This data is based on ZIP code 28604, which covers Banner Elk and Beech Mountain and Seven Devils and Sugar Mountain.
The U.S. Census reports business data by ZIP code, not city boundaries. All numbers reflect the combined ZIP code 28604 area shared across these towns.
Showing latest year snapshot. Full economic history and trends available with a paid plan. See products & pricing →
Banner Elk ZIP Area Economy · 2023
Wages -13% vs. avg. Avery Co. town
Banner Elk's ZIP area supports 3,316 jobs across 332 businesses, with workers earning an average of $35K per year, 13% below the Avery County average. The economy is well-diversified (0.91 index), led by construction and food & accommodation. 89.2% of businesses have fewer than 20 employees, and each business employs an average of 10.0 people. Jobs grew 2.9% from the prior year while business count grew 2.5%.
Where Businesses Clusteri
Larger blocks have more businesses.
Local Specialization vs. Avery Avg.i
Industries sorted by relative concentration in this ZIP area.
Business Size Distributioni
332 businesses by employee count. 89.2% are small businesses (under 20 employees).
Micro (<5)
Small (5-9)
Small (10-19)
Medium (20-49)
Medium (50-99)
Large (100-249)
Economic Densityi
2.00+
jobs per resident
Capped: ZIP includes employers outside city limits
10.0
employees per business
County avg: 10.0+0%
$80K
payroll per resident
$354K
payroll per business
Banner Elk ZIP Area vs. Avg. Avery Co. Towni
All Industries in ZIP Areai
| Sector | Banner Elk ZIP | Avg. Avery Co. | Spec. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 51 | 26 | 0.9x |
| Food & Accommodation | 51 | 20 | 1.2x |
| Retail Trade | 46 | 23 | 1.0x |
| Real Estate | 41 | 18 | 1.1x |
| Professional Services | 26 | 13 | 1.0x |
| Admin Services | 21 | 12 | 0.8x |
| Arts & Entertainment | 20 | 9 | 1.1x |
| Other Services | 20 | 12 | 0.8x |
| Healthcare | 14 | 10 | 0.7x |
| Finance & Insurance | 10 | 4 | 1.2x |
| Manufacturing | 7 | 4 | 0.8x |
| Wholesale Trade | 6 | 3 | 1.0x |
| Information | 4 | 2 | 1.0x |