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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28779

Part of Sylva, NC
Pop. 18,064·Jackson County·124th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,638/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-7.5%
vs US Median
-$327
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28779 · $1,638
More affordable than 63% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$890
1 BR
$1,000
2 BR
$1,110
3 BR
$1,330
4 BR+
$1,570
Research median
$1,110/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$19,656/yr
At $1,638/mo median
Location
CitySylva
StateNC
CountyJackson County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -7.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28779 (Sylva, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
18,064
Median income
$57,727
Median age
42.4
Renters
36.6%
Age distribution
21.4%
20%
23.2%
13.4%
21.9%
Under 1821.4%
18–3420%
35–5423.2%
55–6413.4%
65+21.9%
Gender
48.9%
51.1%
Male48.9%
Female51.1%
Race & ethnicity
86.6%
White86.6%
Black0.8%
Hispanic5.7%
Asian0.9%
Other5.9%
Education (25+)
28.6%
35.5%
27.9%
No HS diploma8%
HS diploma28.6%
Some college35.5%
Bachelor's+27.9%
Housing tenure
63.4%
36.6%
Owner63.4%
Renter36.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28779 in Sylva, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$52,140 → $57,727
up 10.7%
Population
18,377 → 18,064
down 1.7%
Renter share
33.8% → 36.6%
+2.8 pts
Bachelor's+
28.9% → 27.9%
-1.0 pts

Census figures show median household income at $57,727 today, compared with $52,140 five years earlier. Headcount in the area went from 18,377 to 18,064 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.7% change. About 36.6% of households rent today, against 33.8% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28779

About renting in ZIP 28779

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28779 covers Sylva, NC. The median rent here is $1,638/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,000/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,110/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($57,727/yr), ZIP 28779 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28779?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28779 (Sylva, NC) is $1,638. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28779 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28779's median rent of $1,638/mo is $327 (17%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28779 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28779 falls in the middle range for North Carolina, ranking #124 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,638/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28779?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $66,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,638/mo in ZIP 28779. The local median household income is $57,727/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28779?

Rent in ZIP 28779 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 28779 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28779 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,638/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($57,727/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28779 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 28779 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 36.6% of ZIP 28779 households are renters, while 63.4% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28779 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28779 compare to the rest of Sylva?

ZIP 28779 is pricier than Sylva as a whole. At $1,638/mo, it's $94 above the Sylva citywide median of $1,544/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28779 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28779 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $1,638/mo, rent takes ~34% of ZIP 28779's median household income ($57,727/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28779 34%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28779 (Sylva, NC)

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