| ZIP Code | 28786 |
|---|---|
| City | Waynesville |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Haywood County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 3,370 ft |
| Latitude | 35.462032 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -82.988733 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37087 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 49.3 yrs ↓ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.21 |
| Below Poverty | 12.6% ▲ 26% above avg |
| College Grads | 46.1% ▲ 19% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.7% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 77 (0.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,612 (23.4%) |
| Some College | 2,121 (13.7%) |
| Associates | 2,520 (16.3%) |
| Bachelors | 1,946 (12.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 5,169 (33.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $56,047 ▼ 27% below avg ↑ 11% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $266,800 ≈ Avg ↑ 55% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,084/mo ↑ 36% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 12,064 |
| Vacant Units | 2,191 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.21 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 12,064 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 2,191 |
| Owner Occupied | 70.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 30.0% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.21 |
ZIP code 28786 is located in Waynesville, North Carolina, within Haywood County. With a population of 22,153, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 49.3 years. Economically, 28786 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $56,047 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28786 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $266,800 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,084 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 70.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 55% since 2019.
The population of 28786 is primarily White (89.26%). Residents are well-educated — 46.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.6%. Household income has grown by 11% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28786 stands at 4.7%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 76%.
Overall, ZIP code 28786 in Waynesville, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 22,153 residents, a median household income of $56,047, and a median home value of $266,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.