Atlantic ZIP Codes — Carteret County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Atlantic, North Carolina and it is 28511. Area code: 252.

ZIP codes

8.17

sq mi land

8.33

sq mi water

252

area code

Atlantic, NC ZIP code map

About Atlantic, NC

Atlantic, North Carolina is a charming town located in Carteret County. Known for its picturesque coastal landscapes and a slower pace of life, Atlantic serves as a serene getaway for visitors seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the town offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature.

Location & geography

Situated on the coast of North Carolina, Atlantic spans a total land area of 8.17 square miles and is bordered by approximately 8.33 square miles of water. The town is relatively isolated, with nearby cities including Beaufort, located about 20 miles to the northwest, Morehead City, approximately 22 miles to the northwest, and Harkers Island, roughly 15 miles to the south. The terrain features beautiful coastal wetlands and a laid-back atmosphere that attracts both residents and tourists.

Community & economy

The community in Atlantic is characterized by its warm, welcoming atmosphere and strong ties among residents. The local economy is influenced by tourism, fishing, and small businesses that cater to both locals and visitors. Daily life in Atlantic revolves around outdoor activities, family-friendly events, and a profound appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding the area.

Transportation

Atlantic is accessible primarily by Highway 70, which connects it to larger transportation networks in the region. The nearest airport serving the area is the Michael J. Smith Field Airport, located about 16 miles away in Beaufort. Public transit options may be limited, so personal vehicles are the most common means of transportation in and around the town.

History

Atlantic, NC was founded in the early 20th century, emerging as a fishing and tourism destination. Historically, the local economy has revolved around the fishing industry, with many families relying on the bountiful waters of the Atlantic for their livelihoods. Notable events in the town's history include its development as a popular holiday spot in the mid-1900s, which helped shape its community and identity.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Atlantic is that it is part of the Core Sound region, known for its rich marine biodiversity. The area is also known for its festivals, which celebrate the local culture and heritage, drawing visitors from all over the state.

ZIP codes for Atlantic, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28511	Atlantic	Carteret	View map

Demographics & statistics

604

Population

38.0

Median age

$46,683

Median household income

$32,978

Per capita income

$115,400

Median home value

Median monthly rent

84.4%

Home ownership

18.7%

Poverty rate

4.4%

Unemployment

409

Housing units

16.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	151	25.0%
18 and over	453	75.0%
65 and over	160	26.5%
Median age	38.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 80.8%

Hispanic or Latino 9.6%

Other race 9.6%

Group	Count	%
White	540	80.8%
Hispanic or Latino	64	9.6%
Other race	64	9.6%

Household income

Under $10k 3.4%

$10k–$15k 4.6%

$15k–$25k 10.5%

$25k–$35k 14.3%

$35k–$50k 20.7%

$50k–$75k 24.1%

$75k–$100k 8.4%

$100k–$150k 6.3%

$150k–$200k 5.5%

$200k+ 2.1%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.4%
$10k–$15k	4.6%
$15k–$25k	10.5%
$25k–$35k	14.3%
$35k–$50k	20.7%
$50k–$75k	24.1%
$75k–$100k	8.4%
$100k–$150k	6.3%
$150k–$200k	5.5%
$200k+	2.1%
Median income	$46,683

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 14.5%

$50k–$100k 25.0%

$100k–$150k 23.0%

$150k–$200k 7.5%

$200k–$300k 10.5%

$300k–$500k 11.0%

$500k–$1M 6.0%

$1M+ 2.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$115,400
Median rent / month	$0
Owner occupied	84.4%
Renter occupied	15.6%
Vacant	46.9%
Single-family detached	78.7%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	17.9%
Median rooms	6.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.49

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	0.0%
2000–2009	9.4%
1990–1999	9.9%
1980–1989	10.3%
1970–1979	11.0%
1960–1969	11.4%
1950–1959	10.3%
1940–1949	15.7%
1939 or earlier	22.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	5.2%
2 bedrooms	24.7%
3 bedrooms	50.2%
4 bedrooms	16.4%
5+ bedrooms	3.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.5%
1 vehicle	35.4%
2 vehicles	43.5%
3 or more	15.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Electricity	51.5%
Propane / LP gas	23.2%
Fuel oil	18.6%
Wood	6.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	114	48.1%
Cohabiting couple	28	11.8%
Male householder, no spouse	21	8.9%
Female householder, no spouse	74	31.2%
Households with children under 18	53	22.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	114	48.1%
Average household size	2.55

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	40.7%	29.7%
Married	52.0%	43.8%
Separated	0.0%	5.2%
Widowed	0.0%	19.3%
Divorced	7.2%	2.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.9%

Some HS, no diploma 8.0%

HS graduate 45.5%

Some college, no degree 16.3%

Associate's degree 11.8%

Bachelor's degree 11.8%

Graduate / professional 4.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	90.1%
Bachelor's or higher	16.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	4	3.5%
Elementary school	83	73.5%
High school	17	15.0%
College / grad school	9	8.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Agriculture & mining 33.5%

Education & healthcare 13.3%

Retail trade 11.9%

Transportation & utilities 10.6%

Public administration 9.6%

Construction 5.0%

Wholesale trade 5.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.7%

Finance & real estate 2.8%

Manufacturing 2.3%

Other services 2.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	27.5%
Service	0.0%
Sales & office	18.3%
Natural resources & construction	38.5%
Production & transportation	15.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	68.3%
Government	23.9%
Self-employed	7.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	72.2%
Carpool	8.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	3.9%
Other means	8.8%
Avg commute (minutes)	31.9

Poverty

All people 18.7%

Under 18 years 25.8%

18 and over 16.3%

Married-couple families 14.0%

Female-led households 21.4%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	47.3%
Retirement income	35.9%
Supplemental Security	0.0%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	9.7%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	40.4%
High cholesterol	39.9%
Heart disease	10.0%
Stroke	4.6%
Asthma	9.4%
Arthritis	33.5%
Kidney disease	4.0%
Pulmonary disease	10.6%
Cancer	8.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.0%
No physical activity	27.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.4%
Fair or poor health	18.3%
Poor mental health	14.5%
Poor physical health	13.9%
No health insurance	18.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	79.6%
Visited dentist	60.5%
Cholesterol screening	90.2%
Teeth loss	19.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	10	2.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	13.2%
Under 18	2.6%
18–64 years	10.2%
65 and over	28.8%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	59.3%
Public insurance	49.0%
Uninsured under 19	6.4%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	557	92.2%
Spanish	13	2.3%
Other Indo-European	13	2.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	585	96.9%
Born in same state	585	96.9%
Born in different state	504	83.4%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	19	3.1%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	54	8.9%
Arab	36	6%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	19	3.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.2%
Internet access	89.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Atlantic, NC have?

Atlantic, NC has one ZIP code: 28511. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.