County

Cherokee County, NC

5 ZIP codes  ·  5 cities  ·  North Carolina

👥29,710Population
💰$50,247Median HH Income▼ 34% below avg
🎂53.1Median Age
🏠$211,265Median Home Value▼ 24% below avg
🎓38.4%College Grads≈ Avg
📊5.4%Unemployment▲ 10% above avg
People & Population (ACS 2023 — weighted avg)
♂ Male 49.7% Female 50.3% ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 90.2%Hispanic: 3.5%Black: 1.6%Asian: 0.5%Other: 2.7%Race
White90.2%
Hispanic3.5%
Black1.6%
Asian0.5%
Other2.7%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
4%
5–17
12%
18–24
6%
25–44
18%
45–64
28%
65+
16%

Key Indicators

Median Age53.1 yrs
Avg HH Size2.19
Below Poverty14.3% ▲ 43% above avg
College Grads38.4% ≈ Avg
Unemployment5.4% ▲ 10% above avg
No HS Diploma215 (1%)
HS Graduate6,667 (30.9%)
Some College2,705 (12.5%)
Associates3,711 (17.2%)
Bachelors2,864 (13.3%)
Graduate Degree5,412 (25.1%)

Education

No HS: 1%HS Grad: 30.9%Some College: 12.5%Associates: 17.2%Bachelors: 13.3%Graduate: 25.1%Edu
No HS1.0%
HS Grad30.9%
Some College12.5%
Associates17.2%
Bachelors13.3%
Graduate25.1%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 83.4%Renter: 16.6%Tenure
Owner83.4%
Renter16.6%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
7%
$50k–$100k
13%
$100k–$150k
12%
$150k–$200k
15%
$200k–$300k
28%
$300k–$500k
19%
Over $500k
6%

Financials

Median HH Income$50,247 ▼ 34% below avg
Median Home Value$211,265 ▼ 24% below avg
Home/Income Ratio4.2x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$836/mo
Total Housing Units18,907
Vacant Units5,483

Income Distribution

Under $25k
22%
$25k–$50k
25%
$50k–$75k
21%
$75k–$100k
12%
$100k–$150k
13%
$150k–$200k
4%
Over $200k
4%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
86%
Public Transit
0%
Walked
2%
Work From Home
12%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
28%
15–30 min
41%
30–45 min
17%
Over 45 min
15%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
1%
1940s–1950s
4%
1960s–1970s
14%
1980s–1990s
24%
2000+
57%
About Cherokee County, NC

Cherokee County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 5 ZIP codes spanning 5 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 29,710 residents. With a median age of 53.1, it is a mature county.

Cherokee County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $50,246 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 5.4%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 14.3% is above the national average.

Housing in Cherokee County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $211,265 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $836. Homeownership rates are high at 83.4%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.

The residents of Cherokee County are primarily White (90.17%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 38.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.

Cherokee County, NC is a working-class area in North Carolina. The 5 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.

ZIP Codes in Cherokee County
ZIPCityPopulationMedian IncomeMedian HomeMedian RentUnemp.College
28901 Andrews 5,624 $39,299 $170,500 $739 6.3% 35.8%
28905 Marble 3,316 $54,310 $213,800 12.4% 47.2%
28906 Murphy 19,712 $52,669 $219,800 $872 4.0% 37.5%
28781 Topton 1,058 $50,577 $261,000 $691 4.2% 41.0%