28604 ZIP Code
Banner Elk, North carolina
December 12, 2025
| ZIP Code: | 28604 |
| City/Town: | Banner Elk |
| County: | Avery |
| State: | North carolina |
| ZIP Type: | Standard |
| Population: | 7,671 |
| Median Household Income: | $61,161 |
| Per Capita Income: | $31,130 |
| Total Housing Units: | 9,050 |
| Median Home Value: | $296,500 |
| Land Area: | 68.7 sq miles
177.8 sq km |
| Water Area: | 0.1 sq miles
0.3 sq km |
| Coordinates: | 36.1776, -81.8581 |
Population Information (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population: | 7,671 | -- | -- |
| Male: | 3,849 | 50.2% | 49.6% |
| Female: | 3,822 | 49.8% | 50.4% |
| Median Age: | 45.2 yrs | -- | 38.5 yrs |
| Under 5 years: | 272 | 3.5% | 5.7% |
| 5 to 9 years: | 423 | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| 10 to 14 years: | 393 | 5.1% | 6.5% |
| 15 to 19 years: | 774 | 10.1% | 6.6% |
| 20 to 24 years: | 564 | 7.4% | 6.7% |
| 25 to 34 years: | 580 | 7.6% | 13.7% |
| 35 to 44 years: | 802 | 10.5% | 12.9% |
| 45 to 54 years: | 960 | 12.5% | 12.4% |
| 55 to 59 years: | 443 | 5.8% | 6.5% |
| 60 to 64 years: | 608 | 7.9% | 6.4% |
| 65 to 74 years: | 1,114 | 14.5% | 9.7% |
| 75 to 84 years: | 608 | 7.9% | 4.8% |
| 85 years and over: | 130 | 1.7% | 2.0% |
Housing Information (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value: | $296,500 | -- | $281,900 |
| Median rooms: | 5.3 | -- | 5.5 |
| Median rent: | $973 / mo. | -- | $1,268 / mo. |
| Total housing units: | 9,050 | -- | -- |
| Occupied housing units: | 3,150 | 34.8% | 38.0% |
| Vacant housing units: | 5,900 | 65.2% | 4.6% |
| Housing tenure: | -- | -- | -- |
| Owner-occupied: | 2,383 | 75.7% | 64.8% |
| Renter-occupied: | 767 | 24.3% | 35.2% |
Educational Attainment (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 years and over: | 5,245 | -- | -- |
| Less than 9th grade: | 195 | 3.7% | 4.7% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 216 | 4.1% | 6.1% |
| High school graduate: | 1,018 | 19.4% | 26.4% |
| Some college, no degree: | 1,142 | 21.8% | 19.7% |
| Associate degree: | 507 | 9.7% | 8.7% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 1,312 | 25.0% | 20.9% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 855 | 16.3% | 13.7% |
| Percent high school graduate or higher: | -- | 92.2% | 89.1% |
| Percent bachelor's degree or higher: | -- | 41.3% | 34.3% |
Income Information (28604 zip code)
| Value | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income: | $61,161 / yr. | $75,149 / yr. |
| Mean household income: | $93,168 / yr. | $105,833 / yr. |
| Median family income: | $81,645 / yr. | $92,646 / yr. |
| Per capita income: | $31,130 / yr. | $41,261 / yr. |
Employment (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In labor force: | 3,520 | -- | 63.5% |
| Employed: | 3,306 | 94.0% | 96.4% |
| Unemployed: | 212 | 6.0% | 5.3% |
| Not in labor force: | 2,970 | -- | -- |
| Class of Worker: | -- | -- | -- |
| Private wage and salary: | 2,410 | 72.9% | 79.7% |
| Government workers: | 669 | 20.2% | 14.2% |
| Self-employed: | 221 | 6.7% | 5.9% |
| Unpaid family workers: | 6 | 0.2% | 0.1% |
Race & Ethnicity (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Race (one race): | -- | -- | -- |
| White: | 6,756 | 88.1% | 61.6% |
