HousingHandbookReference data

U.S. ZIP Code · NC28618

Watauga County

Typical home value

$391,966[1]

Zillow Home Value Index, as of April 2026

Appreciation

1-year
-1.2%
5-year / yr
+7.1%
10-year / yr
+8.3%

Relative price

vs U.S.
+38.0%
vs metro
vs state
+37.7%
ZIP 28618 location in NC
Location of ZIP 28618 in NC

Price history

Zillow Home Value Index — monthly, smoothed and seasonally adjusted.

The typical home in 28618 is worth $391,966. Over the past year, values have fallen 1.2%. The effective property tax rate is 0.4%.

#Rent & investment

Typical asking rent, and the returns it implies at the current home value.

Monthly rent
[2]
Gross yield
[2]
Cap rate
[2]

#Property tax

Effective rate — total real estate taxes paid relative to total home value.

Effective tax rate
0.4%[3]
Typical annual tax
$1,406[3]

#Climate risk

FEMA National Risk Index ratings for Watauga County. "Not Applicable" means the hazard does not threaten the county.

Overall risk
Relatively Low[4]
Riverine flood
Relatively Moderate
Coastal flood
Not Applicable
Wildfire
Very Low
Drought
Relatively Moderate
Heat wave
No Rating
Hurricane
Relatively Low
Tornado
Relatively Low
Earthquake
Relatively Low
Winter weather
Relatively Low

#Who lives here

Population
2,208[3]
Median household income
$59,653[3]

#Migration

Household moves in and out of Watauga County over a year, from IRS tax-return data.

Net migration
-233[5]
Moved in
1,678
Moved out
1,911

Run the numbers

Interactive calculators pre-filled with this ZIP's typical home value, rent, and property-tax rate. Edit any field to recompute.

Gross yield
Net yield (after ~40% expenses)
Annual rent

Gross and net yield are estimates based on the inputs and the selected expense ratio. Actual income and expenses will vary by property and market. Not investment advice.

Monthly payment$1,982
Loan principal$313,573
Down payment$78,393
Total interest paid$399,945

Estimated monthly payments include principal and interest only. Actual costs will include property tax, insurance, possibly PMI, and HOA fees not modeled here. Loan terms shown are estimates; consult a licensed lender for current rates and qualification.

Own : rent ratio
Monthly cost to own$2,426
Monthly rent

This calculator projects multi-year scenarios based on assumptions about appreciation, rent growth, and investment returns — none of which are guaranteed. Actual outcomes depend on variables this tool cannot know. Not financial or real estate advice.

#Metro ranking

Where this ZIP sits among others in its metro area.

Appreciation
[1]
Rental yield
[2]
Property tax
[3]

Frequently asked

How much is a home worth in ZIP code 28618?
The typical home in 28618 is worth $391,966, based on the Zillow Home Value Index.
Are home values rising in 28618?
Home values in 28618 are down 1.2% over the past year, and up 7.1% a year over five years.
What is the property tax rate in 28618?
The effective property tax rate in 28618 is 0.4% — roughly $1,406 a year on a typical home.
Who lives in 28618?
ZIP code 28618 has a population of 2,208 and a median household income of $59,653.

Compare ZIPs

Pit ZIP 28618 against any other ZIP — full side-by-side table.

Compare 28618

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