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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 28659 has 20,588 residents and 8,470 households (average 2.36 persons per household). The median age is 43.1 years, older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.0% male and 51.0% female, which is about the same as the state male share (48.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (82.0%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (9.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.9%, 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 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	20,588Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:	21,422Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:	21,535Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	204.6 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$50,280Source: Census ACS

Households:	8,470Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$159,300Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.36Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.12Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 28659 population estimates from 2011-2024, 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	2024
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	21,820	21,065	20,539	19,909	20,251	20,038	20,395	21,229	21,457	21,281	21,601	21,460	21,557	21,422
Decennial Census	21,134	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	20,588	--	--	--	--

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: 43.1

Male Median Age: 41.6

Female Median Age: 44.8

Line chart for ZIP 28659 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	555	574	658	689	603	542	624	599	610	598	658	707	729	636	487	386	227	202
Female	558	591	594	616	611	549	581	564	619	574	641	819	666	651	632	475	360	403
Total	1,113	1,165	1,252	1,305	1,214	1,091	1,205	1,163	1,229	1,172	1,299	1,526	1,395	1,287	1,119	861	587	605

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 28659. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	16,887	78.32%
Black:	1,265	5.87%
Hispanic:*	2,039	9.46%
Asian:	58	0.27%
American Indian:	96	0.45%
Hawaiian:	6	0.03%
Other:	1,210	5.61%
Total:	21,561	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 28659. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	10,084	48.98%	41.6 years
Females:	10,504	51.02%	44.8 years
Total:	20,588	100%	43.1 years

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

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 28659. 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:	20,256	94.56%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	54	0.25%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	120	0.56%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	992	5.19%
Total Population:	21,422	100%
Total Native Population:	20,310	94.81%
Total Foreign-born Population:	1,112	5.19%

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 $50,280, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $21,557 (75.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $11,912. Family households earn a median of $55,170 versus $30,356 for nonfamily households (a difference of $24,814). By gender, male median income is $45,971 and female is $38,436, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $7,535 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 55.2%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 6.1%, which is higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (32.8%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By 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)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 28659 from 2011-2024 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	2024
Median Household Income	$28,723	$28,345	$30,191	$28,632	$28,638	$30,134	$29,613	$33,832	$38,368	$44,904	$48,097	$50,351	$49,578	$50,280
Median Family Income	$38,449	$36,662	$37,873	$37,428	$38,599	$41,980	$42,188	$50,492	$52,235	$57,681	$58,473	$62,760	$58,165	$55,170
Median NonFamily Income	$17,709	$16,431	$18,049	$16,971	$16,468	$16,738	$16,404	$16,851	$18,062	$19,535	$22,206	$28,110	$31,049	$30,356
Median Male Income	$30,028	$30,211	$32,048	$32,664	$32,127	$32,414	$34,274	$35,150	$36,763	$38,531	$39,886	$42,133	$45,467	$45,971
Median Female Income	$25,827	$25,549	$26,436	$26,901	$27,919	$28,694	$30,000	$30,721	$32,895	$31,407	$34,185	$36,293	$36,731	$38,436

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 28659, city of North Wilkesboro, Wilkes 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 2020-2024 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 28659, 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:	8,970	51.37%
Unemployed:	587	3.36%
Not In Labor Force:	7,905	45.27%
Total:	17,462	100%

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)

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:	2,941	32.79%
Service:	1,585	17.67%
Sales and Office:	1,514	16.88%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	924	10.30%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	2,006	22.36%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	8,970	100%

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 $159,300, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $55,700 (53.76%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $44,500. The median gross rent is $708, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $171 (31.84%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $49. Of occupied housing, owners make up 68.03% (48.92% with a mortgage, 51.08% free-and-clear) and renters 31.97% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 10.61%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing 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)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 28659, compared with North Wilkesboro, Wilkes 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 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 28659 across years 2011-2024 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	2024
Median Home Value	$103,600	$105,200	$105,200	$108,200	$111,600	$114,700	$113,500	$116,700	$114,800	$122,700	$129,200	$141,100	$151,700	$159,300

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 28659, 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:	546	19.26%
$500 to $999:	1,445	50.97%
$1,000 to $1,499:	303	10.69%
$1,500 to $1,999:	23	0.81%
$2,000 to $2,499:	0	0.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:	42	1.48%
$3,000 or more:	0	0.00%
No Rent:	476	16.79%
Total:	2,835	100%

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

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 28659 over the years 2011-2024 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	2024
Median Rent	$537	$540	$565	$573	$581	$593	$615	$636	$659	$683	$656	$732	$714	$708

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 28659. 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):	2,952	33.28%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	3,082	34.75%
Renter Occupied:	2,835	31.97%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	8,869	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	8,869	89.39%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	1,053	10.61%
Total Housing Units:	9,922	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 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 28659. 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:	6,503	65.54%
Multi-Family Units:	1,406	14.17%
Other Units:	2,013	20.29%
Total Housing Units:	9,922	100%

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

Education, Health & Community

In 2024, 17.70% 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 77.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 11.50%, which is well above the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 47.80%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 14.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 6.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.10 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 (42.31%). College enrollment is 27.57%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School 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)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 28659, 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:	753	4.96%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	2,704	17.80%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	4,291	28.24%
Some college, no degree:	2,723	17.92%
Associate's degree:	2,032	13.37%
Bachelor's degree:	1,711	11.26%
Graduate or professional degree:	981	6.46%
Total:	15,195	100%
High school or higher:	11,738	77.25%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	2,692	17.72%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 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 28659. 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:	10,993	47.08%
Public Insurance:	9,963	42.67%
No Insurance:	2,392	10.24%
Total:	23,348	100%
Has Health Insurance:	20,956	89.76%

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)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 28659 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2024. 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	2024
% of People in Poverty	20.3%	20.4%	19.6%	19.8%	19.5%	17.3%	21.5%	18.8%	16.7%	15.0%	14.5%	13.3%	13.6%	14.1%

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)

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:	233	5.10%
Kindergarten:	104	2.27%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	1,935	42.31%
High school (grades 9-12):	1,040	22.74%
College or graduate school:	1,261	27.57%
Total:	4,573	100%
Early Childhood:	337	7.37%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	3,079	67.33%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
City Alias:	N Wilkesboro
Names to Avoid:	Call, Cricket, Fairplains, Hunting Creek, Mulberry, Quarry, Spurgeon, Windy Gap
County:	Wilkes County
Timezone:	Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:	8:03:19 PM
Population:	20,588 [See All]
Area Codes:	336 / 743
Classification:	Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:	36.2106, -81.1114
Land Area:	100.632 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/28659/zip-code-28659.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	9,125Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	689Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	11,396Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	8,195Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	229Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	459Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$91,558,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$368,471,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	7,190Source: CBP

CBSA Name:	North Wilkesboro, NCSource: Census
CBSA Number:	35900Source: Census
CBSA Type:	MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:	--Source: Census
CBSA Population:	69,340Source: Census
MSA:	Source: Census
Land Area:	100.632 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	0.005 sq miSource: 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:	3747880Source: Census
Place Name:	North Wilkesboro town; North CarolinaSource: Census

ZIP Code 28659 in North Wilkesboro, 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 (2011-2024)

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 28659

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28659

Sources & References