Riegelwood ZIP Codes — Columbus County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Riegelwood, North Carolina and it is 28456. Area code: 910.

ZIP codes

78.82

sq mi land

1.09

sq mi water

910

area code

Riegelwood, NC ZIP code map

About Riegelwood, NC

Riegelwood, North Carolina, is a small and serene community located in Columbus County. Known for its rich natural surroundings, Riegelwood attracts those looking for a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. With its single ZIP code 28456, the town embodies the charm of rural North Carolina.

Location & geography

Riegelwood is situated in the southeastern part of North Carolina, approximately 30 miles from Wilmington, a nearby coastal city. The area covers a total land area of 78.82 square miles, complemented by a water area of 1.09 square miles, making it a predominantly land-based community. The town's terrain is characterized by its lush landscapes and proximity to rivers and water bodies.

Community & economy

The character of Riegelwood is defined by its friendly residents and tight-knit community atmosphere, where neighbors often come together. The local economy is primarily driven by industries such as agriculture and forestry, which thrive in the surrounding landscape. Daily life in Riegelwood reflects the simplicity and tranquility of small-town living, with community events and outdoor activities being integral to its charm.

Transportation

Riegelwood is accessible via several major highways, including U.S. Route 74, which connects it to larger urban areas. The nearest named airport is Wilmington International Airport, located about 30 miles away, offering both domestic and limited international flights. Public transit options are minimal, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

History

Riegelwood was founded in the early 20th century, primarily as a hub for the timber and agricultural industries. Its development was closely tied to the nearby rivers that facilitated logging and farming, which remain significant to its heritage. Over the years, Riegelwood has maintained its rural roots, with a focus on preserving its natural beauty and community values.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Riegelwood is that it is home to the historic Riegelwood School, which has been a central part of the community for decades. Additionally, the town's location along the waterways has contributed to its rich historical connection to timber and agriculture in the region.

ZIP codes for Riegelwood, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28456	Riegelwood	Columbus	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,001

Population

46.8

Median age

$42,323

Median household income

$23,305

Per capita income

$153,700

Median home value

$766

Median monthly rent

83.7%

Home ownership

16.1%

Poverty rate

9.9%

Unemployment

1,634

Housing units

11.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

121

15–19

127

20–24

156

199

25–34

246

304

35–44

376

273

45–54

338

55–59

112

201

60–64

249

195

65–74

240

109

75–84

134

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	516	12.9%
18 and over	3,485	87.1%
65 and over	765	19.1%
Median age	46.8 years

Race & ethnicity

Black or African American 50.2%

White 39.6%

Two or more races 4.3%

Hispanic or Latino 2.4%

American Indian / Alaska Native 2.1%

Other race 1.4%

Group	Count	%
Black or African American	2,057	50.2%
White	1,625	39.6%
Two or more races	177	4.3%
Hispanic or Latino	98	2.4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	85	2.1%
Other race	57	1.4%

Household income

Under $10k 7.8%

$10k–$15k 6.9%

$15k–$25k 12.1%

$25k–$35k 10.5%

$35k–$50k 21.1%

$50k–$75k 15.9%

$75k–$100k 13.5%

$100k–$150k 10.3%

$150k–$200k 1.0%

$200k+ 0.9%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	7.8%
$10k–$15k	6.9%
$15k–$25k	12.1%
$25k–$35k	10.5%
$35k–$50k	21.1%
$50k–$75k	15.9%
$75k–$100k	13.5%
$100k–$150k	10.3%
$150k–$200k	1.0%
$200k+	0.9%
Median income	$42,323

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 11.0%

$50k–$100k 19.6%

$100k–$150k 18.5%

$150k–$200k 15.7%

$200k–$300k 29.1%

$300k–$500k 5.5%

$500k–$1M 0.2%

$1M+ 0.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$153,700
Median rent / month	$766
Owner occupied	83.7%
Renter occupied	16.3%
Vacant	19.8%
Single-family detached	64.9%
Large apartment buildings	0.1%
Mobile homes	34.3%
Median rooms	5.7
Avg household size (owned)	2.78

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.2%
2010–2019	5.2%
2000–2009	9.6%
1990–1999	26.3%
1980–1989	13.6%
1970–1979	18.2%
1960–1969	3.2%
1950–1959	13.6%
1940–1949	1.7%
1939 or earlier	8.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	2.7%
2 bedrooms	10.4%
3 bedrooms	63.6%
4 bedrooms	20.9%
5+ bedrooms	2.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.6%
1 vehicle	27.1%
2 vehicles	31.6%
3 or more	36.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	0.8%
Electricity	76.1%
Propane / LP gas	20.2%
Fuel oil	2.7%
Wood	0.3%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	532	35.3%
Cohabiting couple	45	3.0%
Male householder, no spouse	181	12.0%
Female householder, no spouse	750	49.7%
Households with children under 18	357	23.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	628	41.6%
Average household size	2.65

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	47.7%	36.3%
Married	44.8%	30.2%
Separated	1.9%	3.3%
Widowed	0.9%	13.6%
Divorced	4.7%	16.7%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.5%

Some HS, no diploma 9.6%

HS graduate 43.5%

Some college, no degree 24.9%

Associate's degree 8.5%

Bachelor's degree 7.9%

Graduate / professional 3.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	87.9%
Bachelor's or higher	11.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	4	0.7%
Kindergarten	8	1.4%
Elementary school	331	59.6%
High school	92	16.6%
College / grad school	120	21.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 20.5%

Manufacturing 13.2%

Construction 11.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 10.8%

Retail trade 10.2%

Other services 7.6%

Agriculture & mining 7.0%

Transportation & utilities 6.2%

Finance & real estate 5.8%

Professional & management 5.7%

Wholesale trade 1.0%

Public administration 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	33.2%
Service	14.5%
Sales & office	16.3%
Natural resources & construction	17.3%
Production & transportation	18.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	86.4%
Government	10.6%
Self-employed	3.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	75.4%
Carpool	7.4%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	3.8%
Other means	0.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.4

Poverty

All people 16.1%

Under 18 years 15.2%

18 and over 16.2%

Married-couple families 2.1%

Female-led households 32.4%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	48.3%
Retirement income	38.2%
Supplemental Security	10.3%
Cash public assistance	0.2%
Food stamps / SNAP	27.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	45.3%
High cholesterol	36.0%
Heart disease	8.2%
Stroke	5.2%
Asthma	10.6%
Arthritis	30.5%
Kidney disease	4.2%
Pulmonary disease	8.8%
Cancer	6.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	12.4%
No physical activity	30.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	39.5%
Fair or poor health	21.3%
Poor mental health	15.4%
Poor physical health	13.9%
No health insurance	22.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	82.3%
Visited dentist	54.3%
Cholesterol screening	90.7%
Teeth loss	21.9%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	175	5.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	24.9%
Under 18	8.5%
18–64 years	24.3%
65 and over	38.2%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	56.5%
Public insurance	47.3%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,907	97.7%
Spanish	29	0.7%
Other Indo-European	9	0.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	20	0.5%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,861	96.5%
Born in same state	3,853	96.3%
Born in different state	3,340	83.5%
Foreign born	8	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	140	3.5%
Not a US citizen	88	62.9%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	286	7.1%
French	193	4.8%
Arab	125	3.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	7	0.2%
English	1	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	37.7%
Internet access	96.5%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Riegelwood, NC have?

Riegelwood, NC has one ZIP code: 28456. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.