Valdese ZIP Codes — Burke County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Valdese, North Carolina and it is 28690. Area code: 828.

ZIP codes

21.54

sq mi land

0.12

sq mi water

828

area code

Valdese, NC ZIP code map

About Valdese, NC

Valdese, North Carolina, is a small but vibrant town located in Burke County. Known for its rich history and community spirit, it offers a unique glimpse into the heritage of the region. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, Valdese showcases a blend of cultural traditions and natural beauty.

Location & geography

Valdese is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is in close proximity to other cities such as Morganton, which is about 10 miles to the northwest, Hickory at approximately 18 miles to the east, and Lenoir, located around 20 miles to the southwest. Covering a land area of 21.54 square miles and a water area of 0.12 square miles, Valdese features a diverse terrain that includes rolling hills and lush landscapes.

Community & economy

The community in Valdese boasts a friendly atmosphere with a strong emphasis on local heritage and family values. Key industries in the area include manufacturing, textiles, and small businesses that contribute to the town's economy. Daily life in Valdese is marked by community events, local markets, and recreational activities that often bring residents together to celebrate their town's unique culture.

Transportation

Valdese is accessible via major highways such as Interstate 40, which provides convenient travel to neighboring cities and attractions. The nearest airport is Hickory Regional Airport, located roughly 20 miles east of Valdese, offering both commercial and private flights. Public transit options are limited, but local services and taxis can assist residents and visitors in getting around town.

History

Valdese was founded in the late 19th century by Italian immigrants, who brought their culture and traditions to the area. Initially known for its textile industry, the town has a rich heritage that is celebrated through various cultural events and festivals. Notable events in its history include the establishment of the Valdese Historical Society, which preserves the town's history and promotes local pride.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Valdese is its connection to the Moravian Church, reflecting unique cultural influences in the area. Additionally, the town hosts the annual Valdese Grape Festival, celebrating its winemaking history and Italian roots.

ZIP codes for Valdese, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28690	Valdese	Burke	View map

Demographics & statistics

9,212

Population

48.3

Median age

$66,250

Median household income

$39,480

Per capita income

$163,400

Median home value

$638

Median monthly rent

79.9%

Home ownership

7.8%

Poverty rate

3.2%

Unemployment

3,644

Housing units

28.2%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

210

Under 5

238

161

5–9

182

253

10–14

286

236

15–19

267

187

20–24

212

380

25–34

430

515

35–44

584

730

45–54

826

333

55–59

377

256

60–64

289

600

65–74

680

317

75–84

359

143

85+

161

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,678	18.2%
18 and over	7,534	81.8%
65 and over	2,260	24.5%
Median age	48.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 91.9%

Two or more races 2.7%

Asian 2.3%

Hispanic or Latino 1.3%

Other race 1.3%

Black or African American 0.6%

Group	Count	%
White	8,578	91.9%
Two or more races	249	2.7%
Asian	213	2.3%
Hispanic or Latino	120	1.3%
Other race	120	1.3%
Black or African American	52	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 4.7%

$10k–$15k 5.4%

$15k–$25k 11.6%

$25k–$35k 7.5%

$35k–$50k 11.6%

$50k–$75k 16.7%

$75k–$100k 13.9%

$100k–$150k 16.6%

$150k–$200k 6.0%

$200k+ 6.1%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.7%
$10k–$15k	5.4%
$15k–$25k	11.6%
$25k–$35k	7.5%
$35k–$50k	11.6%
$50k–$75k	16.7%
$75k–$100k	13.9%
$100k–$150k	16.6%
$150k–$200k	6.0%
$200k+	6.1%
Median income	$66,250

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 10.9%

$50k–$100k 11.2%

$100k–$150k 24.4%

$150k–$200k 12.2%

$200k–$300k 21.5%

$300k–$500k 14.3%

$500k–$1M 5.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$163,400
Median rent / month	$638
Owner occupied	79.9%
Renter occupied	20.1%
Vacant	7.1%
Single-family detached	77.1%
Large apartment buildings	1.4%
Mobile homes	10.4%
Median rooms	5.7
Avg household size (owned)	2.32

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.3%
2010–2019	2.7%
2000–2009	6.7%
1990–1999	11.8%
1980–1989	16.3%
1970–1979	17.3%
1960–1969	14.9%
1950–1959	11.2%
1940–1949	7.5%
1939 or earlier	11.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.4%
1 bedroom	6.4%
2 bedrooms	30.5%
3 bedrooms	46.9%
4 bedrooms	11.6%
5+ bedrooms	4.1%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.7%
1 vehicle	33.9%
2 vehicles	31.4%
3 or more	33.0%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	15.3%
Electricity	67.9%
Propane / LP gas	3.5%
Fuel oil	6.5%
Wood	3.8%
Solar	0.9%
No fuel used	1.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	2,120	50.9%
Cohabiting couple	263	6.3%
Male householder, no spouse	573	13.8%
Female householder, no spouse	1,209	29.0%
Households with children under 18	996	23.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	1,620	38.9%
Average household size	2.21

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	21.5%	16.4%
Married	60.0%	51.8%
Separated	2.4%	4.3%
Widowed	6.2%	12.4%
Divorced	9.9%	15.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.4%

Some HS, no diploma 5.7%

HS graduate 33.4%

Some college, no degree 17.7%

Associate's degree 13.5%

Bachelor's degree 17.0%

Graduate / professional 11.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.8%
Bachelor's or higher	28.2%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	18	1.1%
Kindergarten	47	2.8%
Elementary school	832	50.4%
High school	376	22.8%
College / grad school	378	22.9%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 20.3%

Manufacturing 18.1%

Retail trade 15.4%

Public administration 9.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.7%

Transportation & utilities 7.0%

Professional & management 6.6%

Construction 6.5%

Other services 4.7%

Finance & real estate 3.6%

Wholesale trade 0.9%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.2%
Service	19.8%
Sales & office	22.2%
Natural resources & construction	8.5%
Production & transportation	17.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	75.7%
Government	18.5%
Self-employed	5.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	88.9%
Carpool	2.9%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	22.3

Poverty

All people 7.8%

Under 18 years 13.9%

18 and over 6.6%

Married-couple families 1.3%

Female-led households 15.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	40.8%
Retirement income	29.9%
Supplemental Security	3.1%
Cash public assistance	0.9%
Food stamps / SNAP	12.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.5%
High cholesterol	36.6%
Heart disease	8.1%
Stroke	3.7%
Asthma	9.2%
Arthritis	28.8%
Kidney disease	3.4%
Pulmonary disease	8.7%
Cancer	7.8%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	15.0%
No physical activity	25.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.0%
Fair or poor health	15.7%
Poor mental health	14.5%
Poor physical health	12.0%
No health insurance	17.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	79.5%
Visited dentist	61.5%
Cholesterol screening	90.1%
Teeth loss	16.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	612	8.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	16.4%
Under 18	2.6%
18–64 years	8.9%
65 and over	44.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	77.1%
Public insurance	41.0%
Uninsured under 19	0.9%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	8,764	95.1%
Spanish	233	2.7%
Other Indo-European	135	1.5%
Asian & Pacific Islander	6	0.1%
Other languages	92	1.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	8,896	96.6%
Born in same state	8,873	96.3%
Born in different state	7,225	78.4%
Foreign born	23	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	316	3.4%
Not a US citizen	254	80.4%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	2,238	24.3%
French	1,026	11.1%
Italian	769	8.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	48	0.5%
English	43	0.5%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	45.2%
Internet access	89.6%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Valdese, NC have?

Valdese, NC has one ZIP code: 28690. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.