| ZIP Code | 28781 |
|---|---|
| City | Topton |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Cherokee County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 2,972 ft |
| Latitude | 35.224056 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -83.635479 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37113 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 59.0 yrs ↓ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 1.85 |
| Below Poverty | 3.0% ▼ 70% below avg |
| College Grads | 41.0% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 4.2% ▼ 14% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1 (0.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 253 (31%) |
| Some College | 136 (16.7%) |
| Associates | 91 (11.2%) |
| Bachelors | 90 (11%) |
| Graduate Degree | 244 (29.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $50,577 ▼ 34% below avg ↑ 90% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $261,000 ≈ Avg ↑ 19% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 5.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $691/mo ↑ 5% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 967 |
| Vacant Units | 395 |
| Avg HH Size | 1.85 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 967 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 395 |
| Owner Occupied | 79.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 20.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 1.85 |
ZIP code 28781 is located in Topton, North Carolina, within Cherokee County. With a population of 1,058, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 59 years. Economically, 28781 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $50,577 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28781 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $261,000 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $691 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 79.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 19% since 2019.
The population of 28781 is primarily White (89.51%). Residents are well-educated — 41.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 3.0%. Household income has grown by 90% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28781 stands at 4.2%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 94%.
Overall, ZIP code 28781 in Topton, NC is characterized as working-class, well-educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,058 residents, a median household income of $50,577, and a median home value of $261,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.