Highlands ZIP Code List — Macon County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Highlands, North Carolina and it is 28741. Area code: 828.

ZIP codes

90.26

sq mi land

0.36

sq mi water

828

area code

Highlands, NC ZIP code map

About Highlands, NC

Highlands, North Carolina, is a charming mountain town located in the southwestern part of the state. Known for its breathtaking views and rich natural beauty, Highlands has become a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike. With a unique blend of outdoor activities and quaint downtown attractions, it's a place where everyone can find something to enjoy.

Location & geography

Nestled in Macon County, Highlands is situated approximately 50 miles southwest of Asheville, NC, and around 40 miles northeast of the bustling city of Clayton, GA. The terrain is characterized by its mountainous landscapes, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. The town covers a land area of 90.26 square miles, with a small water area of 0.36 square miles adding to its scenic allure.

Community & economy

The character of Highlands is marked by its close-knit community and vibrant arts culture, featuring several galleries and local events throughout the year. Predominantly reliant on tourism and outdoor industries, the town attracts many visitors looking to experience its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Daily life in Highlands offers a blend of outdoor adventure and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a wonderful place for families and individuals alike.

Transportation

Highlands is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 64, which connects it to surrounding areas, making travel straightforward for those visiting or commuting. The nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport, located about 65 miles away, offering a range of domestic flights. Public transit options are limited, but local roads provide access to the charming downtown area and surrounding attractions.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Highlands started as a small resort town and quickly gained popularity due to its temperate climate and natural beauty. The economy historically centered around the logging industry and tourism, with a significant boost during the summer months when visitors flocked to the area. Despite its growth, Highlands has managed to retain its quaint mountain village charm and continues to be a beloved retreat for many.

Did you know?

An interesting fact about Highlands is that it has the highest elevation of any town in the eastern United States, sitting at an elevation of over 4,100 feet. Additionally, the region is known for its stunning waterfalls, with nearby areas featuring some of the highest cascading waterfalls in North Carolina.

ZIP codes for Highlands, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28741	Highlands	Macon	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,209

Population

61.8

Median age

$65,606

Median household income

$62,228

Per capita income

$509,400

Median home value

$787

Median monthly rent

70.0%

Home ownership

8.5%

Poverty rate

1.8%

Unemployment

5,511

Housing units

48.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

244

25–34

216

129

35–44

113

138

45–54

121

150

55–59

133

307

60–64

271

614

65–74

542

284

75–84

251

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	415	9.9%
18 and over	3,794	90.1%
65 and over	1,815	43.1%
Median age	61.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 93.9%

Black or African American 2%

Hispanic or Latino 1.9%

Other race 1.8%

Two or more races 0.2%

Asian 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	4,028	93.9%
Black or African American	87	2%
Hispanic or Latino	81	1.9%
Other race	78	1.8%
Two or more races	9	0.2%
Asian	7	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 7.5%

$10k–$15k 2.7%

$15k–$25k 10.3%

$25k–$35k 7.5%

$35k–$50k 7.7%

$50k–$75k 20.8%

$75k–$100k 8.1%

$100k–$150k 14.8%

$150k–$200k 9.0%

$200k+ 11.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	7.5%
$10k–$15k	2.7%
$15k–$25k	10.3%
$25k–$35k	7.5%
$35k–$50k	7.7%
$50k–$75k	20.8%
$75k–$100k	8.1%
$100k–$150k	14.8%
$150k–$200k	9.0%
$200k+	11.7%
Median income	$65,606

Housing

Home values

$50k–$100k 1.6%

$100k–$150k 1.2%

$150k–$200k 4.2%

$200k–$300k 14.2%

$300k–$500k 27.9%

$500k–$1M 35.8%

$1M+ 15.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$509,400
Median rent / month	$787
Owner occupied	70.0%
Renter occupied	30.0%
Vacant	63.0%
Single-family detached	83.8%
Large apartment buildings	0.8%
Mobile homes	4.4%
Median rooms	5.0
Avg household size (owned)	1.97

