| City: | Chimney Rock, North Carolina |
| County: | Rutherford County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:04:06 PM |
| Population: | 125 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 828 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.4393, -82.2469 |
| Land Area: | 9.279 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
The post office maintains 26 PO Boxes for 72 households, giving it an adoption rate of 0.36. That's typical for small communities where some residents prefer the convenience of a box while others receive delivery at home. The area has both urban and rural characteristics, with one city carrier route and one rural route serving the surrounding properties. Median household income stands at $56,259, and the median home value is $361,100. The community supports eight businesses and employs 42 people in professional and management positions. Main Street has four ZIP+4 records, making it the primary thoroughfare, followed by smaller roads like Buddy Lane, Chimney Rock Park Road, Southside Drive, and Hickory Trail.
The street layout is minimal and centered on Main Street, with Chimney Rock Park Road directly referencing the iconic natural landmark that defines the community. The handful of connecting roads suggests a compact, walkable village built primarily to serve tourists visiting the rock formation.
ZIP Code 28720 has 125 residents and 72 households (average 1.74 persons per household). The median age is 56.5 years, significantly older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 43.2% male and 56.8% female, which is lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (89.6%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (3.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.2%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 125Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 138Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 13.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $63,438Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 72Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $445,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.74Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.97Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 174 | 147 | 147 | 111 | 68 | 98 | 88 | 140 | 177 | 174 | 149 | 144 | 135 | 138 |
| Decennial Census | 114 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 125 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 56.5
Male Median Age: 56.2
Female Median Age: 59.4
| 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 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Female | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Total | 1 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 14 | 12 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 2 |
| White: | 112 | 96.55% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 4 | 3.45% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 116 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 54 | 43.20% | 56.2 years |
| Females: | 71 | 56.80% | 59.4 years |
| Total: | 125 | 100% | 56.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 137 | 99.28% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 1 | 0.72% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.72% |
| Total Population: | 138 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 137 | 99.28% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 1 | 0.72% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $63,438, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $26,474 (71.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $31,063. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $38,542 for nonfamily households (a difference of $38,542). By gender, male median income is $39,167 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $39,167 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 71.3%, which is far greater 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 (39.1%).
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 | $36,964 | $45,625 | $39,625 | $55,313 | $0 | $30,938 | $30,250 | $31,500 | $32,375 | $56,250 | $55,625 | $60,417 | $0 | $63,438 |
| Median Family Income | $60,833 | $60,625 | $63,125 | $65,795 | $47,500 | $31,875 | $31,750 | $36,250 | $51,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $26,705 | $37,917 | $27,000 | $28,889 | $0 | $0 | $21,250 | $22,000 | $21,042 | $28,125 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $38,542 |
| Median Male Income | $39,167 | $40,625 | $40,313 | $40,500 | $0 | $28,250 | $27,917 | $30,208 | $27,083 | $31,875 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $39,167 |
| Median Female Income | $21,429 | $21,250 | $24,063 | $24,063 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $21,875 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 92 | 71.32% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 37 | 28.68% |
| Total: | 129 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 27 | 29.35% |
| Service: | 9 | 9.78% |
| Sales and Office: | 36 | 39.13% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 15 | 16.30% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 5 | 5.43% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 92 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $445,500, which is considerably higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $273,900 (159.62%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $225,500. The median gross rent is $1,717, which is far above the national median ($1,413), is up $561 (48.53%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,013. Of occupied housing, owners make up 65.75% (64.58% with a mortgage, 35.42% free-and-clear) and renters 34.25% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 58.29%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.12%).
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 | $171,600 | $191,700 | $215,600 | $240,600 | $250,000 | $235,700 | $214,300 | $225,000 | $220,000 | $221,900 | $0 | $333,300 | $361,100 | $445,500 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 6 | 24.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 15 | 60.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 4 | 16.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 25 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,156 | $950 | $950 | $0 | $638 | $665 | $0 | $682 | $704 | $1,297 | $1,358 | $1,358 | $1,358 | $1,717 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 31 | 42.47% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 17 | 23.29% |
| Renter Occupied: | 25 | 34.25% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 73 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 73 | 41.71% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 102 | 58.29% |
| Total Housing Units: | 175 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 149 | 85.14% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 14 | 8.00% |
| Other Units: | 12 | 6.86% |
| Total Housing Units: | 175 | 100% |
In 2024, 29.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 97.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 5.00 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.10 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 (100.00%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 3 | 2.33% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 40 | 31.01% |
| Some college, no degree: | 38 | 29.46% |
| Associate's degree: | 10 | 7.75% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 22 | 17.05% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 16 | 12.40% |
| Total: | 129 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 126 | 97.67% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 38 | 29.46% |
| Private Insurance: | 105 | 71.43% |
| Public Insurance: | 42 | 28.57% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 147 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 147 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 5.0% | 0.0% | 2.7% | 3.4% | 11.1% | 10.0% | 3.7% | 2.8% | 2.1% | 3.5% | 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 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 9 | 100.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 9 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 9 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 28720 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 17 business establishments, employing about 148 people with an annual payroll of $4,983,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 181Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 17Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $960,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $4,983,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 148Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 28720 is located in Rutherford County, North Carolina, within the Forest City, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 22580) and North Carolina's 11st Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 67,810 people, about 0.18% of whom live in ZIP Code 28720. It covers 9.279 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Forest City, NCSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 22580Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 67,810Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 9.279 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 28720 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.