ZIP Code 27886 in Tarboro, NC

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Tarboro, North Carolina
City Alias:Leggett, Princeville
County:Edgecombe County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:05:37 PM
Population:18,776 [See All]
Area Code:252
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:35.8860, -77.5060
Land Area:191.483 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 27886 has 18,776 residents and 7,739 households (average 2.35 persons per household). The median age is 45.5 years, older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 46.2% male and 53.8% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Black or African American (49.1%, much higher than the state average of 20.5% and well above the national average of 12.4%) and White (41.2%, much lower than the state average of 62.2% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 7.2%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (20.5%) and national averages (12.4%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:18,776Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:18,560Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:19,904Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:98.1 people per sq mile
Average Income:$51,180Source: Census ACS
Households:7,739Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$121,800Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.35Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.48Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--22,52222,26322,14621,42421,37021,30320,62420,45020,28019,98118,59918,34118,560
Decennial Census21,591------------------18,776------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 45.5

Male Median Age: 42.5

Female Median Age: 47.9

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male516532616581445406536449489496536641665638503306181145
Female464477570533459511590584525574641779795776654427311425
Total9801,0091,1861,1149049171,1261,0331,0141,0701,1771,4201,4601,4141,157733492570
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:7,73139.76%
Black:9,21647.40%
Hispanic:*1,3516.95%
Asian:660.34%
American Indian:790.41%
Hawaiian:30.02%
Other:9995.14%
Total:19,445100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:8,68146.23%42.5 years
Females:10,09553.77%47.9 years
Total:18,776100%45.5 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:17,39293.71%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:440.24%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:2451.32%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:8796.06%
Total Population:18,560100%
Total Native Population:17,43693.94%
Total Foreign-born Population:1,1246.06%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $51,180, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $16,873 (49.2%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $14,394. Family households earn a median of $66,471 versus $28,882 for nonfamily households (a difference of $37,589). By gender, male median income is $48,750 and female is $38,316, which is well under the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $10,434 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 55.0%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is far lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (25.2%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$34,307$34,643$35,030$34,834$33,873$34,021$34,938$35,959$36,786$41,869$45,052$47,766$51,180
Median Family Income$45,845$47,190$47,411$46,356$43,743$44,597$44,024$44,431$44,693$48,570$51,766$56,607$66,471
Median NonFamily Income$20,611$20,560$21,632$22,823$23,150$20,680$20,951$21,687$23,024$23,174$26,201$28,676$28,882
Median Male Income$36,560$36,131$35,637$32,542$31,655$32,017$31,509$33,194$36,503$36,486$41,054$46,661$48,750
Median Female Income$31,790$33,143$32,908$32,387$31,469$30,581$30,475$31,110$32,133$33,951$38,770$42,774$38,316
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:8,02853.46%
Unemployed:2301.53%
Not In Labor Force:6,75945.01%
Total:15,017100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:2,02325.20%
Service:1,68020.93%
Sales and Office:1,58019.68%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:7639.50%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1,98224.69%
Total Civilian Employed Population:8,028100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $121,800, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is up $39,300 (47.64%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $33,100. The median gross rent is $751, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $120 (19.02%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $70. Of occupied housing, owners make up 65.87% (53.16% with a mortgage, 46.84% free-and-clear) and renters 34.13% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 12.46%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$82,500$81,700$80,700$84,100$83,800$83,800$89,100$88,000$88,700$94,400$102,300$115,100$121,800
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:60922.86%
$500 to $999:1,42853.60%
$1,000 to $1,499:37514.08%
$1,500 to $1,999:250.94%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:381.43%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:1897.09%
Total:2,664100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$631$634$638$649$626$665$661$686$681$703$658$677$751
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):2,73335.02%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):2,40830.85%
Renter Occupied:2,66434.13%
Total Occupied Housing Units:7,805100%

