ZIP Code 28160 in Spindale, NC

Data Last Updated: November 1, 2025
City:Spindale, North Carolina
County:Rutherford County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:11:59 PM
Population:3,869 [See All]
Area Code:828
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:35.3626, -81.9255
Land Area:5.507 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 28160 has 3,869 residents and 1,558 households (average 2.27 persons per household). The median age is 40.5 years, slightly older than the state (39.4) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.7% male and 48.3% female, which is higher than the state male share (48.5%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (66.0%, higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (24.4%, much higher than the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.7%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than the national average (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:3,869Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:3,825Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:3,933Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:702.6 people per sq mile
Average Income:$38,625Source: Census ACS
Households:1,558Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$121,300Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.27Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.57Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--3,8903,6813,7713,8323,8813,7043,7033,5863,8253,9023,8663,9573,825
Decennial Census3,929------------------3,869------
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: 40.5

Male Median Age: 38.8

Female Median Age: 43.7

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male981211141231281271741721361591591221159968511917
Female10396123121102881141089811614886131112140765649
Total2012172372442302152882802342753072082462112081277566
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:2,55268.16%
Black:94525.24%
Hispanic:*1433.82%
Asian:200.53%
American Indian:170.45%
Hawaiian:60.16%
Other:611.63%
Total:3,744100%
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:2,00251.74%38.8 years
Females:1,86748.26%43.7 years
Total:3,869100%40.5 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:3,76398.38%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:40.10%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:230.60%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:351.52%
Total Population:3,825100%
Total Native Population:3,76798.48%
Total Foreign-born Population:581.52%
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 $38,625, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $7,985 (26.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,333. Family households earn a median of $48,854 versus $35,625 for nonfamily households (a difference of $13,229). By gender, male median income is $43,508 and female is $42,222, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $1,286 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 51.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 12.8%, which is much higher than the state rate (4.7%). The largest occupation group is Production (31.1%).

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$30,640$26,816$25,313$25,259$29,126$30,572$34,205$36,199$32,292$30,943$35,578$38,170$38,625
Median Family Income$40,699$42,400$37,228$34,414$42,411$53,750$46,042$47,222$44,412$46,528$48,059$57,617$48,854
Median NonFamily Income$17,379$16,691$15,049$14,178$15,056$15,585$18,813$19,408$19,776$18,556$23,021$29,079$35,625
Median Male Income$27,003$31,148$33,231$32,179$0$36,389$34,886$35,739$35,125$32,314$37,347$44,015$43,508
Median Female Income$30,663$32,578$19,919$19,769$0$25,796$26,033$26,991$27,210$36,343$41,192$43,750$42,222
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:1,55344.49%
Unemployed:2286.53%
Not In Labor Force:1,71048.98%
Total:3,491100%
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:42327.24%
Service:34622.28%
Sales and Office:23114.87%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:704.51%
Production, transportation, and material moving:48331.10%
Total Civilian Employed Population:1,553100%
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 $121,300, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $41,200 (51.44%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $32,900. The median gross rent is $692, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $138 (24.91%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $106. Of occupied housing, owners make up 47.80% (57.57% with a mortgage, 42.43% free-and-clear) and renters 52.20% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 9.37%, which is much lower than the state rate (13.05%).

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$80,100$85,300$90,500$86,100$93,200$90,000$89,300$83,100$88,400$80,000$82,200$113,100$121,300
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:606.49%
$500 to $999:77884.20%
$1,000 to $1,499:475.09%
$1,500 to $1,999:181.95%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:212.27%
Total:924100%
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$554$584$600$627$630$591$625$621$586$590$631$674$692
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):48727.51%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):35920.28%
Renter Occupied:92452.20%
Total Occupied Housing Units:1,770100%

Occupied Housing Units:1,77090.63%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1839.37%
Total Housing Units:1,953100%
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:1,57180.44%
Multi-Family Units:37419.15%
Other Units:80.41%
Total Housing Units:1,953100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 14.90% 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 83.60%, which is on par with the state rate (89.70%). The uninsured rate is 14.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 45.60%, which is notably higher than the state rate (35.40%). The share of people in poverty is 14.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), up 5.70 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.30 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (61.08%). College enrollment is 15.97%, 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:1986.32%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:31710.12%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):86427.60%
Some college, no degree:91929.35%
Associate's degree:36511.66%
Bachelor's degree:32310.32%
Graduate or professional degree:1454.63%
Total:3,131100%
High school or higher:2,61683.55%
Bachelor's degree or higher:46814.95%
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:2,11450.53%
Public Insurance:1,57837.72%
No Insurance:49211.76%
Total:4,184100%
Has Health Insurance:3,69288.24%
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 Poverty8.3%6.8%11.4%19.9%17.3%12.9%13.5%15.2%10.7%10.0%8.9%11.9%14.0%
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:71.40%
Kindergarten:00.00%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):30661.08%
High school (grades 9-12):10821.56%
College or graduate school:8015.97%
Total:501100%
Early Childhood:71.40%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):41482.63%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 28160 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 124 business establishments, employing about 1,866 people with an annual payroll of $74,156,000. USPS data shows 1,733 residential mailboxes and 221 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:1,733Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:221Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:2,112Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:1,438Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:24Source: USPS
# of Businesses:124Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$17,374,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$74,156,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:1,866Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 28160 is located in Rutherford County, North Carolina, within the Forest City, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 22580) and North Carolina's 10th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 64,850 people, about 5.97% of whom live in ZIP Code 28160. It covers 5.507 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.

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:5.507 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:--Source: Census
Congressional District:10Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:2575.16 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:3763880Source: Census
Place Name:Spindale town; North CarolinaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


28163 | | 28159

Schools in ZIP Code 28160


ZIP Code 28160 is in the Rutherford County Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 2 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Spindale Elementary School 161 N Oak St
Spindale, NC 28160
District: Rutherford County Schools
Rutherford Early College High School 286 Icc Loop Road
Spindale, NC 28160
District: Rutherford County Schools
Word Of Faith Christian School 207 Old Flynn Rd
Spindale, NC 28160
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28160


Isothermal Community College 286 Icc Loop Road
Spindale, NC 28160-0804
Type: Post Secondary
Gardner-Webb University Main St
Boiling Springs, NC 28017-0997
Type: Post Secondary
Mcdowell Technical Community College 54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752-8728
Type: Post Secondary
Sherman College Of Chiropractic 2020 Springfield Rd
Spartanburg, SC 29316
Type: Post Secondary
Cleveland Community College 137 S Post Rd
Shelby, NC 28152-6224
Type: Post Secondary
University Of South Carolina-Upstate 800 University Way
Spartanburg, SC 29303-4999
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 November 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 11/1/2025], 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: 11/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov