US ZIP Code
28906

Murphy, NC

Cherokee County  ·  North Carolina

● Active
👥 19,712 Population
💰 $52,669 Median HH Income
▼ 31% below avg ↑ 20% since 2019
🎂 56.1 Median Age ↑ 6% since 2019
🏠 $219,800 Median Home Value
▼ 21% below avg ↑ 32% since 2019
🎓 37.5% College Grads
≈ Avg
📊 4.0% Unemployment
▼ 18% below avg
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code28906
CityMurphy
StateNorth Carolina (NC)
CountyCherokee County
Area Code828
Elevation1,730 ft
Latitude35.087244
Longitude-84.136635
TimezoneNew York (DST)
FIPS37039
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 49.7% (9,799) Female 50.3% (9,913) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 91.5%Hispanic: 3.8%Black: 1.1%Asian: 0.3%Other: 2.7%Race
White91.5%
Hispanic3.8%
Black1.1%
Asian0.3%
Other2.7%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
3%
5–17
11%
18–24
6%
25–44
16%
45–64
29%
65+
18%

Key Indicators

Median Age56.1 yrs ↑ 6% since 2019
Avg Household Size2.17
Below Poverty12.2% ▲ 22% above avg
College Grads37.5% ≈ Avg
Unemployment4.0% ▼ 18% below avg
No HS Diploma113 (0.8%)
HS Graduate4,340 (29.8%)
Some College1,901 (13.1%)
Associates2,740 (18.8%)
Bachelors1,762 (12.1%)
Graduate Degree3,704 (25.4%)

Education

No HS: 0.8%HS Grad: 29.8%Some College: 13.1%Associates: 18.8%Bachelors: 12.1%Graduate: 25.4%Edu
No HS0.8%
HS Grad29.8%
Some College13.1%
Associates18.8%
Bachelors12.1%
Graduate25.4%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 84%Renter: 16%Tenure
Owner84.0%
Renter16.0%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
5%
$50k–100k
13%
$100k–150k
9%
$150k–200k
16%
$200k–300k
29%
$300k–500k
21%
Over $500k
7%

Financials

Median HH Income$52,669 ▼ 31% below avg ↑ 20% since 2019
Median Home Value$219,800 ▼ 21% below avg ↑ 32% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio4.2x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$872/mo ↑ 15% since 2019
Total Units12,992
Vacant Units4,056
Avg HH Size2.17

Income Distribution

Under $25k
22%
$25k–50k
23%
$50k–75k
20%
$75k–100k
13%
$100k–150k
14%
$150k–200k
4%
Over $200k
4%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
84%
Public Transit
0%
Walked
3%
Work From Home
13%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
27%
15–30 min
42%
30–45 min
18%
Over 45 min
13%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
1%
1940s–1950s
4%
1960s–1970s
13%
1980s–1990s
24%
2000+
59%

Summary

Total Units12,992
Vacant4,056
Owner Occupied84.0%
Renter Occupied16.0%
Avg HH Size2.17
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 28906 is in Murphy, NC, in Cherokee County.
ZIP code 28906 is located in North Carolina (NC).
ZIP code 28906 is in Cherokee County, NC.
ZIP 28906 observes the New York timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 28906 is 19,712 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 28906 is $52,669 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 28906 is $219,800 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 28906

ZIP code 28906 is located in Murphy, North Carolina, within Cherokee County. With a population of 19,712, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 56.1 years. Economically, 28906 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $52,669 is below the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 28906 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $219,800 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $872 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 84.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 32% since 2019.

The population of 28906 is primarily White (91.49%). Residents are moderately educated — 37.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.2%. Household income has grown by 20% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 28906 stands at 4.0%, which is below the national average. About 11% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 76%.

Overall, ZIP code 28906 in Murphy, NC is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 19,712 residents, a median household income of $52,669, and a median home value of $219,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.