Occupied Housing Units:7,80587.54%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1,11112.46%
Total Housing Units:8,916100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:5,44761.09%
Multi-Family Units:1,62818.26%
Other Units:1,84120.65%
Total Housing Units:8,916100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 19.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 86.30%, which is generally lower than the state rate (89.70%). The uninsured rate is 7.70%, which is generally lower than the state rate (10.40%). Public coverage is 51.20%, which is notably higher than the state rate (35.40%). The share of people in poverty is 16.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 1.30 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.50 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (41.49%). College enrollment is 17.99%, which is markedly below the state rate (27.10%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:6484.84%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1,1878.86%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):5,08037.92%
Some college, no degree:2,82521.09%
Associate's degree:1,1148.31%
Bachelor's degree:1,73012.91%
Graduate or professional degree:8146.08%
Total:13,398100%
High school or higher:11,56386.30%
Bachelor's degree or higher:2,54418.99%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:10,53349.78%
Public Insurance:9,24143.67%
No Insurance:1,3856.55%
Total:21,159100%
Has Health Insurance:19,77493.45%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty17.6%17.1%15.6%13.8%15.9%13.8%13.0%16.8%20.8%15.0%18.8%21.0%16.3%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:3007.25%
Kindergarten:3037.33%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1,71641.49%
High school (grades 9-12):1,07325.94%
College or graduate school:74417.99%
Total:4,136100%
Early Childhood:60314.58%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):3,09274.76%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 27886 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 360 business establishments, employing about 6,112 people with an annual payroll of $265,899,000. USPS data shows 8,470 residential mailboxes and 591 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:8,470Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:591Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:9,585Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:6,991Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:412Source: USPS
# of Businesses:360Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$61,819,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$265,899,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:6,112Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 27886 is located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, within the Rocky Mount, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 40580) and North Carolina's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 144,228 people, about 13.02% of whom live in ZIP Code 27886. It covers 191.483 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.948 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Rocky Mount, NCSource: Census
CBSA Number:40580Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:144,228Source: Census
MSA:Rocky Mount, NC MSASource: Census
Land Area:191.483 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.948 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:5494.28 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:--Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:3766700Source: Census
Place Name:Tarboro town; North CarolinaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


27887 | | 27885

Schools in ZIP Code 27886


ZIP Code 27886 is in the Edgecombe County Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 9 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

North Edgecombe High 7589 Nc 33-Nw
Tarboro, NC 27886
District: Edgecombe County Schools
Stocks Elementary 400 Hope Lodge Street
Tarboro, NC 27886
District: Edgecombe County Schools
Princeville Elementary 306 Walston Street
Tarboro, NC 27886
District: Edgecombe County Schools
Tarboro High 1400 Howard Avenue
Tarboro, NC 27886
District: Edgecombe County Schools
Edgecombe Early College High 2009 West Wilson St
Tarboro, NC 27886
District: Edgecombe County Schools
W A Pattillo Middle 501 East Ave
Tarboro, NC 27886
District: Edgecombe County Schools
Martin Millennium Academy 400 E Johnston St
Tarboro, NC 27886
District: Edgecombe County Schools
Edge Academy 710 Panola St
Tarboro, NC 27886
District: Edgecombe County Schools
North East Carolina Prep 274 Husky Trail
Tarboro, NC 27886
Hobgood Academy 201 S Beech St
Hobgood, NC 27843
District: Private SchoolNearby
1st United Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten 100 S Church St
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
District: Private SchoolNearby
New Life Christian Academy 812 Instrument Dr
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 27886


Edgecombe Community College 2009 W Wilson St
Tarboro, NC 27886
Type: Post Secondary
North Carolina Wesleyan College 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Type: Post Secondary
East Carolina University East 5th Street
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
Type: Post Secondary
Alexander Paul Institute Of Hair Design 1011 Charles Blvd Ste A
Greenville, NC 27858-3344
Type: Post Secondary
Nash Community College 522 N. Old Carriage Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Type: Post Secondary
Martin Community College 1161 Kehukee Pk Rd
Williamston, NC 27892-9988
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov