West Jefferson ZIP Code List — Ashe County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in West Jefferson, North Carolina and it is 28694. Area code: 336.

ZIP codes

69.93

sq mi land

0.51

sq mi water

336

area code

West Jefferson, NC ZIP code map

About West Jefferson, NC

West Jefferson is a charming town located in Ashe County, North Carolina. This picturesque area is known for its stunning mountain views and vibrant local culture. With its rich history and welcoming community, West Jefferson offers a unique blend of rural charm and cultural experiences.

Location & geography

Positioned in the northwestern part of North Carolina, West Jefferson spans a land area of 69.93 square miles and has a small water area of 0.51 square miles. Nearby cities include Boone, located approximately 20 miles to the south, Wilkesboro, around 30 miles to the east, and Jefferson, just about 5 miles to the north. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Community & economy

The character of West Jefferson is deeply rooted in Appalachian culture, showcasing local crafts, art, and music. The community is primarily driven by small businesses, agriculture, and tourism, particularly due to its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Daily life in West Jefferson often revolves around community events, farmers' markets, and seasonal festivals that celebrate local traditions.

Transportation

West Jefferson is serviced by U.S. Route 221, providing easy access for residents and visitors traveling through the region. The nearest major airport is the Wilkes County Airport, located about 30 miles to the east, offering regional flights. Public transit options are limited, but local services do help connect residents to nearby areas.

History

West Jefferson was established in the late 19th century and has a rich history tied to the timber and agriculture industries. Key events in the town's development include the arrival of the railroad, which significantly boosted its economy and accessibility. Over the years, West Jefferson has maintained its historic charm while evolving into a cozy mountain town.

Did you know?

West Jefferson is home to the renowned Ashe County Cheese, the oldest cheese factory in North Carolina. Additionally, the town has been recognized for its vibrant arts scene, featuring local painters and craftsmen who contribute to its unique charm.

ZIP codes for West Jefferson, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
28694	West Jefferson	Ashe	View map

Demographics & statistics

6,809

Population

54.4

Median age

$49,154

Median household income

$30,708

Per capita income

$204,600

Median home value

$722

Median monthly rent

80.2%

Home ownership

9.7%

Poverty rate

10.8%

Unemployment

3,786

Housing units

18.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

121

Under 5

152

5–9

112

109

10–14

137

240

15–19

301

20–24

115

284

25–34

354

305

35–44

381

323

45–54

403

216

55–59

269

331

60–64

413

460

65–74

574

270

75–84

337

187

85+

233

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,105	16.2%
18 and over	5,704	83.8%
65 and over	2,061	30.3%
Median age	54.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 91.3%

Two or more races 3.2%

Hispanic or Latino 2.2%

Black or African American 2.1%

Other race 0.6%

Asian 0.6%

Group	Count	%
White	6,357	91.3%
Two or more races	223	3.2%
Hispanic or Latino	155	2.2%
Black or African American	144	2.1%
Other race	45	0.6%
Asian	40	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 3.0%

$10k–$15k 6.1%

$15k–$25k 8.4%

$25k–$35k 14.7%

$35k–$50k 19.2%

$50k–$75k 17.2%

$75k–$100k 14.9%

$100k–$150k 9.2%

$150k–$200k 5.5%

$200k+ 1.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.0%
$10k–$15k	6.1%
$15k–$25k	8.4%
$25k–$35k	14.7%
$35k–$50k	19.2%
$50k–$75k	17.2%
$75k–$100k	14.9%
$100k–$150k	9.2%
$150k–$200k	5.5%
$200k+	1.8%
Median income	$49,154

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.3%

$50k–$100k 3.6%

$100k–$150k 21.3%

$150k–$200k 17.7%

$200k–$300k 19.0%

$300k–$500k 25.3%

$500k–$1M 5.1%

$1M+ 1.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$204,600
Median rent / month	$722
Owner occupied	80.2%
Renter occupied	19.8%
Vacant	28.5%
Single-family detached	79.5%
Large apartment buildings	1.0%
Mobile homes	13.0%
Median rooms	5.4
Avg household size (owned)	2.09

