ZIP Code 28538 in Hookerton, NC

Data Last Updated: February 1, 2026
City:Hookerton, North Carolina
Counties:Greene County[Primary]
Lenoir County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:01:05 PM
Population:2,155 [See All]
Area Code:252
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:35.4207, -77.5526
Land Area:28.127 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 28538 has 2,155 residents and 867 households (average 2.49 persons per household). The median age is 42.1 years, slightly older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 46.8% male and 53.2% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (48.4%, much lower than the state average of 62.2% and well below the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (34.2%, much higher than the state average of 20.5% and well above the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 15.5%, which is higher than the state average (10.7%), 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 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:2,155Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:1,989Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:2,201Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:76.6 people per sq mile
Average Income:$56,953Source: Census ACS
Households:867Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$114,800Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.49Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.03Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group201020112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Census ACS Population Estimate--1,9862,2382,1952,2572,4562,3841,9291,9612,0082,1352,3262,2212,2311,989
Decennial Census2,175------------------2,155--------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

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


Median Age: 42.1

Male Median Age: 39.6

Female Median Age: 43.6

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male62748371535748666036537083746534128
Female654968695356697491638697857758292433
Total12712315114010611311714015199139167168151123633641
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:1,04443.85%
Black:73730.95%
Hispanic:*33414.03%
Asian:80.34%
American Indian:261.09%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:2329.74%
Total:2,381100%
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:1,00946.82%39.6 years
Females:1,14653.18%43.6 years
Total:2,155100%42.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:1,90095.53%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:00.00%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:40.20%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:854.47%
Total Population:1,989100%
Total Native Population:1,90095.53%
Total Foreign-born Population:894.47%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 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 2024, the Median household income is $56,953, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is up $17,359 (43.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $19,453. Family households earn a median of $59,063 versus $56,813 for nonfamily households (a difference of $2,250). By gender, male median income is $37,422 and female is $47,098, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $9,676 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 59.7%, which is below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 5.6%, which is modestly greater than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (29.6%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 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 Type20112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Household Income$39,594$42,798$49,667$40,882$36,750$36,667$37,163$37,250$37,500$45,405$53,648$52,368$54,773$56,953
Median Family Income$51,761$56,800$55,927$51,587$50,051$52,828$53,455$55,915$64,940$69,083$74,350$75,750$70,195$59,063
Median NonFamily Income$15,402$13,170$13,259$16,406$18,594$19,227$19,357$21,409$21,497$24,257$43,750$42,813$53,075$56,813
Median Male Income$34,167$34,725$45,677$34,440$0$30,972$28,528$29,028$30,263$29,417$24,554$27,309$34,268$37,422
Median Female Income$31,698$31,290$30,508$27,031$0$24,759$27,230$31,739$32,321$36,250$42,885$43,210$44,809$47,098
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:91655.72%
Unemployed:553.35%
Not In Labor Force:67340.94%
Total:1,644100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 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:27129.59%
Service:21623.58%
Sales and Office:14015.28%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:15617.03%
Production, transportation, and material moving:13314.52%
Total Civilian Employed Population:916100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2024, the median home value is $114,800, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $30,300 (35.86%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $42,700. The median gross rent is $901, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $158 (21.27%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $152. Of occupied housing, owners make up 49.19% (32.24% with a mortgage, 67.76% free-and-clear) and renters 50.81% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 5.68%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (10.43%).

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

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Home Value$84,500$84,500$89,500$86,700$84,300$86,200$83,800$77,000$72,100$73,400$70,900$82,500$86,100$114,800
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:368.20%
$500 to $999:21448.75%
$1,000 to $1,499:14833.71%
$1,500 to $1,999:00.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:173.87%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:245.47%
Total:439100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Rent$743$705$742$580$714$762$778$806$749$824$754$907$865$901
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):13715.86%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):28833.33%
Renter Occupied:43950.81%
Total Occupied Housing Units:864100%

Occupied Housing Units:86494.32%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):525.68%
Total Housing Units:916100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

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


Single-Family Units:54959.93%
Multi-Family Units:586.33%
Other Units:30933.73%
Total Housing Units:916100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2024, 13.50% 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 78.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 16.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 20.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 1.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.60 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 (37.81%). College enrollment is 33.15%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:1127.83%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:19313.50%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):44230.91%
Some college, no degree:33623.50%
Associate's degree:15410.77%
Bachelor's degree:936.50%
Graduate or professional degree:1006.99%
Total:1,430100%
High school or higher:1,12578.67%
Bachelor's degree or higher:19313.50%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

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


Private Insurance:1,02447.41%
Public Insurance:81937.92%
No Insurance:31714.68%
Total:2,160100%
Has Health Insurance:1,84385.32%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
% of People in Poverty10.9%10.8%13.8%16.9%16.7%11.0%13.1%13.9%12.4%9.1%13.1%16.8%9.8%20.1%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 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:246.58%
Kindergarten:41.10%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):13837.81%
High school (grades 9-12):7821.37%
College or graduate school:12133.15%
Total:365100%
Early Childhood:287.67%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):22060.27%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 28538 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 23 business establishments, employing about 182 people with an annual payroll of $6,901,000. USPS data shows 884 residential mailboxes and 26 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:884Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:26Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:1,020Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:775Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:1Source: USPS
# of Businesses:23Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$1,645,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$6,901,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:182Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 28538 is located in Greene County, North Carolina, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and North Carolina's 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 28538. It covers 28.127 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.01 sq mi.

CBSA Name:--Source: Census
CBSA Number:--Source: Census
CBSA Type:--Source: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:0Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:28.127 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.01 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01,03Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:5494.28, 7810.08 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:3732540Source: Census
Place Name:Hookerton town; North CarolinaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


28539 | | 28537

Schools in ZIP Code 28538


We could not locate which school district 28538 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are 0 public schools with a nearby mailing address, but we have located 5 public schools nearby. There are however 1 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Snow Hill Primary 502 Se 2nd Street
Snow Hill, NC 28580
District: Greene County SchoolsNearby
Ayden-Grifton High 7653 Nc 11 South
Ayden, NC 28513
District: Pitt County SchoolsNearby
Contentnea-Savannah School 3400 Ferrell Road
Kinston, NC 28501
District: Lenoir County SchoolsNearby
Ayden Middle 192 Third St
Ayden, NC 28513
District: Pitt County SchoolsNearby
Grifton 513 E Mccrae St
Grifton, NC 28530
District: Pitt County SchoolsNearby
Mt Calvary Christian Academy 532 E Main St
Hookerton, NC 28538
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28538


Pitt Community College 1986 Pitt Tech Road
Winterville, NC 28590
Type: Post Secondary
Lenoir Community College 231 Highway 58 South
Kinston, NC 28504
Type: Post Secondary
Alexander Paul Institute Of Hair Design 1011 Charles Blvd Ste A
Greenville, NC 27858-3344
Type: Post Secondary
East Carolina University East 5th Street
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
Type: Post Secondary
Wayne Community College 3000 Wayne Memorial Dr
Goldsboro, NC 27534-8002
Type: Post Secondary
Wilson Community College 902 Herring Ave
Wilson, NC 27893
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 February 1, 2026.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 2/1/2026], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 2/1/2026], 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 2011-2024 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: 2/1/2026], https://nces.ed.gov