Roper ZIP Code List — Washington County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Roper, North Carolina and it is 27970. Area code: 252.

ZIP codes

119.30

sq mi land

6.92

sq mi water

252

area code

Roper, NC ZIP code map

About Roper, NC

Roper, North Carolina, is a small yet charming town located in Washington County. Known for its southern hospitality and rich history, Roper offers a unique glimpse into rural life in North Carolina. The town serves as a peaceful retreat in the eastern part of the state, providing both a friendly atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.

Location & geography

Roper is situated in the northeastern region of North Carolina, approximately 20 miles southwest of Elizabeth City and 15 miles northeast of Plymouth. The town spans a land area of 119.30 square miles, complemented by 6.92 square miles of water, which contributes to its scenic beauty. The geography includes a mix of rural landscapes and waterways, perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.

Community & economy

The character of Roper is defined by its tight-knit community, where locals cherish friendly interactions and a slower pace of life. Agriculture has traditionally been a key industry, with residents participating in farming and related enterprises that sustain the local economy. Daily life in Roper revolves around community gatherings, local events, and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Transportation

Roper is accessible via U.S. Highway 64, which connects it to larger cities and neighboring areas. The nearest major airport is the Elizabeth City Regional Airport, located about 25 miles from Roper, facilitating travel for residents and visitors. Public transit options may be limited, emphasizing the importance of personal vehicles for transportation.

History

Roper was founded in the early 19th century and has since been shaped by its agricultural roots and surrounding natural resources. The town historically thrived on the production of crops and timber, reflecting the economic patterns of rural North Carolina. Notable events in Roper's history include the establishment of important local businesses that served the community over the decades.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Roper is its proximity to the scenic Albemarle Sound, which offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Additionally, the town is not far from the historic towns of Edenton and Bath, both of which attract visitors interested in North Carolina's colonial history.

ZIP codes for Roper, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
27970	Roper	Washington	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,799

Population

52.5

Median age

$32,905

Median household income

$31,168

Per capita income

$92,100

Median home value

$1,041

Median monthly rent

77.3%

Home ownership

26.8%

Poverty rate

17.4%

Unemployment

1,408

Housing units

19.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

119

5–9

130

104

10–14

114

15–19

108

20–24

101

25–34

111

35–44

104

176

45–54

194

55–59

133

60–64

147

247

65–74

271

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	570	20.4%
18 and over	2,229	79.6%
65 and over	844	30.2%
Median age	52.5 years

Race & ethnicity

Black or African American 44.3%

White 39.1%

Hispanic or Latino 7.6%

Other race 6.3%

American Indian / Alaska Native 1.4%

Two or more races 1.3%

Group	Count	%
Black or African American	1,342	44.3%
White	1,185	39.1%
Hispanic or Latino	230	7.6%
Other race	190	6.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native	42	1.4%
Two or more races	40	1.3%

Household income

Under $10k 15.9%

$10k–$15k 11.5%

$15k–$25k 16.2%

$25k–$35k 8.9%

$35k–$50k 9.4%

$50k–$75k 18.4%

$75k–$100k 12.1%

$100k–$150k 4.0%

$150k–$200k 0.3%

$200k+ 3.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	15.9%
$10k–$15k	11.5%
$15k–$25k	16.2%
$25k–$35k	8.9%
$35k–$50k	9.4%
$50k–$75k	18.4%
$75k–$100k	12.1%
$100k–$150k	4.0%
$150k–$200k	0.3%
$200k+	3.3%
Median income	$32,905

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 23.9%

$50k–$100k 29.5%

$100k–$150k 14.8%

$150k–$200k 11.9%

$200k–$300k 9.2%

$300k–$500k 4.3%

$500k–$1M 4.4%

$1M+ 2.0%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$92,100
Median rent / month	$1,041
Owner occupied	77.3%
Renter occupied	22.7%
Vacant	25.2%
Single-family detached	63.9%
Large apartment buildings	1.4%
Mobile homes	30.1%
Median rooms	5.7
Avg household size (owned)	2.25

