ZIP Code 28551 in La Grange, NC

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:La Grange, North Carolina
Counties:Lenoir County[Primary]
Greene County
Wayne County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:23:19 PM
Population:13,215 [See All]
Area Code:252
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:35.3176, -77.7714
Land Area:132.708 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 28551 has 13,215 residents and 5,317 households (average 2.46 persons per household). The median age is 40.6 years, slightly older than the state (39.4) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.1% male and 51.9% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (55.3%, lower than the state average of 62.2%) and Black or African American (30.6%, much higher than the state average of 20.5% and well above the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 11.8%, which is 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:13,215Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:13,264Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:14,927Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:99.6 people per sq mile
Average Income:$52,449Source: Census ACS
Households:5,317Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$119,700Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.46Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.11Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--13,79413,63213,80414,80915,18514,52115,13915,10414,68414,24814,29912,66613,264
Decennial Census14,093------------------13,215------
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: 40.6

Male Median Age: 38.6

Female Median Age: 42.8

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male38241047748337244836534938939039943345835725518513073
Female389372463400387402379420387403461536521421386221177135
Total771782940883759850744769776793860969979778641406307208
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:7,31251.92%
Black:4,04528.72%
Hispanic:*1,55711.06%
Asian:700.50%
American Indian:500.36%
Hawaiian:150.11%
Other:1,0337.34%
Total:14,082100%
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:6,35548.09%38.6 years
Females:6,86051.91%42.8 years
Total:13,215100%40.6 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:12,54994.61%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:770.58%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:2772.09%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:3614.81%
Total Population:13,264100%
Total Native Population:12,62695.19%
Total Foreign-born Population:6384.81%
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 $52,449, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $11,924 (29.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,383. Family households earn a median of $74,967 versus $39,417 for nonfamily households (a difference of $35,550). By gender, male median income is $42,332 and female is $36,791, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $5,541 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 65.3%, which is edges past the state rate (62.7%). The unemployment rate is 5.7%, which is well above the state rate (4.7%). The largest occupation group is Management (28.1%).

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$40,525$38,653$37,231$36,848$36,000$35,181$34,831$37,293$39,066$50,936$50,417$49,125$52,449
Median Family Income$47,184$49,286$49,310$48,594$46,765$50,924$49,847$51,280$54,358$62,002$61,875$65,022$74,967
Median NonFamily Income$18,662$18,295$20,661$19,139$19,059$19,258$18,851$19,328$23,231$29,814$38,223$37,239$39,417
Median Male Income$36,528$39,059$36,096$37,896$37,478$37,185$36,875$38,081$34,437$37,188$36,328$39,631$42,332
Median Female Income$27,961$27,494$27,432$27,066$26,608$26,576$27,013$29,017$31,893$31,662$31,861$34,582$36,791
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:6,38861.12%
Unemployed:3903.73%
Not In Labor Force:3,67335.14%
Total:10,451100%
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:1,79328.07%
Service:65210.21%
Sales and Office:1,59825.02%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:1,13617.78%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1,20918.93%
Total Civilian Employed Population:6,388100%
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 $119,700, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $29,800 (33.15%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,500. The median gross rent is $714, which is far less than the national median ($1,348), is up $14 (2.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4. Of occupied housing, owners make up 71.37% (53.09% with a mortgage, 46.91% free-and-clear) and renters 28.63% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 11.64%, which is considerably 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$89,900$88,900$85,300$88,900$91,000$93,800$96,800$107,400$106,200$112,300$100,400$118,700$119,700
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:24916.89%
$500 to $999:79053.60%
$1,000 to $1,499:1057.12%
$1,500 to $1,999:251.70%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:30520.69%
Total:1,474100%
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$700$672$683$726$732$689$711$768$718$644$693$729$714
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):1,95137.89%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):1,72433.48%
Renter Occupied:1,47428.63%
Total Occupied Housing Units:5,149100%

Occupied Housing Units:5,14988.36%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):67811.64%
Total Housing Units:5,827100%
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:3,54060.75%
Multi-Family Units:4397.53%
Other Units:1,84831.71%
Total Housing Units:5,827100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 18.40% 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 86.60%, which is on par with the state rate (89.70%). The uninsured rate is 10.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 8.30%, which is on par with the state rate (9.40%), down 6.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.30 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (47.86%). College enrollment is 22.06%, which is on par with the state rate (27.10%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

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:4314.79%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:7788.65%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):3,03333.73%
Some college, no degree:1,77019.69%
Associate's degree:1,32214.70%
Bachelor's degree:1,24913.89%
Graduate or professional degree:4084.54%
Total:8,991100%
High school or higher:7,78286.55%
Bachelor's degree or higher:1,65718.43%
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:8,40955.36%
Public Insurance:5,45435.91%
No Insurance:1,3268.73%
Total:15,189100%
Has Health Insurance:13,86391.27%
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 Poverty14.4%16.2%16.5%16.7%14.7%11.4%11.7%12.2%11.6%10.3%11.4%9.5%8.3%
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:1234.50%
Kindergarten:1706.22%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1,30847.86%
High school (grades 9-12):52919.36%
College or graduate school:60322.06%
Total:2,733100%
Early Childhood:29310.72%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):2,00773.44%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 28551 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 164 business establishments, employing about 1,925 people with an annual payroll of $83,482,000. USPS data shows 6,068 residential mailboxes and 235 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:6,068Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:235Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:7,519Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:5,499Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:23Source: USPS
# of Businesses:164Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$18,300,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$83,482,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:1,925Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 28551 is located in Lenoir County, North Carolina, within the Kinston, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 28820) and North Carolina's 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts. This Micro area has a population of 54,917 people, about 24.06% of whom live in ZIP Code 28551. It covers 132.708 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.782 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Kinston, NCSource: Census
CBSA Number:28820Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:54,917Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:132.708 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.782 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:3736400Source: Census
Place Name:La Grange town; North CarolinaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


28552 | | 28547

Schools in ZIP Code 28551


ZIP Code 28551 is in the Lenoir County Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 3 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.

E B Frink Middle 102 N Martin Luther King Jr Dr
La Grange, NC 28551
District: Lenoir County Schools
La Grange Elementary 402 W Railroad St
La Grange, NC 28551
District: Lenoir County Schools
North Lenoir High 2400 Institute Road
La Grange, NC 28551
District: Lenoir County Schools
Bethel Christian Academy 1936 Banks School Rd
Kinston, NC 28504
District: Private SchoolNearby
Five Points Education Training Center 2002 Shackleford Rd
Kinston, NC 28502
District: Private SchoolNearby
New Independence Academy 3016 Summit Rd
Goldsboro, NC 27534
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28551


Wayne Community College 3000 Wayne Memorial Dr
Goldsboro, NC 27534-8002
Type: Post Secondary
Lenoir Community College 231 Highway 58 South
Kinston, NC 28504
Type: Post Secondary
University Of Mount Olive 634 Henderson St
Mount Olive, NC 28365-0919
Type: Post Secondary
Pitt Community College 1986 Pitt Tech Road
Winterville, NC 28590
Type: Post Secondary
James Sprunt Community College 133 James Sprunt Drive
Kenansville, NC 28349
Type: Post Secondary
Wilson Community College 902 Herring Ave
Wilson, NC 27893-3310
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