Vilas ZIP Code List — Watauga County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Vilas, North Carolina and it is 28692. Area code: 828.

ZIP codes

39.99

sq mi land

0.01

sq mi water

828

area code

Vilas, NC ZIP code map

About Vilas, NC

Vilas is a charming community located in Watauga County, North Carolina. Known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Vilas serves as a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with nature. With a rural vibe and friendly residents, this small town is a hidden gem in the Appalachian region.

Location & geography

Situated approximately 10 miles northwest of Boone, Vilas offers a picturesque landscape characterized by rolling hills and lush forests. The town encompasses a total land area of 39.99 square miles, with a mere 0.01 square miles designated as water. Its idyllic surroundings make it a desirable location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, fishing, and exploration.

Community & economy

Vilas boasts a close-knit community that values its rural heritage and outdoor lifestyle. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation, providing residents with a unique blend of work and leisure. Daily life in Vilas is calm and inviting, defined by community events and an emphasis on outdoor activities.

Transportation

Vilas is easily accessible via U.S. Route 421, making travel to nearby cities straightforward for residents and visitors alike. The closest major airport is the Tri-Cities Regional Airport, located about 70 miles away in Tennessee. Public transportation options are limited, so personal vehicles are the primary mode of transport in the area.

History

The founding of Vilas can be traced back to the late 19th century, primarily shaped by the region's farming and logging industries. Over the years, the town has retained its small-town charm while gradually developing its tourism sector, catering to visitors drawn to the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Notable events include local festivals celebrating Appalachian culture and heritage.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Vilas is that it offers access to the pristine waters of the nearby Watauga River, which is popular for fishing and boating. Additionally, Vilas is located within a short driving distance of multiple hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

ZIP codes for Vilas, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28692	Vilas	Watauga	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,355

Population

43.5

Median age

$44,824

Median household income

$36,541

Per capita income

$257,200

Median home value

$1,178

Median monthly rent

75.1%

Home ownership

7.5%

Poverty rate

6.7%

Unemployment

2,538

Housing units

38.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

187

5–9

203

10–14

15–19

20–24

233

25–34

253

419

35–44

453

314

45–54

339

124

55–59

134

198

60–64

215

221

65–74

239

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	764	17.5%
18 and over	3,591	82.5%
65 and over	700	16.1%
Median age	43.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 93.7%

Black or African American 2.3%

Asian 1.3%

Hispanic or Latino 1%

Other race 0.9%

Two or more races 0.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	4,118	93.7%
Black or African American	103	2.3%
Asian	59	1.3%
Hispanic or Latino	42	1%
Other race	38	0.9%
Two or more races	28	0.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	9	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 2.3%

$10k–$15k 1.6%

$15k–$25k 13.1%

$25k–$35k 19.0%

$35k–$50k 15.8%

$50k–$75k 14.4%

$75k–$100k 13.0%

$100k–$150k 12.2%

$150k–$200k 5.5%

$200k+ 2.9%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.3%
$10k–$15k	1.6%
$15k–$25k	13.1%
$25k–$35k	19.0%
$35k–$50k	15.8%
$50k–$75k	14.4%
$75k–$100k	13.0%
$100k–$150k	12.2%
$150k–$200k	5.5%
$200k+	2.9%
Median income	$44,824

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 10.1%

$50k–$100k 2.9%

$100k–$150k 10.3%

$150k–$200k 3.4%

$200k–$300k 36.1%

$300k–$500k 26.9%

$500k–$1M 8.5%

$1M+ 1.9%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$257,200
Median rent / month	$1,178
Owner occupied	75.1%
Renter occupied	24.9%
Vacant	33.0%
Single-family detached	73.3%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	14.3%
Median rooms	5.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.15