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	1.4%
2000–2009	17.6%
1990–1999	19.8%
1980–1989	11.9%
1970–1979	21.3%
1960–1969	15.3%
1950–1959	6.4%
1940–1949	4.3%
1939 or earlier	2.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.4%
1 bedroom	5.6%
2 bedrooms	26.0%
3 bedrooms	55.5%
4 bedrooms	9.0%
5+ bedrooms	3.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.3%
1 vehicle	32.2%
2 vehicles	40.9%
3 or more	23.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	4.2%
Electricity	52.2%
Propane / LP gas	10.0%
Fuel oil	26.6%
Wood	6.1%
No fuel used	0.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,529	48.5%
Cohabiting couple	122	3.9%
Male householder, no spouse	408	12.9%
Female householder, no spouse	1,095	34.7%
Households with children under 18	684	21.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	1,457	46.2%
Average household size	2.13

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	22.8%	19.9%
Married	64.4%	48.6%
Separated	0.0%	2.3%
Widowed	1.2%	12.8%
Divorced	11.6%	16.4%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.5%

Some HS, no diploma 8.7%

HS graduate 30.5%

Some college, no degree 27.8%

Associate's degree 9.9%

Bachelor's degree 11.4%

Graduate / professional 7.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	86.8%
Bachelor's or higher	18.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	47	4.3%
Kindergarten	71	6.4%
Elementary school	350	31.7%
High school	360	32.6%
College / grad school	277	25.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 29.1%

Retail trade 15.9%

Manufacturing 11.5%

Construction 9.1%

Transportation & utilities 6.5%

Other services 5.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 5.3%

Professional & management 4.3%

Finance & real estate 3.8%

Wholesale trade 3.4%

Agriculture & mining 2.7%

Public administration 2.0%

Information 0.9%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	33.2%
Service	15.7%
Sales & office	25.3%
Natural resources & construction	15.3%
Production & transportation	10.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.1%
Government	15.1%
Self-employed	8.7%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	81.0%
Carpool	11.6%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.3%
Other means	0.7%
Avg commute (minutes)	20.6

Poverty

All people 9.7%

Under 18 years 9.4%

18 and over 9.8%

Married-couple families 2.4%

Female-led households 32.4%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	49.9%
Retirement income	33.5%
Supplemental Security	5.3%
Cash public assistance	0.1%
Food stamps / SNAP	9.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	37.2%
High cholesterol	38.3%
Heart disease	8.1%
Stroke	3.7%
Asthma	8.9%
Arthritis	29.9%
Kidney disease	3.5%
Pulmonary disease	8.4%
Cancer	8.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.6%
No physical activity	23.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.2%
Fair or poor health	15.0%
Poor mental health	13.8%
Poor physical health	11.7%
No health insurance	17.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	78.3%
Visited dentist	65.6%
Cholesterol screening	90.5%
Teeth loss	14.9%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	383	6.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	19.1%
Under 18	0.2%
18–64 years	11.9%
65 and over	42.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	71.5%
Public insurance	46.1%
Uninsured under 19	2.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	6,536	96.0%
Spanish	44	0.7%
Other Indo-European	23	0.4%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	21	0.3%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	6,507	95.6%
Born in same state	6,483	95.2%
Born in different state	4,717	69.3%
Foreign born	24	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	302	4.4%
Not a US citizen	159	52.6%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	1,784	26.2%
French	1,058	15.5%
Italian	691	10.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	51	0.7%
German	26	0.4%
Dutch	21	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	46.3%
Internet access	88.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for West Jefferson, NC?

West Jefferson, NC has one ZIP code: 28694.

What is the main ZIP code for West Jefferson, NC?

The primary ZIP code for West Jefferson, NC is 28694. The city uses area code 336 for phone service.

What county is West Jefferson, NC in?

West Jefferson is located in Ashe County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in West Jefferson, NC?

West Jefferson, NC has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for downtown West Jefferson and the surrounding Ashe County area?

Downtown West Jefferson and the surrounding Ashe County area are served by ZIP code 28694, which covers the entire town and its local neighborhoods.

What ZIP code should I use for mailing addresses to businesses and residences in West Jefferson, NC?

All mailing addresses in West Jefferson, NC use the single ZIP code 28694, regardless of which part of town the address is located in.