County

Jackson County, NC

9 ZIP codes  ·  9 cities  ·  North Carolina

👥40,993Population
💰$50,868Median HH Income▼ 33% below avg
🎂37.9Median Age
🏠$262,686Median Home Value≈ Avg
🎓41.8%College Grads▲ 8% above avg
📊6.6%Unemployment▲ 34% above avg
People & Population (ACS 2023 — weighted avg)
♂ Male 49.8% Female 50.2% ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 82.1%Hispanic: 8.1%Black: 2.7%Asian: 1.4%Other: 3.6%Race
White82.1%
Hispanic8.1%
Black2.7%
Asian1.4%
Other3.6%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
4%
5–17
13%
18–24
19%
25–44
22%
45–64
22%
65+
10%

Key Indicators

Median Age37.9 yrs
Avg HH Size2.21
Below Poverty19.0% ▲ 90% above avg
College Grads41.8% ▲ 8% above avg
Unemployment6.6% ▲ 34% above avg
No HS Diploma416 (1.7%)
HS Graduate6,830 (28.6%)
Some College3,096 (13%)
Associates3,473 (14.6%)
Bachelors2,798 (11.7%)
Graduate Degree7,252 (30.4%)

Education

No HS: 1.7%HS Grad: 28.6%Some College: 13%Associates: 14.6%Bachelors: 11.7%Graduate: 30.4%Edu
No HS1.7%
HS Grad28.6%
Some College13.0%
Associates14.6%
Bachelors11.7%
Graduate30.4%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 58.8%Renter: 41.2%Tenure
Owner58.8%
Renter41.2%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
4%
$50k–$100k
6%
$100k–$150k
9%
$150k–$200k
17%
$200k–$300k
28%
$300k–$500k
23%
Over $500k
13%

Financials

Median HH Income$50,868 ▼ 33% below avg
Median Home Value$262,685 ≈ Avg
Home/Income Ratio5.2x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$860/mo
Total Housing Units24,405
Vacant Units7,469

Income Distribution

Under $25k
25%
$25k–$50k
20%
$50k–$75k
19%
$75k–$100k
14%
$100k–$150k
13%
$150k–$200k
4%
Over $200k
4%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
90%
Walked
4%
Work From Home
6%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
37%
15–30 min
36%
30–45 min
17%
Over 45 min
10%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
2%
1940s–1950s
6%
1960s–1970s
17%
1980s–1990s
18%
2000+
56%
About Jackson County, NC

Jackson County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 9 ZIP codes spanning 9 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 40,993 residents. With a median age of 37.89, it is a relatively young county.

Jackson County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $50,867 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 6.6%, above the national average. The poverty rate of 19.0% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.

Housing in Jackson County is a mid-range housing market, with a median home value of $262,685 — near the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $860.

The residents of Jackson County are primarily White (82.11%). Educational attainment is well-educated — 41.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.

Jackson County, NC is a working-class area in North Carolina. The 9 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 Jackson County
ZIPCityPopulationMedian IncomeMedian HomeMedian RentUnemp.College
28707 Balsam 580 $44,813 $203,900 $531 0.0% 35.1%
28717 Cashiers 1,511 $73,065 $410,200 $1,323 0.0% 46.9%
28723 Cullowhee 11,427 $43,539 $308,800 $842 9.4% 40.7%
28736 Glenville 1,093 $67,483 $294,900 8.8% 44.5%
28779 Sylva 17,845 $54,407 $234,200 $803 3.1% 43.2%
28783 Tuckasegee 1,915 $49,703 $265,200 $940 0.0% 31.2%
28788 Webster 197 $78,125 $352,900 $1,167 3.0% 82.1%
28789 Whittier 6,347 $46,026 $220,900 $939 15.4% 40.4%