Hillsborough ZIP Code List — Orange County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Hillsborough, North Carolina and it is 27278. Area code: 919/984.

ZIP codes

103.70

sq mi land

1.02

sq mi water

919/984

area code

Hillsborough, NC ZIP code map

About Hillsborough, NC

Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a charming small town that embodies the rich history and natural beauty of the southern United States. Located in Orange County, it offers a blend of modern amenities and historic landmarks. The town serves as a tranquil retreat while being conveniently close to larger urban areas.

Location & geography

Situated in the heart of North Carolina, Hillsborough is strategically positioned near several major cities, including Durham, located just 13 miles away, and Chapel Hill, approximately 11 miles to the south. The town covers a total land area of 103.70 square miles, complemented by a water area of 1.02 square miles, enhancing its picturesque landscape. The terrain features the tranquil Eno River and is characterized by rolling hills and scenic views.

Community & economy

Hillsborough is known for its welcoming community atmosphere, where residents take pride in their local heritage and culture. The town's economy is bolstered by various industries, including small businesses, agriculture, and tourism, providing a diverse economic base. Daily life in Hillsborough is enhanced by numerous local events and festivals that celebrate the town's history and sense of community.

Transportation

Hillsborough is accessible via several key highways, including Interstate 85 and U.S. Route 70, which provide convenient connections to surrounding cities. The nearest major airport is Raleigh-Durham International Airport, located about 30 miles away, offering both domestic and international flights. Public transit options may be limited, so personal vehicles are commonly used for commuting.

History

Hillsborough was established in the late 18th century and played a significant role during the American Revolution as a critical hub for logistical support. Historically, it was known for its flourishing tobacco industry, which was vital to the local economy during its early years. Notable events in Hillsborough's history include the designation as a historic district, which preserves its colonial architecture and cultural significance.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Hillsborough is that it was the home of several prominent historical figures, including British loyalist and revolutionary leader, William Alexander. Additionally, the town boasts one of the oldest courthouses still in use in North Carolina, showcasing its rich architectural heritage.

ZIP codes for Hillsborough, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
27278	Hillsborough	Orange	View map

Demographics & statistics

28,048

Population

47.0

Median age

$94,525

Median household income

$55,414

Per capita income

$355,700

Median home value

$1,198

Median monthly rent

78.5%

Home ownership

6.8%

Poverty rate

4.0%

Unemployment

10,045

Housing units

54.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

766

Under 5

811

701

5–9

742

758

10–14

803

671

15–19

711

604

20–24

640

1,248

25–34

1,322

1,853

35–44

1,963

1,786

45–54

1,891

1,240

55–59

1,314

1,364

60–64

1,445

1,846

65–74

1,955

592

75–84

628

191

85+

203

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	5,596	20.0%
18 and over	22,452	80.0%
65 and over	5,415	19.3%
Median age	47.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 71.4%

Black or African American 11%

Hispanic or Latino 5.6%

Two or more races 5%

Other race 2.9%

American Indian / Alaska Native 2.1%

Asian 2%

Group	Count	%
White	21,197	71.4%
Black or African American	3,276	11%
Hispanic or Latino	1,651	5.6%
Two or more races	1,496	5%
Other race	860	2.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native	632	2.1%
Asian	587	2%

Household income

Under $10k 2.1%

$10k–$15k 3.3%

$15k–$25k 4.0%

$25k–$35k 5.9%

$35k–$50k 10.3%

$50k–$75k 16.1%

$75k–$100k 10.6%

$100k–$150k 19.4%

$150k–$200k 10.0%

$200k+ 18.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.1%
$10k–$15k	3.3%
$15k–$25k	4.0%
$25k–$35k	5.9%
$35k–$50k	10.3%
$50k–$75k	16.1%
$75k–$100k	10.6%
$100k–$150k	19.4%
$150k–$200k	10.0%
$200k+	18.3%
Median income	$94,525

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 5.0%

$50k–$100k 2.7%

$100k–$150k 6.7%

$150k–$200k 7.5%

$200k–$300k 17.0%

$300k–$500k 37.3%

$500k–$1M 21.0%

$1M+ 2.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$355,700
Median rent / month	$1,198
Owner occupied	78.5%
Renter occupied	21.5%
Vacant	8.3%
Single-family detached	74.2%
Large apartment buildings	4.6%
Mobile homes	9.1%
Median rooms	6.3
Avg household size (owned)	2.51

