The population of 28779 is primarily White (86.93%). Residents are well-educated — 43.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 16.0%. Household income has declined by 2% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28779 stands at 3.1%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 85%.
Overall, ZIP code 28779 in Sylva, NC is characterized as working-class, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 17,845 residents, a median household income of $54,407, and a median home value of $234,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.