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	5.0%
2000–2009	8.9%
1990–1999	30.3%
1980–1989	19.2%
1970–1979	10.0%
1960–1969	11.4%
1950–1959	6.6%
1940–1949	2.3%
1939 or earlier	6.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.1%
1 bedroom	6.2%
2 bedrooms	28.0%
3 bedrooms	49.0%
4 bedrooms	12.0%
5+ bedrooms	3.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	7.4%
1 vehicle	24.9%
2 vehicles	35.8%
3 or more	31.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	0.9%
Electricity	37.8%
Propane / LP gas	22.6%
Fuel oil	32.1%
Wood	5.8%
No fuel used	0.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,116	54.7%
Cohabiting couple	97	4.8%
Male householder, no spouse	286	14.0%
Female householder, no spouse	540	26.5%
Households with children under 18	424	20.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	500	24.5%
Average household size	2.14

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	21.3%	23.3%
Married	64.9%	55.5%
Separated	0.5%	2.3%
Widowed	0.9%	6.8%
Divorced	12.4%	12.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.1%

Some HS, no diploma 2.1%

HS graduate 34.8%

Some college, no degree 15.5%

Associate's degree 6.8%

Bachelor's degree 23.0%

Graduate / professional 15.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	95.8%
Bachelor's or higher	38.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	77	9.5%
Kindergarten	20	2.5%
Elementary school	446	55.2%
High school	116	14.4%
College / grad school	149	18.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 26.6%

Retail trade 13.9%

Arts, food & hospitality 13.4%

Professional & management 11.4%

Construction 7.6%

Transportation & utilities 6.6%

Other services 6.2%

Finance & real estate 4.6%

Public administration 4.1%

Manufacturing 3.0%

Agriculture & mining 2.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	41.3%
Service	16.9%
Sales & office	18.9%
Natural resources & construction	9.7%
Production & transportation	13.2%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	60.6%
Government	20.9%
Self-employed	18.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	84.7%
Carpool	4.6%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.2%
Other means	0.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	26.2

Poverty

All people 7.5%

Under 18 years 3.7%

18 and over 8.3%

Married-couple families 1.1%

Female-led households 60.6%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	30.8%
Retirement income	19.1%
Supplemental Security	0.8%
Cash public assistance	2.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	3.7%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.7%
High cholesterol	36.9%
Heart disease	7.5%
Stroke	3.5%
Asthma	9.1%
Arthritis	27.4%
Kidney disease	3.3%
Pulmonary disease	8.0%
Cancer	7.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	15.7%
No physical activity	21.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.1%
Fair or poor health	14.3%
Poor mental health	14.5%
Poor physical health	11.3%
No health insurance	15.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.3%
Visited dentist	64.2%
Cholesterol screening	89.0%
Teeth loss	14.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	166	4.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.4%
Under 18	0.8%
18–64 years	9.5%
65 and over	30.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	66.5%
Public insurance	34.8%
Uninsured under 19	1.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	4,173	95.8%
Spanish	19	0.5%
Other Indo-European	5	0.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	4,262	97.9%
Born in same state	4,197	96.4%
Born in different state	2,763	63.4%
Foreign born	65	1.5%
Naturalized citizen	93	2.1%
Not a US citizen	67	72.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	899	20.6%
Arab	455	10.4%
Italian	403	9.3%
English	53	1.2%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	16	0.4%
Irish	16	0.4%
Dutch	15	0.3%
Polish	11	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	46.8%
Internet access	95.0%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Vilas, NC?

Vilas, NC has one ZIP code: 28692.

What is the main ZIP code for Vilas, NC?

The primary ZIP code for Vilas, NC is 28692. The city uses area code 828 for phone service.

What county is Vilas, NC in?

Vilas is located in Watauga County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in Vilas, NC?

Vilas, NC has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for Vilas in Watauga County, North Carolina?

Vilas, North Carolina is located in ZIP code 28692.

If I'm mailing a package to a business in Vilas, NC near the Blue Ridge Parkway area, what ZIP code should I use?

You should use ZIP code 28692 for any mailing addresses in Vilas, as it is the only ZIP code serving this Watauga County community.