Gates ZIP Code List — Gates County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Gates, North Carolina and it is 27937. Area code: 252.

ZIP codes

80.91

sq mi land

0.50

sq mi water

252

area code

Gates, NC ZIP code map

About Gates, NC

Gates is a small town located in Gates County, North Carolina. Known for its rural charm and friendly atmosphere, it provides a serene living experience for its residents. The community is characterized by its close-knit relationships and an appreciation for local traditions.

Location & geography

Gates is situated in the northeastern part of North Carolina and is bordered by several small towns and communities. Nearby cities include Suffolk, Virginia, approximately 15 miles to the northeast; Elizabeth City, North Carolina, about 22 miles to the southeast; and Ahoskie, North Carolina, roughly 24 miles southwest. The town covers a land area of 80.91 square miles, with a small water area of 0.50 square miles.

Community & economy

The character of Gates is deeply rooted in agriculture and local industry, reflecting the agricultural heritage of Gates County. Daily life often revolves around community events, seasonal festivals, and connecting with nature in the beautiful surrounding areas. Residents take pride in their local history and the rich, rural culture that defines their community.

Transportation

Gates is accessible via major highways, including U.S. Route 158, which provides connections to surrounding regions. The nearest major airport is in Norfolk, Virginia, approximately 45 miles away, offering commercial flights for longer journeys. Local public transportation options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary means of transit.

History

Gates, NC, is rooted in the agricultural history of Gates County, which was established in the early 18th century. Key industries have included farming, timber, and other rural enterprises that shaped the local economy. Over the years, Gates has held onto its historic charm while gradually adapting to changes in the surrounding areas.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Gates is its serene landscapes that attract nature lovers and bird watchers. Additionally, the town celebrates several community events each year, preserving its traditions and fostering a strong sense of unity among residents.

ZIP codes for Gates, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
27937	Gates	Gates	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,050

Population

45.2

Median age

$57,500

Median household income

$28,220

Per capita income

$140,600

Median home value

$1,129

Median monthly rent

81.3%

Home ownership

13.5%

Poverty rate

14.6%

Unemployment

1,010

Housing units

8.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

129

10–14

120

15–19

20–24

164

25–34

151

201

35–44

186

237

45–54

220

128

55–59

118

112

60–64

104

222

65–74

206

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	577	18.9%
18 and over	2,473	81.1%
65 and over	614	20.1%
Median age	45.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 51.9%

Black or African American 39.7%

Two or more races 3.3%

Hispanic or Latino 2.3%

American Indian / Alaska Native 2.1%

Other race 0.7%

Group	Count	%
White	1,621	51.9%
Black or African American	1,240	39.7%
Two or more races	104	3.3%
Hispanic or Latino	71	2.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native	64	2.1%
Other race	21	0.7%

Household income

Under $10k 5.5%

$10k–$15k 7.2%

$15k–$25k 13.5%

$25k–$35k 4.7%

$35k–$50k 10.1%

$50k–$75k 28.7%

$75k–$100k 11.3%

$100k–$150k 15.0%

$150k–$200k 2.3%

$200k+ 1.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	5.5%
$10k–$15k	7.2%
$15k–$25k	13.5%
$25k–$35k	4.7%
$35k–$50k	10.1%
$50k–$75k	28.7%
$75k–$100k	11.3%
$100k–$150k	15.0%
$150k–$200k	2.3%
$200k+	1.7%
Median income	$57,500

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 8.1%

$50k–$100k 20.2%

$100k–$150k 31.1%

$150k–$200k 14.1%

$200k–$300k 18.3%

$300k–$500k 6.9%

$500k–$1M 0.8%

$1M+ 0.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$140,600
Median rent / month	$1,129
Owner occupied	81.3%
Renter occupied	18.7%
Vacant	7.7%
Single-family detached	67.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	33.0%
Median rooms	6.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.69