| Black or African American: | 134 | 1.7% | 12.4% |
| American Indian/Alaska Native: | 186 | 2.4% | 1.1% |
| Asian: | 83 | 1.1% | 6.0% |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: | 4 | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Some other race: | 112 | 1.5% | 8.4% |
| Two or more races: | 396 | 5.2% | 10.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race): | 371 | 4.8% | 18.7% |
| Mexican: | 447 | 5.8% | 11.2% |
| Puerto Rican: | 336 | 4.4% | 1.8% |
| Cuban: | 8 | 0.1% | 0.7% |
| Other Hispanic or Latino: | 20 | 0.3% | 5.0% |
| Not Hispanic or Latino: | 83 | 1.1% | 81.1% |
Income Distribution (28604 zip code)
| Household Income | Households | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $10,000: | 185 | 5.9% | 4.9% |
| $10,000 to $14,999: | 26 | 0.8% | 3.8% |
| $15,000 to $24,999: | 251 | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| $25,000 to $34,999: | 254 | 8.1% | 7.4% |
| $35,000 to $49,999: | 563 | 17.9% | 10.7% |
| $50,000 to $74,999: | 516 | 16.4% | 16.1% |
| $75,000 to $99,999: | 519 | 16.5% | 12.8% |
| $100,000 to $149,999: | 459 | 14.6% | 17.1% |
| $150,000 to $199,999: | 147 | 4.7% | 8.8% |
| $200,000 or more: | 230 | 7.3% | 11.4% |
Commute to Work (28604 zip code)
| Commute Method | Workers | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drove alone: | 2,386 | 72.2% | 67.8% |
| Carpooled: | 299 | 9.0% | 8.7% |
| Public transportation: | 0 | 0.0% | 4.2% |
| Walked: | 97 | 2.9% | 2.5% |
| Other means: | 23 | 0.7% | 0.9% |
| Worked from home: | 380 | 11.5% | 13.8% |
| Mean travel time to work: | 23.5 min | -- | 26.7 min |
Industry (28604 zip code)
| Industry Sector | Workers | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining: | 4 | 0.1% | 1.6% |
| Construction: | 291 | 8.8% | 6.9% |
| Manufacturing: | 173 | 5.2% | 10.0% |
| Wholesale trade: | 5 | 0.2% | 2.4% |
| Retail trade: | 570 | 17.2% | 11.0% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities: | 66 | 2.0% | 5.8% |
| Information: | 41 | 1.2% | 1.9% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate: | 316 | 9.6% | 6.7% |
| Professional, scientific, management: | 230 | 7.0% | 12.1% |
| Education, health care, social services: | 719 | 21.7% | 23.3% |
| Arts, entertainment, food services: | 479 | 14.5% | 9.0% |
| Other services: | 175 | 5.3% | 4.7% |
| Public administration: | 237 | 7.2% | 4.7% |
Poverty Status (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poverty Rate: | -- | 10.4% | 8.8% |
| All people below poverty level: | -- | -- | -- |
| Under 18 years: | -- | -- | 16.3% |
| 18 to 64 years: | -- | -- | 11.0% |
| 65 years and over: | -- | -- | 10.3% |
Health Insurance (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| With health insurance: | 6,753 | 88.0% | 91.3% |
| Private health insurance: | 4,923 | 64.2% | 67.6% |
| Public health coverage: | 2,927 | 38.2% | 35.9% |
| Without health insurance: | 824 | 10.7% | 8.7% |
Benefits & Assistance (28604 zip code)
| Households with: | Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings: | 2,211 | 70.2% | 77.4% |
| Social Security income: | 1,278 | 40.6% | 31.0% |
| Retirement income: | 960 | 30.5% | 21.8% |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI): | 68 | 2.2% | 4.5% |
| Cash public assistance income: | 42 | 1.3% | 1.8% |
