Cove City ZIP Codes — Craven County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Cove City, North Carolina and it is 28523. Area code: 252.

ZIP codes

65.34

sq mi land

0.46

sq mi water

252

area code

Cove City, NC ZIP code map

About Cove City, NC

Cove City is a charming small town located in Craven County, North Carolina. Known for its picturesque landscapes and close-knit community, it offers a tranquil lifestyle away from bustling urban centers. The town, while small, has a rich history and a unique character that draws visitors and residents alike.

Location & geography

Cove City is situated in the eastern part of North Carolina, approximately 19 miles northwest of New Bern and about 10 miles southeast of Kinston. The town covers a total land area of 65.34 square miles, complemented by a smaller water area of 0.46 square miles. The terrain predominantly consists of gently rolling hills and lush greenery, providing a serene backdrop for outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The community in Cove City is marked by its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of belonging among residents. The local economy is supported by various small businesses, agriculture, and some light industrial activities, fostering a stable economic environment. Daily life in Cove City often revolves around community events, local festivals, and a rich appreciation for nature, with residents enjoying the natural surroundings.

Transportation

Cove City is conveniently accessible via U.S. Highway 70, providing connections to larger cities and regional amenities. The nearest major airport is Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, which caters to both domestic and general aviation flights. Public transportation options are limited, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting.

History

Cove City was established in the late 19th century, developing as a small agricultural community. The town's primary industries historically revolved around farming and lumber, which played significant roles in its economic foundation. A notable event in the town's history is the annual celebrations that reflect its cultural heritage and community spirit.

Did you know?

Cove City is often overlooked by tourists, yet it offers a peaceful escape for visitors seeking to explore rural North Carolina. The town's commitment to preserving its historical charm and natural beauty makes it a unique spot in the region.

ZIP codes for Cove City, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28523	Cove City	Craven	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,495

Population

47.4

Median age

$43,994

Median household income

$26,305

Per capita income

$137,500

Median home value

$634

Median monthly rent

70.6%

Home ownership

8.3%

Poverty rate

1.5%

Unemployment

843

Housing units

21.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

113

Under 5

154

5–9

10–14

102

15–19

105

20–24

144

25–34

35–44

177

45–54

243

55–59

60–64

135

145

65–74

198

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	614	24.6%
18 and over	1,881	75.4%
65 and over	583	23.4%
Median age	47.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 62.5%

Black or African American 26.8%

Hispanic or Latino 4.2%

Other race 4.2%

Two or more races 2.3%

Group	Count	%
White	1,628	62.5%
Black or African American	698	26.8%
Hispanic or Latino	110	4.2%
Other race	110	4.2%
Two or more races	59	2.3%

Household income

Under $10k 4.6%

$10k–$15k 1.4%

$15k–$25k 13.1%

$25k–$35k 16.3%

$35k–$50k 20.5%

$50k–$75k 13.7%

$75k–$100k 8.9%

$100k–$150k 15.5%

$200k+ 5.9%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.6%
$10k–$15k	1.4%
$15k–$25k	13.1%
$25k–$35k	16.3%
$35k–$50k	20.5%
$50k–$75k	13.7%
$75k–$100k	8.9%
$100k–$150k	15.5%
$200k+	5.9%
Median income	$43,994

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 9.2%

$50k–$100k 24.5%

$100k–$150k 18.9%

$150k–$200k 12.0%

$200k–$300k 23.9%

$300k–$500k 5.7%

$500k–$1M 5.6%

$1M+ 0.1%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$137,500
Median rent / month	$634
Owner occupied	70.6%
Renter occupied	29.4%
Vacant	9.8%
Single-family detached	67.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	31.6%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.41

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.5%
2010–2019	10.8%
2000–2009	23.9%
1990–1999	8.9%
1980–1989	14.0%
1970–1979	6.2%
1960–1969	10.8%
1950–1959	6.4%
1940–1949	4.7%
1939 or earlier	13.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.5%
1 bedroom	4.4%
2 bedrooms	19.1%
3 bedrooms	62.6%
4 bedrooms	12.0%
5+ bedrooms	1.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.6%
1 vehicle	18.9%
2 vehicles	50.0%
3 or more	28.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	10.6%
Electricity	68.2%
Propane / LP gas	17.5%
Fuel oil	2.4%
Wood	1.0%
No fuel used	0.3%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	600	57.9%
Cohabiting couple	5	0.5%
Male householder, no spouse	82	7.9%
Female householder, no spouse	349	33.7%
Households with children under 18	419	40.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	427	41.2%
Average household size	2.41

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	18.9%	18.1%
Married	69.7%	49.8%
Separated	0.5%	11.9%
Widowed	6.4%	14.7%
Divorced	4.4%	5.4%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.2%

Some HS, no diploma 5.1%

HS graduate 48.3%

Some college, no degree 15.8%

Associate's degree 9.0%

Bachelor's degree 11.8%

Graduate / professional 9.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	94.7%
Bachelor's or higher	21.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	90	16.5%
Kindergarten	14	2.6%
Elementary school	193	35.4%
High school	104	19.1%
College / grad school	144	26.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 23.2%

Education & healthcare 18.4%

Retail trade 16.7%

Other services 9.7%

Construction 7.5%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.6%

Finance & real estate 6.5%

Public administration 4.7%

Wholesale trade 2.7%

Professional & management 2.5%

Agriculture & mining 0.9%

Transportation & utilities 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	36.5%
Service	11.4%
Sales & office	21.3%
Natural resources & construction	11.4%
Production & transportation	19.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	81.7%
Government	12.7%
Self-employed	5.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	92.3%
Carpool	4.1%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	1.2%
Avg commute (minutes)	31.0

Poverty

All people 8.3%

Under 18 years 14.0%

18 and over 6.5%

Married-couple families 2.3%

Female-led households 15.3%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	33.8%
Retirement income	18.1%
Supplemental Security	10.3%
Cash public assistance	12.2%
Food stamps / SNAP	19.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	40.6%
High cholesterol	36.2%
Heart disease	8.3%
Stroke	4.5%
Asthma	10.3%
Arthritis	29.9%
Kidney disease	3.9%
Pulmonary disease	9.3%
Cancer	6.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.4%
No physical activity	26.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	35.5%
Fair or poor health	18.8%
Poor mental health	15.3%
Poor physical health	13.3%
No health insurance	20.2%
Visited doctor (checkup)	80.0%
Visited dentist	57.3%
Cholesterol screening	89.8%
Teeth loss	19.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	160	8.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	20.9%
Under 18	3.7%
18–64 years	13.3%
65 and over	55.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	70.2%
Public insurance	48.2%
Uninsured under 19	0.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,228	89.3%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,492	99.9%
Born in same state	2,478	99.3%
Born in different state	1,863	74.7%
Foreign born	14	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	3	0.1%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	374	15%
French	185	7.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	97	3.9%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	41.5%
Internet access	80.3%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Cove City, NC have?

Cove City, NC has one ZIP code: 28523. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.