| ZIP Code | 35968 |
|---|---|
| City | Fort Payne |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| County | DeKalb County |
| Area Code | 256 |
| Elevation | 1,232 ft |
| Latitude | 34.476011 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -85.790143 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 01049 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 45.8 yrs ↑ 24% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.59 |
| Below Poverty | 17.4% ▲ 74% above avg |
| College Grads | 27.9% ▼ 28% below avg |
| Unemployment | 6.8% ▲ 39% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 205 (7.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,124 (39.6%) |
| Some College | 419 (14.8%) |
| Associates | 301 (10.6%) |
| Bachelors | 411 (14.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 380 (13.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $44,902 ▼ 41% below avg ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $116,800 ▼ 58% below avg ↑ 5% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.6x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $679/mo ↑ 15% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,968 |
| Vacant Units | 320 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.59 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,968 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 320 |
| Owner Occupied | 83.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 16.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.59 |
ZIP code 35968 is located in Fort Payne, Alabama, within DeKalb County. With a population of 4,540, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 45.8 years. Economically, 35968 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $44,902 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 35968 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $116,800 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $679 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 83.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 5% since 2019.
The population of 35968 is primarily White (76.81%). Residents are moderately educated — 27.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.4%. Household income has grown by 2% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 35968 stands at 6.8%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 89%.
Overall, ZIP code 35968 in Fort Payne, AL is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 4,540 residents, a median household income of $44,902, and a median home value of $116,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Alabama.