ZIP Code 28692 in Vilas, NC

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Vilas, North Carolina
Names to Avoid:
Reese, Sherwood
County:Watauga County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:27:11 PM
Population:4,161 [See All]
Area Code:828
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:36.2784, -81.8039
Land Area:39.993 sq mi
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https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/28692/zip-code-28692.asp

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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 28692 has 4,161 residents and 1,817 households (average 2.29 persons per household). The median age is 42.9 years, older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.3% male and 50.7% female, which is about the same as the state male share (48.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (91.8%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

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:4,161Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:4,462Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:4,557Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:104.0 people per sq mile
Average Income:$48,750Source: Census ACS
Households:1,817Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$289,200Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.29Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.75Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--3,5033,6713,5933,7153,9783,9213,8343,9414,0704,0654,4564,3554,462
Decennial Census4,067------------------4,161------
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: 42.9

Male Median Age: 39.3

Female Median Age: 45.9

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male8888111108191165135155116107121148127143107555928
Female928113396122152142921251301271771641431371034845
Total18016924420431331727724724123724832529128624415810773
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:3,82191.87%
Black:160.38%
Hispanic:*2024.86%
Asian:210.50%
American Indian:170.41%
Hawaiian:20.05%
Other:801.92%
Total:4,159100%
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:2,05249.32%39.3 years
Females:2,10950.68%45.9 years
Total:4,161100%42.9 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:4,36797.87%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:320.72%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:631.41%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:01.41%
Total Population:4,462100%
Total Native Population:4,39998.59%
Total Foreign-born Population:631.41%
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 $48,750, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $6,875 (16.4%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,778. Family households earn a median of $77,566 versus $32,397 for nonfamily households (a difference of $45,169). By gender, male median income is $51,989 and female is $44,875, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $7,114 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 69.1%, which is notably higher than the state rate (62.7%). The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is slightly higher than the state rate (4.7%). The largest occupation group is Management (42.5%).

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$41,875$44,583$46,667$47,854$49,604$49,743$52,241$56,361$66,528$44,904$40,982$44,824$48,750
Median Family Income$61,875$61,810$67,432$61,898$61,458$63,363$70,700$70,560$78,250$73,409$65,240$70,156$77,566
Median NonFamily Income$29,046$31,000$24,453$28,750$28,611$21,000$24,643$28,929$37,800$26,347$29,201$31,657$32,397
Median Male Income$31,854$43,611$53,750$38,846$35,932$39,329$39,236$37,775$42,104$43,795$44,160$49,750$51,989
Median Female Income$31,343$36,648$33,529$40,820$40,360$37,813$42,717$45,550$41,827$42,898$45,345$46,679$44,875
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:2,53565.49%
Unemployed:1393.59%
Not In Labor Force:1,19730.92%
Total:3,871100%
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:1,07842.52%
Service:41416.33%
Sales and Office:48619.17%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:2278.95%
Production, transportation, and material moving:33013.02%
Total Civilian Employed Population:2,535100%
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 $289,200, which is above the state median ($259,400), is up $100,400 (53.18%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $83,600. The median gross rent is $985, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $112 (12.83%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $91. Of occupied housing, owners make up 73.73% (49.55% with a mortgage, 50.45% free-and-clear) and renters 26.27% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 27.70%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.43%).

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$188,800$207,800$194,800$202,000$201,800$202,900$208,600$210,900$205,600$227,000$228,300$257,200$289,200
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:00.00%
$500 to $999:19232.60%
$1,000 to $1,499:6410.87%
$1,500 to $1,999:10417.66%
$2,000 to $2,499:30.51%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:22638.37%
Total:589100%
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$873$863$869$884$816$771$764$771$894$897$1,063$1,178$985
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):81936.53%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):83437.20%
Renter Occupied:58926.27%
Total Occupied Housing Units:2,242100%

Occupied Housing Units:2,24272.30%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):85927.70%
Total Housing Units:3,101100%
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:2,28873.78%
Multi-Family Units:2548.19%
Other Units:55918.03%
Total Housing Units:3,101100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 40.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is on par with the state rate (34.70%). High school or higher is 93.90%, which is well above the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 12.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 4.00%, which is markedly below the state rate (9.40%), down 0.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.30 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (56.58%). College enrollment is 19.52%, 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:1444.00%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:742.05%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):1,17132.50%
Some college, no degree:55815.49%
Associate's degree:2105.83%
Bachelor's degree:85023.59%
Graduate or professional degree:59616.54%
Total:3,603100%
High school or higher:3,38593.95%
Bachelor's degree or higher:1,44640.13%
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:2,99659.76%
Public Insurance:1,46729.26%
No Insurance:55010.97%
Total:5,013100%
Has Health Insurance:4,46389.03%
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 Poverty4.1%3.3%3.3%4.9%4.9%4.1%5.8%6.4%4.3%4.1%6.8%5.4%4.0%
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:618.63%
Kindergarten:192.69%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):40056.58%
High school (grades 9-12):8912.59%
College or graduate school:13819.52%
Total:707100%
Early Childhood:8011.32%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):50871.85%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 28692 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 77 business establishments, employing about 304 people with an annual payroll of $11,440,000. USPS data shows 1,990 residential mailboxes and 55 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:1,990Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:55Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:2,239Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:1,872Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
# of Businesses:77Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$2,732,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$11,440,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:304Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 28692 is located in Watauga County, North Carolina, within the Boone, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 14380) and North Carolina's 5th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 54,607 people, about 7.62% of whom live in ZIP Code 28692. It covers 39.993 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.012 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Boone, NCSource: Census
CBSA Number:14380Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:54,607Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:39.993 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.012 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:--Source: Census
Place Name:--Source: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


28693 | | 28691

Schools in ZIP Code 28692


ZIP Code 28692 is in the Watauga County Schools, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 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.

Cove Creek Elementary 930 Vanderpool Rd
Vilas, NC 28692
District: Watauga County Schools
Mountain Pathways School 453 Howards Creek Rd
Boone, NC 28607
District: Private SchoolNearby
Grace Academy 471 New Market Blvd
Boone, NC 28607
District: Private SchoolNearby
Rainbow Christian Academy 2265 Blevins Creek Rd
Elk Park, NC 28622
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28692


Jung Tao School Of Classical Chinese Medicine 207 Dale Adams Road
Sugar Grove, NC 28679-9657
Type: Post Secondary
Appalachian State University 287 Rivers St
Boone, NC 28608
Type: Post Secondary
Lees-Mcrae College 191 Main Street
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology-Elizabethton 426 Highway 91
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Type: Post Secondary
Mayland Community College 200 Mayland Drive
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Type: Post Secondary
Milligan University 1 Blowers Blvd.
Milligan, TN 37682
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