Sapphire ZIP Codes — Transylvania County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Sapphire, North Carolina and it is 28774. Area code: 828.

ZIP codes

54.44

sq mi land

0.33

sq mi water

828

area code

Sapphire, NC ZIP code map

About Sapphire, NC

Sapphire is a charming community located in Transylvania County, North Carolina. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers a serene atmosphere and scenic landscapes. Known for its outdoor attractions, Sapphire serves as a popular destination for visitors seeking nature and tranquility.

Location & geography

Sapphire is situated in the western part of North Carolina, approximately 10 miles from the city of Brevard, which is famous for its natural beauty and waterfalls. The town itself covers a land area of 54.44 square miles, complemented by a small water area of 0.33 square miles. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and lush forests, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The community of Sapphire is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, where residents often engage in outdoor recreational activities. Many locals are involved in industries such as tourism, real estate, and small businesses that cater to the area's visitors. Daily life in Sapphire reflects a harmonious blend of nature and a close-knit community, with seasonal events bringing residents together.

Transportation

Sapphire is accessible via Highway 64, which connects it to neighboring towns and attractions. The nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport, located approximately 35 miles to the northwest. Public transit options are limited, so residents and visitors typically rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

History

Sapphire was founded in the early 20th century as a resort destination, attracting visitors with its stunning mountain vistas and rich natural resources. The area's economy has historically been linked to tourism, especially due to its proximity to the Pisgah National Forest and numerous recreational opportunities. Over the years, Sapphire has evolved from a quiet retreat into a vibrant community while maintaining its natural charm.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Sapphire is that it is part of the Sapphire Valley Resort, which offers skiing and other seasonal activities. Additionally, the region is home to several lakes and golf courses, enhancing its appeal as a recreational hotspot.

ZIP codes for Sapphire, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28774	Sapphire	Transylvania	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,274

Population

63.7

Median age

$113,798

Median household income

$65,868

Per capita income

$593,500

Median home value

$1,644

Median monthly rent

83.4%

Home ownership

9.2%

Poverty rate

1.8%

Unemployment

2,349

Housing units

52.2%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

140

65–74

201

75–84

104

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	57	4.5%
18 and over	1,217	95.5%
65 and over	592	46.5%
Median age	63.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 89%

Hispanic or Latino 4.9%

Two or more races 3.5%

Other race 1.8%

Asian 0.8%

Group	Count	%
White	1,192	89%
Hispanic or Latino	66	4.9%
Two or more races	47	3.5%
Other race	24	1.8%
Asian	11	0.8%

Household income

Under $10k 1.5%

$15k–$25k 6.1%

$25k–$35k 4.3%

$35k–$50k 13.8%

$50k–$75k 14.4%

$75k–$100k 4.8%

$100k–$150k 18.4%

$150k–$200k 6.4%

$200k+ 30.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	1.5%
$15k–$25k	6.1%
$25k–$35k	4.3%
$35k–$50k	13.8%
$50k–$75k	14.4%
$75k–$100k	4.8%
$100k–$150k	18.4%
$150k–$200k	6.4%
$200k+	30.3%
Median income	$113,798

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 0.2%

$150k–$200k 8.7%

$200k–$300k 1.4%

$300k–$500k 31.2%

$500k–$1M 45.8%

$1M+ 12.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$593,500
Median rent / month	$1,644
Owner occupied	83.4%
Renter occupied	16.6%
Vacant	72.7%
Single-family detached	75.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.7%
Median rooms	4.3
Avg household size (owned)	1.83

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	4.1%
2000–2009	28.6%
1990–1999	25.8%
1980–1989	25.1%
1970–1979	11.7%
1960–1969	3.9%
1950–1959	0.8%
1940–1949	0.0%
1939 or earlier	0.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	8.9%
2 bedrooms	29.3%
3 bedrooms	46.4%
4 bedrooms	14.2%
5+ bedrooms	1.1%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	0.0%
1 vehicle	28.5%
2 vehicles	67.2%
3 or more	4.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	7.4%
Electricity	50.8%
Propane / LP gas	40.7%
Wood	1.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	407	60.5%
Cohabiting couple	84	12.5%
Male householder, no spouse	37	5.5%
Female householder, no spouse	145	21.5%
Households with children under 18	51	7.6%
Households with seniors (65+)	440	65.4%
Average household size	1.89

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	11.3%	4.7%
Married	74.8%	68.9%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	4.4%	9.5%
Divorced	9.5%	16.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.5%

Some HS, no diploma 4.9%

HS graduate 17.6%

Some college, no degree 12.1%

Associate's degree 10.6%

Bachelor's degree 25.6%

Graduate / professional 26.6%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.5%
Bachelor's or higher	52.2%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	33	40.2%
Elementary school	24	29.3%
High school	0	0.0%
College / grad school	25	30.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 28.7%

Finance & real estate 24.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 20.1%

Professional & management 9.4%

Retail trade 7.7%

Construction 7.2%

Public administration 1.8%

Other services 1.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	55.5%
Service	18.3%
Sales & office	26.2%
Natural resources & construction	0.0%
Production & transportation	0.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	86.6%
Government	6.2%
Self-employed	7.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	68.5%
Carpool	6.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	21.4

Poverty

All people 9.2%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 9.6%

Married-couple families 6.6%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	58.2%
Retirement income	36.6%
Supplemental Security	2.8%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	0.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	41.0%
High cholesterol	42.6%
Heart disease	9.5%
Stroke	4.1%
Asthma	8.5%
Arthritis	32.9%
Kidney disease	3.9%
Pulmonary disease	8.8%
Cancer	9.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.1%
No physical activity	22.1%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.8%
Fair or poor health	14.4%
Poor mental health	12.1%
Poor physical health	11.6%
No health insurance	14.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	81.5%
Visited dentist	68.1%
Cholesterol screening	92.8%
Teeth loss	12.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	80	6.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	9.3%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	2.4%
65 and over	17.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	72.6%
Public insurance	49.5%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,274	100.0%
Spanish	41	3.2%
Other Indo-European	30	2.4%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	11	0.9%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,205	94.6%
Born in same state	1,205	94.6%
Born in different state	144	11.3%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	69	5.4%
Not a US citizen	9	13.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	353	27.7%
French	249	19.5%
Italian	182	14.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	26	2%
Polish	11	0.9%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	52.8%
Internet access	94.5%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Sapphire, NC have?

Sapphire, NC has one ZIP code: 28774. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.