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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 28043 has 20,183 residents and 8,383 households (average 2.37 persons per household). The median age is 42.7 years, older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.6% male and 52.4% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (74.3%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (13.5%, lower than the state average of 20.5%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 8.1%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & 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:	20,183Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:	20,896Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:	20,690Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	304.5 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$41,746Source: Census ACS

Households:	8,383Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$176,100Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.37Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.13Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 28043 population estimates from 2011-2023, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	22,079	21,846	22,206	22,066	21,472	20,952	20,624	21,075	20,339	21,275	20,796	21,264	20,896
Decennial Census	21,055	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	20,183	--	--	--

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: 42.7

Male Median Age: 41

Female Median Age: 44.3

Line chart for ZIP 28043 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	< 5	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-24	25-29	30-34	35-39	40-44	45-49	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85+
Male	524	607	677	666	582	540	536	560	551	643	692	702	658	578	469	320	174	130
Female	551	564	643	690	546	585	584	551	644	706	741	711	751	662	609	452	285	299
Total	1,075	1,171	1,320	1,356	1,128	1,125	1,120	1,111	1,195	1,349	1,433	1,413	1,409	1,240	1,078	772	459	429

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 28043. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	14,990	73.51%
Black:	2,729	13.38%
Hispanic:*	1,640	8.04%
Asian:	150	0.74%
American Indian:	86	0.42%
Hawaiian:	11	0.05%
Other:	785	3.85%
Total:	20,391	100%

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.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 28043. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	9,609	47.61%	41.0 years
Females:	10,574	52.39%	44.3 years
Total:	20,183	100%	42.7 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 28043. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	19,724	94.39%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	156	0.75%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	390	1.87%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	626	4.86%
Total Population:	20,896	100%
Total Native Population:	19,880	95.14%
Total Foreign-born Population:	1,016	4.86%

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 $41,746, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $8,202 (24.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,429. Family households earn a median of $49,289 versus $29,199 for nonfamily households (a difference of $20,090). By gender, male median income is $49,608 and female is $36,803, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $12,805 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 58.9%, which is below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 6.5%, which is considerably above the state rate (4.7%). The largest occupation group is Management (29.2%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By 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)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 28043 from 2011-2023 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Household Income	$33,544	$31,286	$31,786	$33,559	$33,191	$31,859	$33,662	$35,484	$35,317	$35,993	$40,326	$43,770	$41,746
Median Family Income	$42,630	$41,146	$36,726	$40,343	$40,849	$40,418	$43,259	$46,088	$46,482	$44,753	$48,872	$50,962	$49,289
Median NonFamily Income	$18,969	$18,604	$19,029	$18,774	$16,875	$18,991	$20,314	$20,144	$20,628	$21,665	$21,582	$24,737	$29,199
Median Male Income	$37,163	$36,373	$38,304	$39,626	$35,119	$35,489	$37,850	$37,100	$37,366	$38,377	$42,517	$46,885	$49,608
Median Female Income	$25,026	$25,350	$27,313	$26,685	$30,110	$31,548	$33,095	$35,256	$35,135	$32,264	$33,452	$34,258	$36,803

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 28043, city of Forest City, Rutherford County, state of North Carolina, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 28043, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	9,079	55.05%
Unemployed:	630	3.82%
Not In Labor Force:	6,782	41.13%
Total:	16,491	100%

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)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	2,650	29.19%
Service:	2,151	23.69%
Sales and Office:	1,387	15.28%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	1,167	12.85%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	1,724	18.99%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	9,079	100%

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 $176,100, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $81,500 (86.15%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $66,000. The median gross rent is $744, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $222 (42.53%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $144. Of occupied housing, owners make up 64.23% (46.90% with a mortgage, 53.10% free-and-clear) and renters 35.77% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 12.88%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing 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)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 28043, compared with Forest City, Rutherford County, state of North Carolina, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 28043 across years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Home Value	$94,600	$92,800	$94,100	$96,800	$96,800	$101,400	$103,000	$106,100	$110,100	$122,300	$127,100	$150,000	$176,100

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 28043, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	344	11.80%
$500 to $999:	1,758	60.29%
$1,000 to $1,499:	357	12.24%
$1,500 to $1,999:	0	0.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:	24	0.82%
$2,500 to $2,999:	0	0.00%
$3,000 or more:	46	1.58%
No Rent:	387	13.27%
Total:	2,916	100%

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

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 28043 over the years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Rent	$522	$548	$564	$593	$583	$590	$605	$618	$600	$628	$666	$723	$744

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 28043. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	2,455	30.12%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	2,780	34.11%
Renter Occupied:	2,916	35.77%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	8,151	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	8,151	87.12%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	1,205	12.88%
Total Housing Units:	9,356	100%

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

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

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 28043. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	6,627	70.83%
Multi-Family Units:	1,219	13.03%
Other Units:	1,510	16.14%
Total Housing Units:	9,356	100%

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

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 17.90% 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 83.90%, which is markedly below the state rate (89.70%). The uninsured rate is 16.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 49.80%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 48.00%, which is notably higher than the state rate (35.40%). The share of people in poverty is 19.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 1.80 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.60 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 (43.49%). College enrollment is 24.10%, which is on par with the state rate (27.10%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School 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)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 28043, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	803	5.69%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	1,465	10.39%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	4,613	32.71%
Some college, no degree:	3,112	22.07%
Associate's degree:	1,583	11.23%
Bachelor's degree:	1,462	10.37%
Graduate or professional degree:	1,064	7.55%
Total:	14,102	100%
High school or higher:	11,834	83.92%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	2,526	17.91%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

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

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 28043. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	10,332	43.61%
Public Insurance:	9,971	42.08%
No Insurance:	3,391	14.31%
Total:	23,694	100%
Has Health Insurance:	20,303	85.69%

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)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 28043 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2023. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
% of People in Poverty	21.7%	21.6%	22.6%	20.7%	16.0%	16.6%	17.0%	17.7%	16.3%	17.2%	18.2%	20.3%	19.9%

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)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	206	4.30%
Kindergarten:	352	7.35%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	2,084	43.49%
High school (grades 9-12):	995	20.76%
College or graduate school:	1,155	24.10%
Total:	4,792	100%
Early Childhood:	558	11.64%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	3,431	71.60%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Forest City, North Carolina
City Alias:	Alexander Mills, Alexander Mls
County:	Rutherford County
Timezone:	Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:	8:09:09 PM
Population:	20,183 [See All]
Area Code:	828
Classification:	Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:	35.3098, -81.8703
Land Area:	66.285 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/28043/zip-code-28043.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	8,730Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	788Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	9,974Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	8,084Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	148Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	506Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$76,233,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$307,936,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	7,997Source: CBP

CBSA Name:	Forest City, NCSource: Census
CBSA Number:	22580Source: Census
CBSA Type:	MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:	--Source: Census
CBSA Population:	64,850Source: Census
MSA:	Source: Census
Land Area:	66.285 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	0.141 sq miSource: Census

Congressional District:	10,11Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:	2575.16, 6838.24 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:	Source: Census
Intro Date:	< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:	3724080Source: Census
Place Name:	Forest City town; North CarolinaSource: Census

ZIP Code 28043 in Forest City, NC

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

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

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

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

Average Household Income

Employment Status

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

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

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

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

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

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

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 28043

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28043

Sources & References