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.8%
2010–2019	3.0%
2000–2009	25.1%
1990–1999	20.2%
1980–1989	10.7%
1970–1979	7.2%
1960–1969	8.2%
1950–1959	5.6%
1940–1949	5.5%
1939 or earlier	13.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	0.0%
2 bedrooms	20.1%
3 bedrooms	59.0%
4 bedrooms	15.2%
5+ bedrooms	5.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.2%
1 vehicle	22.0%
2 vehicles	44.0%
3 or more	31.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	2.5%
Electricity	67.0%
Propane / LP gas	21.9%
Fuel oil	4.1%
Wood	1.8%
No fuel used	2.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	555	49.3%
Cohabiting couple	65	5.8%
Male householder, no spouse	266	23.6%
Female householder, no spouse	240	21.3%
Households with children under 18	220	19.5%
Households with seniors (65+)	451	40.1%
Average household size	2.71

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	40.4%	22.9%
Married	41.3%	54.4%
Separated	2.7%	4.3%
Widowed	10.1%	4.4%
Divorced	5.5%	13.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.9%

Some HS, no diploma 5.6%

HS graduate 39.7%

Some college, no degree 32.2%

Associate's degree 10.3%

Bachelor's degree 4.1%

Graduate / professional 4.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	90.5%
Bachelor's or higher	8.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	9	1.9%
Kindergarten	5	1.0%
Elementary school	242	50.6%
High school	143	29.9%
College / grad school	79	16.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 24.6%

Construction 13.4%

Education & healthcare 10.6%

Public administration 9.8%

Wholesale trade 8.8%

Professional & management 7.5%

Transportation & utilities 6.9%

Retail trade 5.2%

Information 4.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.9%

Other services 2.7%

Finance & real estate 2.3%

Agriculture & mining 1.1%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	25.2%
Service	17.7%
Sales & office	17.8%
Natural resources & construction	18.8%
Production & transportation	20.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	77.7%
Government	15.7%
Self-employed	6.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.6%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	87.4%
Carpool	9.0%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	1.5%
Avg commute (minutes)	39.1

Poverty

All people 13.5%

Under 18 years 8.3%

18 and over 14.7%

Married-couple families 4.3%

Female-led households 58.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	46.8%
Retirement income	34.2%
Supplemental Security	2.8%
Cash public assistance	4.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	19.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	37.9%
High cholesterol	33.5%
Heart disease	6.5%
Stroke	3.8%
Asthma	10.0%
Arthritis	26.3%
Kidney disease	3.2%
Pulmonary disease	6.9%
Cancer	5.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.9%
No physical activity	25.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	37.1%
Fair or poor health	16.0%
Poor mental health	15.0%
Poor physical health	11.3%
No health insurance	18.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	80.0%
Visited dentist	59.9%
Cholesterol screening	90.2%
Teeth loss	17.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	195	7.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	19.3%
Under 18	1.6%
18–64 years	18.9%
65 and over	37.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	75.9%
Public insurance	33.5%
Uninsured under 19	2.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,924	95.9%
Spanish	32	1.1%
Other Indo-European	32	1.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,050	100.0%
Born in same state	3,029	99.3%
Born in different state	1,471	48.2%
Foreign born	21	0.7%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	349	11.4%
Arab	232	7.6%
Italian	218	7.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	54	1.8%
Irish	24	0.8%
Polish	24	0.8%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	36.9%
Internet access	90.3%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Gates, NC?

Gates, NC has one ZIP code: 27937.

What is the main ZIP code for Gates, NC?

The primary ZIP code for Gates, NC is 27937. The city uses area code 252 for phone service.

What county is Gates, NC in?

Gates is located in Gates County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in Gates, NC?

Gates, NC has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code should I use when mailing something to the Gates County courthouse in downtown Gates, NC?

The Gates County courthouse and downtown Gates area use ZIP code 27937 for all mail delivery.

If I'm sending a package to a business in the Gates, NC commercial district, what ZIP code do I need?

All businesses and commercial establishments in Gates, NC operate under the single ZIP code 27937.