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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 28622 has 2,395 residents and 1,018 households (average 2.29 persons per household). The median age is 48.2 years, significantly older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.5% male and 51.5% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (93.7%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.4%, 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:	2,395Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:	2,701Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:	2,360Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	80.7 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$45,169Source: Census ACS

Households:	1,018Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$171,100Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.29Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	2.99Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 28622 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	--	2,399	2,427	2,142	1,949	1,810	1,517	1,861	2,109	2,189	2,131	2,605	2,384	2,701
Decennial Census	2,527	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	2,395	--	--	--

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: 48.2

Male Median Age: 44.4

Female Median Age: 51.1

Line chart for ZIP 28622 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	53	83	74	84	59	55	66	53	66	63	69	102	83	73	86	43	27	22
Female	52	65	62	73	36	49	53	70	74	70	71	90	98	114	84	69	46	58
Total	105	148	136	157	95	104	119	123	140	133	140	192	181	187	170	112	73	80

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 28622. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	2,245	92.20%
Black:	7	0.29%
Hispanic:*	106	4.35%
Asian:	7	0.29%
American Indian:	11	0.45%
Hawaiian:	0	0%
Other:	59	2.42%
Total:	2,435	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 28622. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	1,161	48.48%	44.4 years
Females:	1,234	51.52%	51.1 years
Total:	2,395	100%	48.2 years

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

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 28622. 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:	2,687	99.48%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	10	0.37%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	0	0.00%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	4	0.15%
Total Population:	2,701	100%
Total Native Population:	2,697	99.85%
Total Foreign-born Population:	4	0.15%

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 $45,169, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $10,026 (28.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $14,365. Family households earn a median of $54,167 versus $24,671 for nonfamily households (a difference of $29,496). By gender, male median income is $43,789 and female is $38,182, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $5,607 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 44.6%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (30.3%).

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 28622 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	$35,143	$35,848	$35,110	$36,051	$29,796	$26,212	$27,500	$27,798	$30,804	$36,679	$36,914	$44,491	$45,169
Median Family Income	$48,850	$50,424	$51,563	$53,603	$51,607	$33,333	$32,443	$30,327	$35,573	$45,781	$48,024	$54,009	$54,167
Median NonFamily Income	$23,323	$23,438	$23,073	$18,750	$17,350	$16,852	$15,313	$13,884	$13,627	$12,054	$13,378	$20,064	$24,671
Median Male Income	$26,235	$26,186	$28,622	$31,875	$31,518	$31,136	$25,500	$32,788	$39,250	$38,182	$43,173	$41,563	$43,789
Median Female Income	$31,250	$35,329	$30,231	$22,120	$21,621	$25,473	$25,852	$28,838	$29,602	$31,250	$31,199	$37,847	$38,182

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 28622, city of Elk Park, Avery 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 28622, 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:	966	43.09%
Unemployed:	35	1.56%
Not In Labor Force:	1,241	55.35%
Total:	2,242	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:	293	30.33%
Service:	281	29.09%
Sales and Office:	168	17.39%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	126	13.04%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	98	10.14%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	966	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 $171,100, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is up $37,800 (28.36%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $66,200. The median gross rent is $702, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is down $1 (0.14%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $275. Of occupied housing, owners make up 77.12% (31.21% with a mortgage, 68.79% free-and-clear) and renters 22.88% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 37.76%, 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 28622, compared with Elk Park, Avery 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 28622 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	$133,300	$150,600	$132,400	$158,200	$113,900	$103,200	$103,200	$101,500	$104,900	$114,100	$136,100	$154,200	$171,100

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 28622, 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:	82	30.37%
$500 to $999:	50	18.52%
$1,000 to $1,499:	75	27.78%
$1,500 to $1,999:	0	0.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:	0	0.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:	0	0.00%
$3,000 or more:	0	0.00%
No Rent:	63	23.33%
Total:	270	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 28622 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	$703	$707	$711	$791	$600	$584	$595	$1,026	$977	$543	$519	$588	$702

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 28622. 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):	284	24.07%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	626	53.05%
Renter Occupied:	270	22.88%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	1,180	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	1,180	62.24%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	716	37.76%
Total Housing Units:	1,896	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 28622. 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:	1,270	66.98%
Multi-Family Units:	113	5.96%
Other Units:	513	27.06%
Total Housing Units:	1,896	100%

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

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 12.80% 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 73.20%, which is markedly below the state rate (89.70%). The uninsured rate is 15.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 48.40%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 55.00%, which is markedly above the state rate (35.40%). The share of people in poverty is 18.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), up 4.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.70 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 (63.36%). College enrollment is 12.77%, 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 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 28622, 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:	163	7.58%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	414	19.25%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	556	25.85%
Some college, no degree:	572	26.59%
Associate's degree:	171	7.95%
Bachelor's degree:	187	8.69%
Graduate or professional degree:	88	4.09%
Total:	2,151	100%
High school or higher:	1,574	73.18%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	275	12.78%

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 28622. 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:	1,297	40.54%
Public Insurance:	1,475	46.11%
No Insurance:	427	13.35%
Total:	3,199	100%
Has Health Insurance:	2,772	86.65%

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 28622 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	14.2%	16.1%	10.3%	6.9%	9.3%	17.4%	18.5%	16.0%	20.0%	14.0%	15.2%	13.0%	18.3%

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)

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:	16	3.78%
Kindergarten:	28	6.62%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	268	63.36%
High school (grades 9-12):	57	13.48%
College or graduate school:	54	12.77%
Total:	423	100%
Early Childhood:	44	10.40%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	353	83.45%

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

City:	Elk Park, North Carolina
Names to Avoid:	Cranberry, Darkridge, Flat Springs, Heaton, Whaley
Counties:	Avery County[Primary] Watauga County
Timezone:	Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:	8:25:06 PM
Population:	2,395 [See All]
Area Code:	828
Classification:	Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:	36.2037, -81.9528
Land Area:	29.685 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/28622/zip-code-28622.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	1,031Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	29Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	1,753Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	930Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	56Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	37Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$1,817,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$12,755,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	186Source: CBP

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:	29.685 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	--Source: Census

Congressional District:	05Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:	3571.86 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:	Source: Census
Intro Date:	< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:	3720700Source: Census
Place Name:	Elk Park town; North CarolinaSource: Census

ZIP Code 28622 in Elk Park, 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 28622

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28622

Sources & References