| ZIP Code | 28789 |
|---|---|
| City | Whittier |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Jackson County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 3,679 ft |
| Latitude | 35.407057 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -83.316777 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37099 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.9 yrs ↓ 8% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.32 |
| Below Poverty | 27.5% ▲ 175% above avg |
| College Grads | 40.4% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 15.4% ▲ 214% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 157 (3.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,330 (32.6%) |
| Some College | 433 (10.6%) |
| Associates | 514 (12.6%) |
| Bachelors | 484 (11.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,167 (28.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $46,026 ▼ 40% below avg ↑ 21% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $220,900 ▼ 21% below avg ↑ 37% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $939/mo ↑ 10% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 4,057 |
| Vacant Units | 1,329 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.32 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 4,057 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,329 |
| Owner Occupied | 64.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 35.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.32 |
ZIP code 28789 is located in Whittier, North Carolina, within Jackson County. With a population of 6,347, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.9 years. Economically, 28789 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $46,026 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28789 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $220,900 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $939 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 64.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 37% since 2019.
The population of 28789 is primarily White (74.76%). Residents are well-educated — 40.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 27.5%. Household income has grown by 21% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28789 stands at 15.4%, which is more than double the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 88%.
Overall, ZIP code 28789 in Whittier, NC is characterized as working-class, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 6,347 residents, a median household income of $46,026, and a median home value of $220,900, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.