Gatesville ZIP Code List — Gates County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Gatesville, North Carolina and it is 27938. Area code: 252.

ZIP codes

51.08

sq mi land

2.68

sq mi water

252

area code

Gatesville, NC ZIP code map

About Gatesville, NC

Gatesville is a small town located in Gates County, North Carolina. Known for its quaint charm and close-knit community, it offers a unique blend of rural living and southern hospitality. With its rich history and beautiful landscapes, Gatesville serves as a serene escape for those looking to enjoy a slower pace of life.

Location & geography

Situated in the northeastern region of North Carolina, Gatesville is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, with a land area of 51.08 square miles and water area covering 2.68 square miles. It is conveniently located near several neighboring towns, including Ahoskie to the southeast, which is approximately 20 miles away, and Edenton to the northeast, roughly 25 miles away. The town’s terrain features lush fields and waterways, making it a picturesque setting for outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The character of Gatesville is defined by its close-knit community and a strong sense of local pride. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture and small businesses, contributing to the area's charm. Daily life in Gatesville revolves around community events, local traditions, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Transportation

Access to Gatesville is primarily facilitated by North Carolina Highway 37, which connects the town to neighboring cities and regions. The nearest major airport is in Norfolk, Virginia, approximately 70 miles away, while smaller regional airports can be found closer by. Public transportation options are limited, so residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for commuting.

History

Gatesville was established in the early 19th century and has played a vital role in the agricultural development of Gates County. Historically, the town's economic focus has concentrated on farming and related industries, which continue to be significant today. The town has witnessed several key events, including community fairs and local gatherings that highlight its rich traditions.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Gatesville is that it boasts a significant number of historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. This rich architectural history provides a glimpse into the town's past and serves as a point of interest for visitors.

ZIP codes for Gatesville, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
27938	Gatesville	Gates	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,764

Population

53.4

Median age

$58,281

Median household income

$25,895

Per capita income

$112,100

Median home value

$1,076

Median monthly rent

88.3%

Home ownership

13.9%

Poverty rate

7.9%

Unemployment

772

Housing units

6.8%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

114

45–54

102

55–59

206

60–64

184

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	196	11.1%
18 and over	1,568	88.9%
65 and over	326	18.5%
Median age	53.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 40.5%

Black or African American 40.4%

Hispanic or Latino 9.4%

Two or more races 9.4%

Asian 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	789	40.5%
Black or African American	787	40.4%
Hispanic or Latino	182	9.4%
Two or more races	182	9.4%
Asian	6	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 0.5%

$10k–$15k 9.9%

$15k–$25k 9.7%

$25k–$35k 8.2%

$35k–$50k 19.6%

$50k–$75k 18.3%

$75k–$100k 19.2%

$100k–$150k 13.5%

$150k–$200k 0.8%

$200k+ 0.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	0.5%
$10k–$15k	9.9%
$15k–$25k	9.7%
$25k–$35k	8.2%
$35k–$50k	19.6%
$50k–$75k	18.3%
$75k–$100k	19.2%
$100k–$150k	13.5%
$150k–$200k	0.8%
$200k+	0.3%
Median income	$58,281

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 37.8%

$50k–$100k 7.5%

$100k–$150k 28.6%

$150k–$200k 11.1%

$200k–$300k 8.2%

$300k–$500k 6.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$112,100
Median rent / month	$1,076
Owner occupied	88.3%
Renter occupied	11.7%
Vacant	12.2%
Single-family detached	37.1%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	59.5%
Median rooms	5.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.21

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	12.0%
2000–2009	19.1%
1990–1999	28.6%
1980–1989	16.2%
1970–1979	6.2%
1960–1969	3.7%
1950–1959	3.8%
1940–1949	3.1%
1939 or earlier	7.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	0.0%
2 bedrooms	19.1%
3 bedrooms	69.0%
4 bedrooms	8.4%
5+ bedrooms	3.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.3%
1 vehicle	15.2%
2 vehicles	57.0%
3 or more	26.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	7.3%
Electricity	71.7%
Propane / LP gas	16.8%
Fuel oil	0.5%
Wood	0.1%
No fuel used	3.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	419	55.5%
Cohabiting couple	44	5.8%
Male householder, no spouse	61	8.1%
Female householder, no spouse	231	30.6%
Households with children under 18	171	22.6%
Households with seniors (65+)	226	29.9%
Average household size	2.25

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	32.8%	16.7%
Married	55.1%	52.4%
Separated	1.0%	2.9%
Widowed	1.5%	17.9%
Divorced	9.6%	10.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.4%

Some HS, no diploma 2.5%

HS graduate 50.0%

Some college, no degree 33.2%

Associate's degree 6.0%

Bachelor's degree 3.5%

Graduate / professional 3.3%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	96.1%
Bachelor's or higher	6.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	10	5.4%
Kindergarten	3	1.6%
Elementary school	110	59.8%
High school	46	25.0%
College / grad school	15	8.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 30.2%

Professional & management 22.3%

Manufacturing 9.0%

Retail trade 8.8%

Construction 5.2%

Wholesale trade 5.1%

Other services 4.9%

Agriculture & mining 3.6%

Finance & real estate 3.5%

Transportation & utilities 3.4%

Public administration 2.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 1.6%

Information 0.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	19.9%
Service	40.2%
Sales & office	13.1%
Natural resources & construction	9.1%
Production & transportation	17.8%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	67.7%
Government	11.9%
Self-employed	20.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	91.8%
Carpool	5.6%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.6%
Other means	0.7%
Avg commute (minutes)	40.6

Poverty

All people 13.9%

Under 18 years 10.7%

18 and over 14.3%

Married-couple families 2.6%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	37.0%
Retirement income	18.3%
Supplemental Security	4.1%
Cash public assistance	2.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	4.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	43.0%
High cholesterol	36.1%
Heart disease	7.9%
Stroke	4.5%
Asthma	9.7%
Arthritis	29.9%
Kidney disease	3.8%
Pulmonary disease	7.5%
Cancer	7.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.0%
No physical activity	26.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	36.6%
Fair or poor health	17.0%
Poor mental health	13.6%
Poor physical health	11.7%
No health insurance	18.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	82.4%
Visited dentist	60.9%
Cholesterol screening	92.0%
Teeth loss	17.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	181	11.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	28.5%
Under 18	0.5%
18–64 years	24.9%
65 and over	63.8%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	61.7%
Public insurance	45.6%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,730	98.1%
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)	1,680	95.2%
Born in same state	1,680	95.2%
Born in different state	1,011	57.3%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	84	4.8%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	115	6.5%
Arab	107	6.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
French	102	5.8%
Irish	36	2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	42.8%
Internet access	87.4%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Gatesville, NC?

Gatesville, NC has one ZIP code: 27938.

What is the main ZIP code for Gatesville, NC?

The primary ZIP code for Gatesville, NC is 27938. The city uses area code 252 for phone service.

What county is Gatesville, NC in?

Gatesville is located in Gates County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in Gatesville, NC?

Gatesville, NC has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for downtown Gatesville and the historic Gates County courthouse area?

The downtown Gatesville area, including the Gates County courthouse, is located in ZIP code 27938.

If I'm mailing a package to a business in Gatesville, NC, what ZIP code should I use?

All addresses in Gatesville, NC use the ZIP code 27938 for mail delivery.