The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 28680 sells for about $289,900, or $167 per square foot.
Prices are up +1.9% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 62 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,236 a month.
ZIP 28680 — Morganton
The housing market in ZIP 28680 remains balanced, with steady demand and moderate inventory levels. Prices have seen modest year-over-year growth, supported by the area's affordability and regional economic stability.
This area is well-suited for families and individuals seeking a small-town atmosphere with access to outdoor recreation and a lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan centers.
Median prices moved up 1.9% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 62 days on market with 5.1 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.2% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.1% · poverty 14.8% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 28680, Burke County, NC
Crime rates in the Morganton area are generally lower than the national average, with property crime being the most frequently reported incident type.
Public schools in the area are part of the Burke County Public Schools system, which maintains a mix of ratings across elementary and secondary levels.
The region is subject to standard North Carolina climate risks, including occasional heavy rainfall and localized flooding near water bodies, with moderate wildfire risk in forested areas.
The area benefits from its position in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA, with a diverse economic base including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors.
Property taxes are assessed by Burke County and the City of Morganton, with rates determined by annual budget requirements and property valuations conducted by the county appraisal district.
Residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with I-40 serving as the primary corridor connecting the area to larger employment hubs in Hickory and Asheville.
The area offers access to outdoor amenities including the Catawba River, local parks, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and water sports.
The rental market is characterized by moderate demand and limited inventory, with rents trending upward in line with regional economic growth.
The local economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare services, and retail, with significant employment provided by regional medical centers and industrial parks.
Transportation is dominated by highway access via I-40, with limited public transit options available within the city limits.
Development efforts are focused on expanding commercial infrastructure and supporting residential growth in the outskirts of the city.
The Burke County Tax Office conducts property assessments to determine fair market value for taxation purposes.
Parcels are subject to Burke County and City of Morganton property taxes, with additional service districts for fire and emergency services.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional hazard profiles, including flood and wind exposure, with standard market availability.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov for ZCTA 28680.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and scenic recreation.
Historic district featuring local boutiques, restaurants, and cultural venues.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.