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.4%
2010–2019	17.2%
2000–2009	18.5%
1990–1999	16.2%
1980–1989	13.5%
1970–1979	12.6%
1960–1969	5.9%
1950–1959	7.3%
1940–1949	2.1%
1939 or earlier	6.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.2%
1 bedroom	3.7%
2 bedrooms	18.6%
3 bedrooms	50.5%
4 bedrooms	20.2%
5+ bedrooms	5.8%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.9%
1 vehicle	27.3%
2 vehicles	38.0%
3 or more	30.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	31.5%
Electricity	55.8%
Propane / LP gas	9.3%
Fuel oil	1.0%
Wood	1.7%
Solar	0.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	6,469	56.4%
Cohabiting couple	583	5.1%
Male householder, no spouse	1,427	12.4%
Female householder, no spouse	2,989	26.1%
Households with children under 18	3,017	26.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	3,881	33.8%
Average household size	2.41

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	27.1%	21.8%
Married	59.3%	55.9%
Separated	0.4%	1.4%
Widowed	2.6%	7.3%
Divorced	10.5%	13.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.7%

Some HS, no diploma 3.5%

HS graduate 16.7%

Some college, no degree 12.4%

Associate's degree 9.5%

Bachelor's degree 29.3%

Graduate / professional 24.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.8%
Bachelor's or higher	54.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	790	12.3%
Kindergarten	247	3.9%
Elementary school	2,560	39.9%
High school	1,085	16.9%
College / grad school	1,728	27.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 35.8%

Professional & management 15.1%

Retail trade 10.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.1%

Manufacturing 5.9%

Finance & real estate 5.4%

Construction 5.2%

Public administration 5.1%

Other services 3.9%

Information 2.8%

Wholesale trade 1.8%

Transportation & utilities 1.5%

Agriculture & mining 0.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	56.9%
Service	10.0%
Sales & office	18.7%
Natural resources & construction	6.6%
Production & transportation	7.8%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	70.8%
Government	19.8%
Self-employed	9.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	68.0%
Carpool	5.8%
Public transit	1.0%
Walk	1.9%
Other means	3.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	26.0

Poverty

All people 6.8%

Under 18 years 8.6%

18 and over 6.3%

Married-couple families 1.6%

Female-led households 16.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	33.2%
Retirement income	29.0%
Supplemental Security	3.6%
Cash public assistance	1.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	6.5%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	31.8%
High cholesterol	32.3%
Heart disease	5.4%
Stroke	2.7%
Asthma	8.8%
Arthritis	23.0%
Kidney disease	2.6%
Pulmonary disease	5.4%
Cancer	6.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	15.8%
No physical activity	17.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.3%
Fair or poor health	11.1%
Poor mental health	12.9%
Poor physical health	8.9%
No health insurance	14.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.8%
Visited dentist	71.1%
Cholesterol screening	92.0%
Teeth loss	10.2%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	1,531	6.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	10.2%
Under 18	2.0%
18–64 years	8.6%
65 and over	23.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	76.7%
Public insurance	31.1%
Uninsured under 19	3.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	26,471	94.4%
Spanish	1,024	3.9%
Other Indo-European	793	3.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	81	0.3%
Other languages	126	0.5%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	26,222	93.5%
Born in same state	25,609	91.3%
Born in different state	12,942	46.1%
Foreign born	613	2.2%
Naturalized citizen	1,826	6.5%
Not a US citizen	782	42.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	5,001	17.8%
Italian	2,945	10.5%
Arab	1,326	4.7%
English	420	1.5%
Polish	246	0.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
Irish	227	0.8%
Norwegian	97	0.3%
German	80	0.3%
Dutch	64	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	40.9%
Internet access	95.0%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Hillsborough, NC?

Hillsborough, NC has one ZIP code: 27278.

What is the main ZIP code for Hillsborough, NC?

The primary ZIP code for Hillsborough, NC is 27278. The city uses area code 919 or 984 for phone service.

What county is Hillsborough, NC in?

Hillsborough is located in Orange County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in Hillsborough, NC?

Hillsborough, NC has 1 ZIP code.