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	3.7%
2000–2009	16.8%
1990–1999	17.9%
1980–1989	21.3%
1970–1979	17.6%
1960–1969	7.2%
1950–1959	6.9%
1940–1949	5.8%
1939 or earlier	2.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	4.3%
1 bedroom	6.3%
2 bedrooms	27.9%
3 bedrooms	43.2%
4 bedrooms	16.9%
5+ bedrooms	1.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.6%
1 vehicle	40.6%
2 vehicles	38.4%
3 or more	16.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.7%
Electricity	45.7%
Propane / LP gas	40.7%
Fuel oil	2.9%
Wood	9.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,058	46.1%
Cohabiting couple	150	6.5%
Male householder, no spouse	595	25.9%
Female householder, no spouse	494	21.5%
Households with children under 18	294	12.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	1,127	49.1%
Average household size	1.79

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	21.9%	14.0%
Married	56.6%	60.9%
Separated	0.8%	0.0%
Widowed	2.7%	11.9%
Divorced	18.0%	13.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.0%

Some HS, no diploma 7.5%

HS graduate 14.3%

Some college, no degree 21.6%

Associate's degree 6.3%

Bachelor's degree 28.8%

Graduate / professional 19.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	90.5%
Bachelor's or higher	48.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	15	2.9%
Kindergarten	108	20.7%
Elementary school	170	32.6%
High school	31	6.0%
College / grad school	197	37.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Arts, food & hospitality 29.8%

Professional & management 17.2%

Retail trade 15.0%

Education & healthcare 8.6%

Finance & real estate 7.6%

Construction 7.5%

Manufacturing 4.4%

Other services 3.6%

Transportation & utilities 2.5%

Agriculture & mining 1.5%

Information 1.5%

Public administration 0.7%

Wholesale trade 0.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	38.6%
Service	24.3%
Sales & office	25.2%
Natural resources & construction	5.4%
Production & transportation	6.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	81.8%
Government	6.7%
Self-employed	11.5%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	72.4%
Carpool	7.9%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	8.5%
Other means	0.2%
Avg commute (minutes)	19.0

Poverty

All people 8.5%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 9.2%

Married-couple families 4.5%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	47.1%
Retirement income	32.2%
Supplemental Security	1.6%
Cash public assistance	0.1%
Food stamps / SNAP	2.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	39.0%
High cholesterol	43.0%
Heart disease	9.2%
Stroke	3.9%
Asthma	8.2%
Arthritis	32.4%
Kidney disease	3.8%
Pulmonary disease	7.8%
Cancer	10.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	12.5%
No physical activity	20.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	27.1%
Fair or poor health	12.8%
Poor mental health	11.2%
Poor physical health	10.6%
No health insurance	13.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	82.0%
Visited dentist	71.8%
Cholesterol screening	94.0%
Teeth loss	10.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	363	9.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.2%
Under 18	1.2%
18–64 years	9.7%
65 and over	15.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	59.0%
Public insurance	47.8%
Uninsured under 19	31.4%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	4,107	97.6%
Spanish	47	1.1%
Other Indo-European	30	0.7%
Asian & Pacific Islander	17	0.4%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	4,019	95.5%
Born in same state	3,849	91.4%
Born in different state	1,197	28.4%
Foreign born	170	4.0%
Naturalized citizen	190	4.5%
Not a US citizen	121	63.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	746	17.7%
Italian	674	16%
French	594	14.1%
English	32	0.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
Irish	18	0.4%
Polish	16	0.4%
Norwegian	9	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	54.6%
Internet access	82.6%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Highlands, NC?

Highlands, NC has one ZIP code: 28741.

What is the main ZIP code for Highlands, NC?

The primary ZIP code for Highlands, NC is 28741. The city uses area code 828 for phone service.

What county is Highlands, NC in?

Highlands is located in Macon County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in Highlands, NC?

Highlands, NC has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code does the downtown Highlands area and Main Street fall under?

Downtown Highlands and Main Street are located in ZIP code 28741, which serves as the primary commercial and civic center of this mountain town.

What is the ZIP code for the Highlands Country Club and the residential areas surrounding it?

The Highlands Country Club and its surrounding neighborhoods are located in ZIP code 28741, which covers the majority of Highlands' residential and recreational areas in Macon County.