Topton ZIP Codes — Cherokee County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Topton, North Carolina and it is 28781. Area code: 828.

ZIP codes

71.63

sq mi land

2.40

sq mi water

828

area code

Topton, NC ZIP code map

About Topton, NC

Topton is a quaint community located in the western part of North Carolina. Nestled within Cherokee County, this small town offers a serene and picturesque environment characterized by the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors to Topton will find a welcoming atmosphere and a glimpse into rural life in this unique part of the state.

Location & geography

Topton is strategically situated near major recreational areas, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is located approximately 20 miles from Bryson City and 25 miles from Murphy, both which offer additional amenities and cultural attractions. Covering a land area of 71.63 square miles, with an additional water area of 2.40 square miles, Topton features a diverse topography filled with rolling hills and lush forests.

Community & economy

The character of Topton is deeply rooted in its close-knit community and rich cultural heritage. Many local industries are centered around agriculture and tourism, capitalizing on the natural attractions such as nearby hiking trails and natural parks. Daily life in Topton is peaceful and often revolves around community events and gatherings that strengthen neighborly bonds.

Transportation

Transportation in Topton is primarily facilitated by access to several highways, notably U.S. Route 19, which connects the area to larger cities. The nearest commercial airport is the Asheville Regional Airport, located approximately 70 miles away. Local transit options are limited, emphasizing the town's tranquil rural lifestyle.

History

Topton was originally settled in the early 20th century, reflecting the growth of surrounding rural areas. Historically, the economy has centered on agriculture, but tourism has become increasingly important due to the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities. The town has managed to retain its historical charm while adapting to modern tourism trends.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Topton is its proximity to some of the most beautiful trails in the Appalachian region, making it a hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers. Additionally, despite its small size, the town hosts various local events that celebrate its cultural heritage, attracting visitors from neighboring areas.

ZIP codes for Topton, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28781	Topton	Cherokee	View map

Demographics & statistics

914

Population

65.0

Median age

$40,515

Median household income

$36,196

Per capita income

$244,200

Median home value

$634

Median monthly rent

80.4%

Home ownership

4.6%

Poverty rate

5.7%

Unemployment

838

Housing units

26.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

15–19

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

140

65–74

138

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	42	4.6%
18 and over	872	95.4%
65 and over	456	49.9%
Median age	65.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 91.2%

Two or more races 6.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 2.2%

Group	Count	%
White	834	91.2%
Two or more races	60	6.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	20	2.2%

Household income

$10k–$15k 10.2%

$15k–$25k 17.3%

$25k–$35k 21.8%

$35k–$50k 9.6%

$50k–$75k 7.7%

$75k–$100k 14.9%

$100k–$150k 10.4%

$150k–$200k 6.1%

$200k+ 2.0%

Range	% of households
$10k–$15k	10.2%
$15k–$25k	17.3%
$25k–$35k	21.8%
$35k–$50k	9.6%
$50k–$75k	7.7%
$75k–$100k	14.9%
$100k–$150k	10.4%
$150k–$200k	6.1%
$200k+	2.0%
Median income	$40,515

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.4%

$50k–$100k 9.3%

$100k–$150k 18.8%

$150k–$200k 5.4%

$200k–$300k 37.7%

$300k–$500k 20.8%

$500k–$1M 3.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$244,200
Median rent / month	$634
Owner occupied	80.4%
Renter occupied	19.6%
Vacant	45.7%
Single-family detached	81.8%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	13.4%
Median rooms	4.7
Avg household size (owned)	1.65

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	6.5%
2000–2009	24.0%
1990–1999	7.5%
1980–1989	19.6%
1970–1979	23.0%
1960–1969	2.9%
1950–1959	6.1%
1940–1949	1.0%
1939 or earlier	9.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.9%
1 bedroom	9.3%
2 bedrooms	44.3%
3 bedrooms	35.7%
4 bedrooms	7.5%
5+ bedrooms	2.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.6%
1 vehicle	39.1%
2 vehicles	38.9%
3 or more	20.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	5.1%
Electricity	42.2%
Propane / LP gas	30.3%
Fuel oil	9.2%
Wood	13.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	302	59.3%
Cohabiting couple	0	0.0%
Male householder, no spouse	116	22.8%
Female householder, no spouse	91	17.9%
Households with children under 18	61	12.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	341	67.0%
Average household size	1.80

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	8.5%	7.2%
Married	68.2%	72.4%
Separated	4.6%	0.0%
Widowed	6.1%	18.0%
Divorced	12.6%	2.5%

Education

Less than 9th grade 5.9%

Some HS, no diploma 4.5%

HS graduate 44.3%

Some college, no degree 12.2%

Associate's degree 7.1%

Bachelor's degree 15.5%

Graduate / professional 10.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	89.6%
Bachelor's or higher	26.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	0	0.0%
High school	41	100.0%
College / grad school	0	0.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Construction 29.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 24.8%

Professional & management 11.7%

Education & healthcare 9.2%

Finance & real estate 8.6%

Agriculture & mining 5.1%

Other services 4.4%

Public administration 3.8%

Retail trade 3.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	10.8%
Service	18.7%
Sales & office	34.6%
Natural resources & construction	15.2%
Production & transportation	20.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	61.9%
Government	22.9%
Self-employed	15.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	84.2%
Carpool	0.0%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	3.3%
Other means	5.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	25.1

Poverty

All people 4.6%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 4.8%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	69.9%
Retirement income	36.1%
Supplemental Security	3.3%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	6.9%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	43.2%
High cholesterol	43.1%
Heart disease	11.3%
Stroke	5.2%
Asthma	9.3%
Arthritis	35.6%
Kidney disease	4.6%
Pulmonary disease	11.7%
Cancer	9.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	12.6%
No physical activity	27.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	30.4%
Fair or poor health	19.4%
Poor mental health	13.7%
Poor physical health	14.5%
No health insurance	17.2%
Visited doctor (checkup)	81.1%
Visited dentist	59.9%
Cholesterol screening	91.2%
Teeth loss	17.9%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	207	23.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	24.7%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	4.3%
65 and over	45.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	57.1%
Public insurance	61.7%
Uninsured under 19	17.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	904	98.9%
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)	914	100.0%
Born in same state	914	100.0%
Born in different state	410	44.9%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	298	32.6%
French	182	19.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	142	15.5%
German	25	2.7%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	55.7%
Internet access	79.4%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Topton, NC have?

Topton, NC has one ZIP code: 28781. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.