| City: | Bat Cave, North Carolina |
| County: | Henderson County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:03:58 PM |
| Population: | 85 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 828 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.4673, -82.2868 |
| Land Area: | 0.886 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Of the 55 total housing units here, 18 sit vacant for seasonal use. That's a 33% seasonal vacancy rate. The median age of 55.8 years points to a retirement and second-home community where full-time residents are outnumbered by part-time property owners. These vacation homeowners need year-round mailing addresses, and PO Boxes provide that stability when houses sit empty for months.
The ZIP code covers less than one square mile of mountainous terrain along US Highway 74 East. Street delivery reaches just three roads: Lake Lure Highway, Larenerm, and US Highway 74. But the 96 PO Boxes at the post office tell a different story about regional service. People from neighboring properties and seasonal residents rely on Bat Cave's postal facility as their permanent mailing address, even when they're not in residence.
This isn't hardship infrastructure. It's how second-home ownership works in mountain communities. Properties scattered across rugged terrain, seasonal occupancy patterns, and the need for secure year-round mail delivery make PO Boxes the practical solution. The high adoption rate reflects the reality of vacation property ownership, not a lack of alternatives for the 37 occupied households.
The three streets all relate to US Highway 74, the main corridor through this mountainous area near Lake Lure. The limited street infrastructure reflects a small seasonal community where most mail goes to PO Boxes rather than physical addresses.
ZIP Code 28710 has 85 residents and 37 households (average 2.30 persons per household). The median age is 55.8 years, significantly older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.2% male and 51.8% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (88.2%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Other / Two or More Races (4.7%, lower than the national average of 8.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.5%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 85Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 78Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 95.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 37Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.30Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.62Source: 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 78 |
| Decennial Census | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 85 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 55.8
Male Median Age: 54.2
Female Median Age: 61
| 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 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Female | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 19 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 26 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| White: | 75 | 91.46% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 3 | 3.66% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 4 | 4.88% |
| Total: | 82 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 41 | 48.24% | 54.2 years |
| Females: | 44 | 51.76% | 61.0 years |
| Total: | 85 | 100% | 55.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 78 | 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: | 78 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 78 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), 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 ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 46.2%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (100.0%).
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: | 36 | 46.15% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 42 | 53.85% |
| Total: | 78 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 36 | 100.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 36 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), 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 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 42 | 100.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 42 | 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): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 42 | 100.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 42 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 42 | 100.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 42 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 42 | 100.00% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 42 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 53.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 46.20%, which is falls below the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 100.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%). 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: | 36 | 46.15% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 42 | 53.85% |
| Some college, no degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 78 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 42 | 53.85% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 36 | 31.58% |
| Public Insurance: | 78 | 68.42% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 114 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 114 | 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 28710 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 17 people with an annual payroll of $969,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 133Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $273,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $969,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 17Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 28710 is located in Henderson County, North Carolina, within the Asheville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 11700) and North Carolina's 11st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 424,858 people, about 0.02% of whom live in ZIP Code 28710. It covers 0.886 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Asheville, NCSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 11700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 424,858Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.886 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 11Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 6838.24 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 28710 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.