This data is based on ZIP codes 28659, 28697, which covers Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro.
The U.S. Census reports business data by ZIP code, not city boundaries. All numbers reflect the combined ZIP codes 28659, 28697 area shared across these towns.
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Wilkesboro ZIP Area Economy · 2023
Wages +0% vs. avg. Wilkes Co. town
Wilkesboro's ZIP area supports 18,109 jobs across 868 businesses, with workers earning an average of $42K per year, 0% above the Wilkes County average. The economy is well-diversified (0.87 index), led by retail trade and healthcare. 82.9% of businesses have fewer than 20 employees, and each business employs an average of 20.9 people. Jobs grew 4.9% from the prior year while business count declined 0.1%.
Where Businesses Clusteri
Larger blocks have more businesses.
Local Specialization vs. Wilkes Avg.i
Industries sorted by relative concentration in this ZIP area.
Business Size Distributioni
868 businesses by employee count. 82.9% 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
20.9
employees per business
County avg: 20.5+2%
$208K
payroll per resident
$874K
payroll per business
Wilkesboro ZIP Area vs. Avg. Wilkes Co. Towni
All Industries in ZIP Areai
| Sector | Wilkesboro ZIP | Avg. Wilkes Co. | Spec. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Trade | 178 | 122 | 1.0x |
| Healthcare | 112 | 75 | 1.0x |
| Other Services | 93 | 64 | 1.0x |
| Food & Accommodation | 88 | 59 | 1.0x |
| Construction | 66 | 47 | 0.9x |
| Finance & Insurance | 54 | 36 | 1.0x |
| Professional Services | 54 | 37 | 1.0x |
| Manufacturing | 48 | 33 | 1.0x |
| Wholesale Trade | 41 | 27 | 1.0x |
| Admin Services | 34 | 23 | 1.0x |
| Real Estate | 31 | 22 | 1.0x |
| Transportation | 19 | 13 | 1.0x |
| Information | 17 | 11 | 1.0x |
| Arts & Entertainment | 13 | 9 | 1.0x |
| Utilities | 5 | 3 | 1.1x |
| Management | 5 | 3 | 1.1x |
| Education | 3 | 2 | 1.0x |