| ZIP Code | 28785 |
|---|---|
| City | Waynesville |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Haywood County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 2,600 ft |
| Latitude | 35.65327 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -83.139633 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37087 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.7 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.47 |
| Below Poverty | 9.3% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 53.2% ▲ 37% above avg |
| Unemployment | 2.6% ▼ 47% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 36 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,285 (21.9%) |
| Some College | 583 (9.9%) |
| Associates | 846 (14.4%) |
| Bachelors | 1,058 (18%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,072 (35.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $63,750 ▼ 16% below avg ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $282,000 ≈ Avg ↑ 15% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,100/mo ↑ 33% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 4,831 |
| Vacant Units | 1,344 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.47 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 4,831 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,344 |
| Owner Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 16.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.47 |
ZIP code 28785 is located in Waynesville, North Carolina, within Haywood County. With a population of 8,619, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47.7 years. Economically, 28785 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $63,750 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28785 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $282,000 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,100 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 83.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 15% since 2019.
The population of 28785 is primarily White (94.33%). Residents are well-educated — 53.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 9.3%. Household income has grown by 4% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28785 stands at 2.6%, which is below the national average. About 12% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.
Overall, ZIP code 28785 in Waynesville, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 8,619 residents, a median household income of $63,750, and a median home value of $282,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.