The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 28431 sells for about $186,800, or $178 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 90 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $767 a month.
ZIP 28431 — Chadbourn
The housing market in 28431 is characterized by low inventory and modest price growth, reflecting the broader rural economic conditions of Columbus County. Demand remains steady for affordable single-family homes, though limited new construction and economic stagnation keep the market in a neutral state.
This area is best suited for budget-conscious family buyers and those seeking rural living, as it offers lower entry prices compared to coastal or metropolitan North Carolina markets.
Median prices moved up 2.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 90 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.9% · poverty 28.1% — a mixed stability 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 7.8%/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 5.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net outflow — more people moved out than in
ZCTA 28431, Columbus County NC
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in Chadbourn are generally consistent with rural Columbus County trends, with property crime being the primary concern. Regional comparisons indicate lower violent crime rates than larger urban centers in North Carolina.
Schools serving the area are part of the Columbus County Schools district, which faces challenges typical of rural districts including resource allocation and student performance metrics.
The area is subject to inland flooding risks, particularly during hurricane season, and requires flood insurance for many properties in low-lying zones.
Economic momentum is modest, driven primarily by agriculture and local services, with limited large-scale industrial or commercial development currently underway.
Property taxes are levied by Columbus County and the Town of Chadbourn; rates are determined by annual assessments conducted by the county tax office.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents traveling to nearby hubs like Whiteville or Wilmington via US-74/76.
Local recreation is centered on community parks and proximity to rural outdoor spaces, with limited large-scale shopping or entertainment venues within the immediate ZIP.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and steady demand for affordable single-family housing, with minimal short-term rental activity.
The local economy is anchored by agriculture, manufacturing, and public sector employment within Columbus County.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use, with US-74 serving as the primary arterial highway for regional access.
Development is currently focused on small-scale residential infill and agricultural land use.
The Columbus County Tax Office manages property assessments, typically reassessing real property on a multi-year cycle.
Parcels are subject to Columbus County school taxes and local fire district levies.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by the area's inland flood risk and proximity to the coast, leading to higher costs for comprehensive coverage.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA profiles.
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.
Local historical site showcasing the town's railroad heritage.
Community green space for local recreation.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.