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.0%
2000–2009	12.7%
1990–1999	19.5%
1980–1989	12.9%
1970–1979	19.2%
1960–1969	11.7%
1950–1959	8.4%
1940–1949	2.7%
1939 or earlier	11.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.4%
1 bedroom	1.1%
2 bedrooms	26.4%
3 bedrooms	55.8%
4 bedrooms	9.8%
5+ bedrooms	5.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	17.2%
1 vehicle	31.0%
2 vehicles	29.2%
3 or more	22.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	6.2%
Electricity	61.6%
Propane / LP gas	25.6%
Fuel oil	4.7%
Wood	2.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	491	38.7%
Cohabiting couple	36	2.8%
Male householder, no spouse	230	18.1%
Female householder, no spouse	511	40.3%
Households with children under 18	233	18.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	626	49.4%
Average household size	2.20

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	26.6%	40.1%
Married	57.9%	34.5%
Separated	1.6%	0.8%
Widowed	8.6%	15.6%
Divorced	5.3%	9.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 5.6%

Some HS, no diploma 7.1%

HS graduate 37.2%

Some college, no degree 22.4%

Associate's degree 8.5%

Bachelor's degree 14.4%

Graduate / professional 4.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	87.3%
Bachelor's or higher	19.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	6	0.9%
Kindergarten	22	3.4%
Elementary school	422	66.0%
High school	43	6.7%
College / grad school	146	22.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 21.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 16.4%

Construction 14.3%

Retail trade 11.1%

Manufacturing 8.2%

Public administration 8.1%

Transportation & utilities 7.1%

Finance & real estate 5.6%

Other services 4.9%

Professional & management 3.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	28.4%
Service	10.9%
Sales & office	32.9%
Natural resources & construction	17.4%
Production & transportation	10.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	72.6%
Government	21.7%
Self-employed	5.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.0%
Carpool	10.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.3%
Other means	5.4%
Avg commute (minutes)	40.0

Poverty

All people 26.8%

Under 18 years 58.2%

18 and over 18.7%

Married-couple families 4.9%

Female-led households 54.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	51.2%
Retirement income	20.1%
Supplemental Security	16.5%
Cash public assistance	2.5%
Food stamps / SNAP	29.7%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	46.7%
High cholesterol	39.5%
Heart disease	9.5%
Stroke	5.6%
Asthma	10.8%
Arthritis	32.8%
Kidney disease	4.6%
Pulmonary disease	10.4%
Cancer	7.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	12.0%
No physical activity	31.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	36.9%
Fair or poor health	22.7%
Poor mental health	15.2%
Poor physical health	15.1%
No health insurance	22.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	82.6%
Visited dentist	55.3%
Cholesterol screening	90.8%
Teeth loss	22.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	253	11.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	22.2%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	11.8%
65 and over	54.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	58.4%
Public insurance	51.5%
Uninsured under 19	1.5%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,779	99.3%
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)	2,738	97.8%
Born in same state	2,738	97.8%
Born in different state	2,045	73.1%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	61	2.2%
Not a US citizen	7	11.5%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	458	16.4%
Arab	150	5.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	83	3%
Polish	20	0.7%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	45.3%
Internet access	73.3%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Roper, NC?

Roper, NC has one ZIP code: 27970.

What is the main ZIP code for Roper, NC?

The primary ZIP code for Roper, NC is 27970. The city uses area code 252 for phone service.

What county is Roper, NC in?

Roper is located in Washington County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in Roper, NC?

Roper, NC has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for the main downtown area of Roper, NC?

The downtown area of Roper, NC is located in ZIP code 27970, which serves as the primary commercial and civic center for this Washington County community.

Which ZIP code covers residential areas in Roper, Washington County?

Residential neighborhoods throughout Roper, NC are served by ZIP code 27970, which encompasses the entire incorporated area of the town.