| City: | Webster, North Carolina |
| County: | Jackson County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:04:23 PM |
| Population: | 168 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 828 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.3462, -83.2194 |
| Land Area: | 0.578 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Webster is a small unincorporated community in Jackson County, North Carolina, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With just 168 residents and 70 households, this tiny mountain hamlet operates a post office that serves a much larger area. The Webster post office maintains 178 PO Boxes, a 2.54:1 ratio compared to local households, because it provides mail service to surrounding rural areas where carrier delivery isn't available.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. No alternative mail delivery exists in the area, making the post office an essential community resource. Residents and those living in the surrounding territory must use PO Boxes to receive mail. The ZIP+4 data shows limited street infrastructure: Webster Rd is the only documented street, with 37 delivery records including some multi-unit addresses.
Webster's 168 residents live in a well-educated community with distinctive characteristics. The median age is 45.5 years, and 77% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, an exceptionally high rate for such a small rural community. Median household income stands at $78,125, well above the national average, and median home values reach $352,900. About 18% of workers work from home, suggesting professionals who've chosen this quiet mountain location for its rural character.
The Webster post office has served this community since before October 2004, when postal tracking systems began. It functions as both a local facility and a regional access point for mountain residents across western Jackson County who travel to Webster to collect mail, packages, and essential deliveries.
Webster Rd is the only documented street, with multi-unit addressing indicating concentrated development.
ZIP Code 28788 has 168 residents and 70 households (average 2.40 persons per household). The median age is 45.5 years, older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.6% male and 49.4% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (48.5%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (93.5%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.2%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 168Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 197Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 290.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $78,125Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 70Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $352,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.40Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.94Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 151 | 162 | 197 |
| Decennial Census | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 168 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 45.5
Male Median Age: 44.5
Female Median Age: 48.5
| 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 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Female | 4 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Total | 11 | 14 | 5 | 7 | 18 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 5 | 21 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| White: | 157 | 92.35% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 7 | 4.12% |
| Asian: | 3 | 1.76% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 3 | 1.76% |
| Total: | 170 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 85 | 50.60% | 44.5 years |
| Females: | 83 | 49.40% | 48.5 years |
| Total: | 168 | 100% | 45.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 197 | 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: | 197 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 197 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $78,125, which is far above the state median ($69,904), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $78,125. Family households earn a median of $91,250 versus $53,125 for nonfamily households (a difference of $38,125). By gender, male median income is $110,000 and female is $62,813, which is markedly greater than the state female median ($49,054), with a current gap of $47,187 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 46.2%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is far lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (78.1%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $68,750 | $85,938 | $78,125 |
| Median Family Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $82,500 | $89,063 | $91,250 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $42,083 | $0 | $53,125 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $106,250 | $122,500 | $110,000 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $51,875 | $60,938 | $62,813 |
| Employed: | 64 | 44.76% |
| Unemployed: | 2 | 1.40% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 77 | 53.85% |
| Total: | 143 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 50 | 78.13% |
| Service: | 6 | 9.38% |
| Sales and Office: | 8 | 12.50% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 64 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $352,900, which is markedly greater than the state median ($259,400), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $352,900. The median gross rent is $1,167, which is far less than the national median ($1,348), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,167. Of occupied housing, owners make up 74.36% (46.55% with a mortgage, 53.45% free-and-clear) and renters 25.64% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 23.53%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.43%).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $267,900 | $331,300 | $352,900 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 6 | 30.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 14 | 70.00% |
| $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: | 20 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,125 | $1,352 | $1,167 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 27 | 34.62% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 31 | 39.74% |
| Renter Occupied: | 20 | 25.64% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 78 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 78 | 76.47% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 24 | 23.53% |
| Total Housing Units: | 102 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 101 | 99.02% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 1 | 0.98% |
| Total Housing Units: | 102 | 100% |
In 2023, 76.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (34.70%), well above both the state and national averages. High school or higher is 99.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 22.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is on par with the state rate (9.40%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (39.66%). College enrollment is 6.90%, which is markedly below the state rate (27.10%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 1 | 0.78% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 15 | 11.63% |
| Some college, no degree: | 7 | 5.43% |
| Associate's degree: | 7 | 5.43% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 46 | 35.66% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 53 | 41.09% |
| Total: | 129 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 128 | 99.22% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 99 | 76.74% |
| Private Insurance: | 129 | 53.31% |
| Public Insurance: | 68 | 28.10% |
| No Insurance: | 45 | 18.60% |
| Total: | 242 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 197 | 81.40% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % 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% |
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: | 14 | 24.14% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 17 | 29.31% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 23 | 39.66% |
| College or graduate school: | 4 | 6.90% |
| Total: | 58 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 14 | 24.14% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 54 | 93.10% |
ZIP Code 28788 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 7 business establishments, employing about 80 people with an annual payroll of $2,578,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,788Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 7Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $661,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $2,578,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 80Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 28788 is located in Jackson County, North Carolina, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and North Carolina's 11st Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 28788. It covers 0.578 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.578 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: | 3771600Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Webster town; North CarolinaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 28788 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 January 1, 2026.