ZIP Code 28716 in Canton, NC

Data Last Updated: March 1, 2026
City:Canton, North Carolina
Counties:Haywood County[Primary]
Buncombe County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:04:03 PM
Population:17,710 [See All]
Area Code:828
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:35.4598, -82.8677
Land Area:158.671 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 28716 has 17,710 residents and 7,423 households (average 2.34 persons per household). The median age is 45.1 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 (91.7%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.1%, 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 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:17,710Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:16,863Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:18,595Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:111.6 people per sq mile
Average Income:$63,141Source: Census ACS
Households:7,423Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$237,800Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.34Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.89Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group201020112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Census ACS Population Estimate--17,38716,87216,85817,17317,02517,16317,63817,80717,77018,09517,70117,00716,21616,863
Decennial Census17,477------------------17,710--------
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: 45.1

Male Median Age: 43.1

Female Median Age: 46.8

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male460494495587404553523517493596604637608539459338205168
Female417433461463399505549532541579670697684601556356269318
Total8779279561,0508031,0581,0721,0491,0341,1751,2741,3341,2921,1401,015694474486
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:16,23492.02%
Black:2281.29%
Hispanic:*7344.16%
Asian:620.35%
American Indian:860.49%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:2971.68%
Total:17,641100%
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:8,68049.01%43.1 years
Females:9,03050.99%46.8 years
Total:17,710100%45.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:16,44197.50%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:420.25%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:2861.70%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:942.25%
Total Population:16,863100%
Total Native Population:16,48397.75%
Total Foreign-born Population:3802.25%
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 $63,141, which is far less than the national median ($80,734), is up $17,063 (37.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,438. Family households earn a median of $80,600 versus $35,238 for nonfamily households (a difference of $45,362). By gender, male median income is $58,918 and female is $45,031, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $13,887 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 60.0%, which is tends to be lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (35.1%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy 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)


Income Type20112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Household Income$46,078$43,657$42,557$43,396$42,400$43,838$46,768$49,018$49,703$51,233$50,635$55,261$60,008$63,141
Median Family Income$56,520$52,777$52,000$51,712$52,387$53,980$54,975$59,369$62,273$63,462$61,860$71,101$76,500$80,600
Median NonFamily Income$24,933$26,914$25,301$25,278$23,998$26,492$26,178$27,015$27,324$26,900$26,623$29,816$34,283$35,238
Median Male Income$41,697$42,635$45,179$48,244$51,571$50,180$46,585$44,809$42,158$50,795$50,395$55,805$55,625$58,918
Median Female Income$31,921$33,233$33,274$35,019$32,694$31,505$32,802$33,783$36,349$37,263$42,723$45,669$50,603$45,031
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:7,99057.36%
Unemployed:3352.40%
Not In Labor Force:5,60540.24%
Total:13,930100%
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)


Management, business, science, and arts:2,80735.13%
Service:1,53519.21%
Sales and Office:1,36017.02%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:5106.38%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1,77822.25%
Total Civilian Employed Population:7,990100%
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 $237,800, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $101,100 (73.96%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $76,700. The median gross rent is $988, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is up $283 (40.14%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $248. Of occupied housing, owners make up 76.37% (53.71% with a mortgage, 46.29% free-and-clear) and renters 23.63% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 16.36%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.12%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing 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)


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

Median Home Value Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Home Value$136,700$134,100$139,500$138,700$145,700$149,100$160,700$157,200$161,100$166,800$174,300$202,700$223,600$237,800
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:20211.72%
$500 to $999:49228.54%
$1,000 to $1,499:56832.95%
$1,500 to $1,999:150.87%
$2,000 to $2,499:774.47%
$2,500 to $2,999:90.52%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:36120.94%
Total:1,724100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Rent$705$730$710$703$658$675$686$707$740$771$788$890$961$988
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):2,99341.02%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):2,58035.36%
Renter Occupied:1,72423.63%
Total Occupied Housing Units:7,297100%

Occupied Housing Units:7,29783.64%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1,42716.36%
Total Housing Units:8,724100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:6,64976.22%
Multi-Family Units:3103.55%
Other Units:1,76520.23%
Total Housing Units:8,724100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2024, 23.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 91.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 8.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 14.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 5.20 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.90 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 (39.59%). College enrollment is 27.03%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool 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)


Less than 9th grade:4383.43%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:6605.17%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):4,15432.53%
Some college, no degree:2,81322.03%
Associate's degree:1,75313.73%
Bachelor's degree:1,97115.44%
Graduate or professional degree:9797.67%
Total:12,768100%
High school or higher:11,67091.40%
Bachelor's degree or higher:2,95023.10%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:11,00254.95%
Public Insurance:7,57437.83%
No Insurance:1,4457.22%
Total:20,021100%
Has Health Insurance:18,57692.78%
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)


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
% of People in Poverty7.5%7.4%9.9%9.9%10.9%12.5%13.9%11.3%11.8%11.4%11.3%11.9%12.7%14.4%
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)


Nursery School, Preschool:31810.85%
Kindergarten:1254.27%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1,16039.59%
High school (grades 9-12):53518.26%
College or graduate school:79227.03%
Total:2,930100%
Early Childhood:44315.12%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):1,82062.12%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 28716 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 308 business establishments, employing about 4,208 people with an annual payroll of $207,587,000. USPS data shows 7,947 residential mailboxes and 341 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:7,947Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:341Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:10,843Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:7,615Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:65Source: USPS
# of Businesses:308Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$51,458,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$207,587,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:4,208Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 28716 is located in Haywood County, North Carolina, within the Waynesville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 48200) and North Carolina's 11st Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 28716. It covers 158.671 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.161 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Waynesville, NCSource: Census
CBSA Number:48200Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:0Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:158.671 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.161 sq miSource: 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:3710240Source: Census
Place Name:Canton town; North CarolinaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


28717 | | 28715

Schools in ZIP Code 28716


ZIP Code 28716 is in the Haywood County Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 5 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.

Bethel Elementary 4700 Old River Road
Canton, NC 28716
District: Haywood County Schools
Canton Middle 60 Penland St
Canton, NC 28716
District: Haywood County Schools
North Canton Elementary 60 Thompson St
Canton, NC 28716
District: Haywood County Schools
Pisgah High 1 Black Bear Drive
Canton, NC 28716
District: Haywood County Schools
Meadowbrook Elementary 85 Morningstar Rd
Canton, NC 28716
District: Haywood County Schools
Academy At Soar, Soar Inc. 112 Virginia Ave Bldg B.
Waynesville, NC 28786
District: Private SchoolNearby
Blue Ridge Adventist Christian School 119 Hampshire Dr
Waynesville, NC 28786
District: Private SchoolNearby
Haywood Christian Academy 77 Sutton Loop
Waynesville, NC 28786
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28716


Haywood Community College 185 Freedlander Drive
Clyde, NC 28721-9901
Type: Post Secondary
Brevard College One Brevard College Drive
Brevard, NC 28712
Type: Post Secondary
Carolina College Of Hair Design Inc 1302 Patton Ave Suite 20
Asheville, NC 28806-2711
Type: Post Secondary
Galen Health Institutes-Asheville 30 Town Square Boulevard, Suite 160
Asheville, NC 28803-5007
Type: Post Secondary
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College 340 Victoria Rd
Asheville, NC 28801-4897
Type: Post Secondary
Daoist Traditions College Of Chinese Medical Arts 382 Montford Ave
Asheville, NC 28801
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 March 1, 2026.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 3/1/2026], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 3/1/2026], 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 2011-2024 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: 3/1/2026], https://nces.ed.gov