| SNAP (food stamps) benefits: | 220 | 7.0% | 11.4% |
Housing Types (28604 zip code)
| Structure Type | Units | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-unit, detached: | 5,533 | 61.1% | 61.4% |
| 1-unit, attached: | 178 | 2.0% | 6.1% |
| 2 units: | 356 | 3.9% | 3.4% |
| 3 or 4 units: | 858 | 9.5% | 4.3% |
| 5 to 9 units: | 775 | 8.6% | 4.6% |
| 10 to 19 units: | 284 | 3.1% | 4.3% |
| 20 or more units: | 772 | 8.5% | 9.9% |
| Mobile home: | 294 | 3.2% | 5.8% |
| Boat, RV, van, etc.: | 0 | 0.0% | 0.1% |
Year Structure Built (28604 zip code)
| Year Built | Units | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built 2020 or later: | 0 | 0.0% | 0.6% |
| Built 2010 to 2019: | 344 | 3.8% | 8.2% |
| Built 2000 to 2009: | 2,094 | 23.1% | 13.5% |
| Built 1990 to 1999: | 1,209 | 13.4% | 13.2% |
| Built 1980 to 1989: | 2,667 | 29.5% | 13.2% |
| Built 1970 to 1979: | 1,774 | 19.6% | 14.6% |
| Built 1960 to 1969: | 422 | 4.7% | 10.2% |
| Built 1950 to 1959: | 124 | 1.4% | 9.9% |
| Built 1940 to 1949: | 229 | 2.5% | 4.6% |
| Built 1939 or earlier: | 187 | 2.1% | 12.0% |
Bedrooms (28604 zip code)
| Number of Bedrooms | Units | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| No bedroom (studio): | 174 | 1.9% | 2.4% |
| 1 bedroom: | 514 | 5.7% | 3.0% |
| 2 bedrooms: | 3,238 | 35.8% | 9.1% |
| 3 bedrooms: | 3,193 | 35.3% | 15.9% |
| 4 bedrooms: | 1,520 | 16.8% | 18.8% |
| 5 or more bedrooms: | 411 | 4.5% | 17.6% |
Heating Fuel (28604 zip code)
| Fuel Type | Units | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility gas: | 295 | 9.4% | 47.1% |
| Bottled, tank, or LP gas: | 1,009 | 32.0% | 4.9% |
| Electricity: | 1,302 | 41.3% | 40.2% |
| Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.: | 410 | 13.0% | 4.2% |
| Coal or coke: | 0 | 0.0% | 0.1% |
| Wood: | 109 | 3.5% | 1.5% |
| Solar energy: | 4 | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Other fuel: | 19 | 0.6% | 0.5% |
| No fuel used: | 2 | 0.1% | 0.2% |
Vehicles Available (28604 zip code)
| Vehicles | Households | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| No vehicle available: | 31 | 1.0% | 8.3% |
| 1 vehicle available: | 1,225 | 38.9% | 32.6% |
| 2 vehicles available: | 1,218 | 38.7% | 37.0% |
| 3 or more vehicles available: | 676 | 21.5% | 22.1% |
Home Value Distribution (28604 zip code)
| Value Range | Owner Units | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $50,000: | 86 | 3.6% | 5.7% |
| $50,000 to $99,999: | 153 | 6.4% | 7.8% |
| $100,000 to $149,999: | 198 | 8.3% | 9.2% |
| $150,000 to $199,999: | 306 | 12.8% | 10.8% |
| $200,000 to $299,999: | 462 | 19.4% | 19.9% |
| $300,000 to $499,999: | 851 | 35.7% | 24.1% |
| $500,000 to $999,999: | 237 | 9.9% | 17.0% |
| $1,000,000 or more: | 90 | 3.8% | 5.6% |
Housing Costs (28604 zip code)
| Value | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|
| Median owner costs (with mortgage): | $1,495 / mo. | $1,828 / mo. |
| Median owner costs (no mortgage): | $451 / mo. | $584 / mo. |
| Median gross rent: | $973 / mo. | $1,268 / mo. |
| Average household size (owner-occupied): | 2.23 | 2.53 |
| Average household size (renter-occupied): | 2.10 | 2.38 |
Households (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total households: | 3,150 | -- | -- |
