| City: | Montezuma, North Carolina |
| County: | Avery County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:03:13 PM |
| Population: | 36 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 828 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.0651, -81.9028 |
| Land Area: | 0.042 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
With just 36 permanent residents and 8 occupied households, Montezuma feels more like a private retreat than a town. The median age of 51.2 years suggests this isn't a place for young families building careers. It's where people come to escape. The post office maintains 89 PO Boxes for a population of 36, an adoption rate of 11.1 times the local household count. That ratio tells the real story: most of those boxes belong to property owners who don't live here year-round but need a permanent address for tax bills, insurance documents, and packages delivered while they're away.
This is a true PO Box only zone. There's no street delivery alternative. Old NC Highway 181 runs through the area, but USPS delivers mail exclusively through PO Boxes and one rural route. For second-home owners, that PO Box isn't an inconvenience; it's a necessity that keeps mail secure while properties sit empty for months at a time.
Montezuma occupies just 0.042 square miles of land, making it one of North Carolina's smallest incorporated areas by geography. The community sits at an elevation where mountain views and cooler summer temperatures attract visitors from the Charlotte and Piedmont regions. Nearby neighborhoods like Gingercake Acres (7.9 miles away) and Downtown Boone (15.9 miles) provide services and amenities that Montezuma itself doesn't offer.
With only a single street record for Old NC Highway 181, Montezuma has virtually no street delivery infrastructure. The minimal street presence reflects the vacation community's reliance on PO Box service rather than traditional residential mail delivery.
ZIP Code 28653 has 36 residents and 8 households (average 4.50 persons per household). The median age is 51.2 years, significantly older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 55.6% male and 44.4% female, which is much higher than the state male share (48.5%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (72.2%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (22.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 22.2%, which is much higher than the state average (10.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than the state average (5.9%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 36Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 26Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 857.1 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 8Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 4.50Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.38Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 25 | 25 | 26 |
| Decennial Census | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 36 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 51.2
Male Median Age: 48
Female Median Age: 52.2
| 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Female | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| White: | 26 | 63.41% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 8 | 19.51% |
| Asian: | 1 | 2.44% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 6 | 14.63% |
| Total: | 41 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 20 | 55.56% | 48.0 years |
| Females: | 16 | 44.44% | 52.2 years |
| Total: | 36 | 100% | 51.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 26 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($78,538), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $0 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 0.0%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Total: | 26 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 0 | 0% |
| Service: | 0 | 0% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 0 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,348), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Insufficient data for owner/renter mix. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 26 | 100.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 26 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 26 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 26 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). The share of people in poverty is -666,666,666.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.70%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Insufficient data for school enrollment.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Some college, no degree: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 26 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 26 | 100.00% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 26 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 26 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
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.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 0 | 0% |
ZIP Code 28653 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 90Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 28653 is located in Avery County, North Carolina, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and North Carolina's 5th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 28653. It covers 0.042 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 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: | 0.042 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 28653 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
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.