Merritt ZIP Code List — Pamlico County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Merritt, North Carolina and it is 28556. Area code: 252.

ZIP codes

51.52

sq mi land

28.90

sq mi water

252

area code

Merritt, NC ZIP code map

About Merritt, NC

Merritt is a quaint community located in Pamlico County, North Carolina. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, it serves as a charming escape from more urbanized areas. The town is characterized by its close-knit community and scenic surroundings, making it a unique spot in the Tar Heel state.

Location & geography

Merritt is situated in the eastern part of North Carolina, providing easy access to both land and water resources. Nearby cities include Bayboro, which is approximately 11 miles away, and New Bern at about 20 miles. The terrain of Merritt includes a land area of 51.52 square miles and boasts an impressive water area of 28.90 square miles, highlighting its picturesque natural features.

Community & economy

The community of Merritt is characterized by its friendly residents and a laid-back lifestyle, making it an ideal place for families and retirees alike. Predominantly agricultural, the local economy benefits from industries such as farming and small businesses that cater to the needs of the townsfolk. Daily life here often involves outdoor activities, community events, and enjoying the serene landscapes.

Transportation

Merritt is conveniently accessible via U.S. Route 17, which connects it to other prominent areas in North Carolina. The nearest major airport is Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, located about 23 miles away in New Bern, providing both commercial and private flight options. Public transportation options may be limited, but the road networks facilitate local travel.

History

Merritt was historically established as a rural community with a focus on agriculture and fishing. Over the years, it has maintained its small-town charm while supporting local industries that contribute to its economy. Notable events in the area typically revolve around agricultural fairs and local festivals that celebrate the region's rich heritage.

Did you know?

One interesting fact about Merritt is its location near the Neuse River, which offers residents and visitors ample opportunities for recreational activities like fishing and boating. Additionally, its small population contributes to a strong sense of community, making it a great place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

ZIP codes for Merritt, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28556	Merritt	Pamlico	View map

Demographics & statistics

777

Population

56.5

Median age

Median household income

$37,475

Per capita income

$288,400

Median home value

Median monthly rent

75.1%

Home ownership

6.6%

Poverty rate

2.3%

Unemployment

448

Housing units

56.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

104

60–64

65–74

75–84

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	68	8.8%
18 and over	709	91.2%
65 and over	214	27.5%
Median age	56.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96.3%

Two or more races 3.3%

Hispanic or Latino 0.4%

Group	Count	%
White	751	96.3%
Two or more races	26	3.3%
Hispanic or Latino	3	0.4%

Household income

Under $10k 3.1%

$15k–$25k 13.3%

$25k–$35k 27.9%

$35k–$50k 2.6%

$50k–$75k 5.4%

$75k–$100k 9.0%

$100k–$150k 26.2%

$150k–$200k 12.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.1%
$15k–$25k	13.3%
$25k–$35k	27.9%
$35k–$50k	2.6%
$50k–$75k	5.4%
$75k–$100k	9.0%
$100k–$150k	26.2%
$150k–$200k	12.6%
Median income	$0

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.1%

$50k–$100k 2.4%

$100k–$150k 10.2%

$150k–$200k 4.1%

$200k–$300k 33.8%

$300k–$500k 22.5%

$500k–$1M 22.9%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$288,400
Median rent / month	$0
Owner occupied	75.1%
Renter occupied	24.9%
Vacant	28.4%
Single-family detached	83.3%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	16.7%
Median rooms	5.6
Avg household size (owned)	1.99

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	9.0%
2000–2009	28.3%
1990–1999	31.9%
1980–1989	7.0%
1970–1979	8.1%
1960–1969	6.6%
1950–1959	0.0%
1940–1949	1.3%
1939 or earlier	7.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	18.9%
2 bedrooms	15.6%
3 bedrooms	51.9%
4 bedrooms	13.6%
5+ bedrooms	0.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	0.0%
1 vehicle	42.3%
2 vehicles	33.1%
3 or more	24.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	5.6%
Electricity	43.3%
Propane / LP gas	47.9%
Wood	3.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	185	47.4%
Cohabiting couple	23	5.9%
Male householder, no spouse	79	20.3%
Female householder, no spouse	103	26.4%
Households with children under 18	44	11.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	138	35.4%
Average household size	1.99

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	14.7%	23.9%
Married	57.8%	41.5%
Separated	3.3%	22.0%
Widowed	0.0%	2.9%
Divorced	24.2%	9.7%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.0%

Some HS, no diploma 4.2%

HS graduate 11.5%

Some college, no degree 19.7%

Associate's degree 8.0%

Bachelor's degree 19.7%

Graduate / professional 36.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	95.8%
Bachelor's or higher	56.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	30	20.3%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	9	6.1%
High school	11	7.4%
College / grad school	98	66.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 37.7%

Manufacturing 12.0%

Retail trade 12.0%

Other services 10.3%

Professional & management 7.9%

Construction 4.8%

Finance & real estate 4.8%

Public administration 4.1%

Agriculture & mining 3.4%

Information 1.7%

Wholesale trade 1.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	58.9%
Service	0.0%
Sales & office	28.4%
Natural resources & construction	9.2%
Production & transportation	3.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	52.1%
Government	40.1%
Self-employed	7.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	87.0%
Carpool	0.0%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	23.1

Poverty

All people 6.6%

Under 18 years 16.2%

18 and over 5.6%

Married-couple families 7.0%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	73.8%
Retirement income	40.8%
Supplemental Security	23.3%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	0.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	38.9%
High cholesterol	40.7%
Heart disease	8.0%
Stroke	3.6%
Asthma	8.6%
Arthritis	30.9%
Kidney disease	3.4%
Pulmonary disease	7.5%
Cancer	8.7%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.9%
No physical activity	20.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.9%
Fair or poor health	13.0%
Poor mental health	12.2%
Poor physical health	10.5%
No health insurance	13.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	80.4%
Visited dentist	70.6%
Cholesterol screening	93.5%
Teeth loss	10.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	102	14.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	18.0%
Under 18	16.2%
18–64 years	19.8%
65 and over	14.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	54.8%
Public insurance	51.7%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	747	96.1%
Spanish	4	0.5%
Other Indo-European	4	0.5%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	764	98.3%
Born in same state	752	96.8%
Born in different state	331	42.6%
Foreign born	12	1.5%
Naturalized citizen	13	1.7%
Not a US citizen	13	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	209	26.9%
French	175	22.5%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	45	5.8%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	50.2%
Internet access	95.4%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Merritt, NC?

Merritt, NC has one ZIP code: 28556.

What is the main ZIP code for Merritt, NC?

The primary ZIP code for Merritt, NC is 28556. The city uses area code 252 for phone service.

What county is Merritt, NC in?

Merritt is located in Pamlico County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in Merritt, NC?

Merritt, NC has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for the downtown Merritt area in Pamlico County?

The downtown Merritt area uses ZIP code 28556, which serves the central business district and surrounding neighborhoods in this Pamlico County community.

What ZIP code should I use when mailing correspondence to addresses in Merritt, North Carolina?

All mailing addresses in Merritt, NC are served by ZIP code 28556, which covers the entire town in Pamlico County.