| Married-couple households: | 1,657 | 52.6% | 47.5% |
| Cohabiting couple households: | 469 | 14.9% | 7.0% |
| Male householder, no spouse: | 593 | 18.8% | 5.4% |
| Female householder, no spouse: | 754 | 23.9% | 12.7% |
| Householder living alone: | 752 | 23.9% | 28.6% |
| 65 years and over living alone: | 1,206 | 38.3% | 11.8% |
| Average household size: | 2.20 | -- | 2.53 |
| Average family size: | 2.77 | -- | -- |
Marital Status (28604 zip code)
| Population 15 years and over | Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total: | 3,293 | -- | -- |
| Never married: | 1,059 | 32.2% | 37.0% |
| Now married: | 1,744 | 53.0% | 49.5% |
| Separated: | 83 | 2.5% | 1.5% |
| Widowed: | 317 | 9.6% | 2.6% |
| Divorced: | 866 | 26.3% | 9.3% |
School Enrollment (28604 zip code)
| Population 3 years and over | Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolled in school: | 2,154 | -- | -- |
| Nursery school, preschool: | 67 | 3.1% | 5.8% |
| Kindergarten: | 133 | 6.2% | 5.0% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 648 | 30.1% | 40.5% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 311 | 14.4% | 21.4% |
| College or graduate school: | 995 | 46.2% | 27.3% |
Veterans & Disability (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian population 18 years and over: | 6,323 | -- | -- |
| Veterans: | 541 | 8.6% | 6.3% |
| Civilian noninstitutionalized population: | 7,577 | -- | -- |
| With a disability: | 972 | 12.8% | 13.4% |
| Under 18 with disability: | 75 | 7.7% | 5.8% |
| 18 to 64 with disability: | 423 | 43.5% | 10.4% |
| 65 and over with disability: | 474 | 48.8% | 33.4% |
Mobility (Residence 1 Year Ago) (28604 zip code)
| Population 1 year and over | Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same house: | 6,665 | 86.9% | 86.9% |
| Different house: | 951 | 12.4% | 13.1% |
| Same county: | 297 | 31.2% | 7.0% |
| Different county: | 619 | 65.1% | 3.2% |
| Different state: | 235 | 24.7% | 2.5% |
| Abroad: | 35 | 3.7% | 0.4% |
Place of Birth (28604 zip code)
| Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native born: | 7,352 | 95.8% | 86.2% |
| Foreign born: | 86 | 1.1% | 13.9% |
| Naturalized citizen: | 319 | 370.9% | 52.7% |
| Not a citizen: | 319 | 370.9% | 47.3% |
| Foreign-born by region: | -- | -- | -- |
| Europe: | 319 | 370.9% | 10.5% |
| Asia: | 94 | 109.3% | 31.3% |
| Africa: | 8 | 9.3% | 5.5% |
| Oceania: | 0 | 0.0% | 0.5% |
| Latin America: | 183 | 212.8% | 50.0% |
| Northern America: | 9 | 10.5% | 2.2% |
Language Spoken at Home (28604 zip code)
| Population 5 years and over | Number# | Percent% | US AvgUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total: | 7,399 | -- | -- |
| English only: | 6,950 | 93.9% | 78.3% |
| Language other than English: | 449 | 6.1% | 21.5% |
| By language: | -- | -- | -- |
| Spanish: | 362 | 4.9% | 13.3% |
| Other Indo-European languages: | 77 | 1.0% | 3.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Island languages: | 2 | 0.0% | 3.5% |
| Other languages: | 8 | 0.1% | 1.0% |
Computers & Internet (28604 zip code)
| Households | Percent% | US AvgUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Households with a computer: | 3,150 | 100.0% | 93.1% |
| Households with broadband internet: | 2,905 | 92.2% | 89.4% |
Banner Elk, NC28604