| City: | Central, Arizona |
| County: | Graham County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:19:15 AM |
| Population: | 761 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 32.8778, -109.7878 |
| Land Area: | 4.473 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Central, Arizona sits in Graham County's Gila Valley, a small agricultural community of 761 residents. Despite its PO Box ZIP classification, this isn't an isolated outpost. Two rural carrier routes serve the 3-square-mile area, delivering mail to homes along roads like N 52nd Ave, N Shepherd Ln, and W Central Rd.
The post office maintains 183 PO Boxes for 237 households. That's a 77% adoption rate, meaning most residents choose a PO Box even though rural delivery exists. This is a PO Box Only Zone according to USPS records, which can seem contradictory since rural routes clearly operate here. The classification dates back decades and doesn't reflect current service patterns.
Central's demographics are striking for rural Arizona. The median household income sits at $94,478, well above state and national averages. Even more unusual: 77.9% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher. Nearly a third of workers (30.6%) work from home. These numbers suggest a community of remote professionals who chose rural living.
The housing stock tells its own story. Of 257 homes, 150 were built before 1939. That's 58% of all housing predating World War II. Median home values reach $422,900, and 82% of units are owner-occupied. With a median age of 33.2 years and 3.2 people per household, Central draws young families with resources.
Street names mix numbered grid roads with local family names like Shepherd, Webster, Coombs, and Pippert.
ZIP Code 85531 has 761 residents and 237 households (average 3.21 persons per household). The median age is 33.2 years, younger than the state (38.9) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.2% male and 52.8% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (87.9%, much higher than the state average of 60.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (12.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 12.9%, which is much lower than the state average (30.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 761Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 657Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 170.1 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $97,365Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 237Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $480,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.21Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.03Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 379 | 394 | 389 | 422 | 406 | 345 | 369 | 417 | 323 | 366 | 434 | 375 | 273 | 657 |
| Decennial Census | 623 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 761 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 33.2
Male Median Age: 33.3
Female Median Age: 33
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 10 | 35 | 47 | 44 | 17 | 14 | 21 | 13 | 37 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 24 | 33 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Female | 31 | 46 | 47 | 38 | 17 | 12 | 20 | 23 | 27 | 21 | 19 | 12 | 29 | 34 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Total | 41 | 81 | 94 | 82 | 34 | 26 | 41 | 36 | 64 | 31 | 30 | 33 | 53 | 67 | 24 | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| White: | 669 | 83.31% |
| Black: | 5 | 0.62% |
| Hispanic:* | 98 | 12.20% |
| Asian: | 2 | 0.25% |
| American Indian: | 12 | 1.49% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 17 | 2.12% |
| Total: | 803 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 359 | 47.17% | 33.3 years |
| Females: | 402 | 52.83% | 33.0 years |
| Total: | 761 | 100% | 33.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 657 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 657 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 657 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $97,365, which is considerably higher than the national median ($80,734), is up $57,448 (143.9%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $21,011. Family households earn a median of $165,333 versus $95,750 for nonfamily households (a difference of $69,583). By gender, male median income is $81,886 and female is $72,326, which is much higher than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $9,560 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 81.3%, which is markedly above the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (39.8%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $39,917 | $49,219 | $53,523 | $52,857 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $73,426 | $76,354 | $78,365 | $83,741 | $88,645 | $94,478 | $97,365 |
| Median Family Income | $47,059 | $49,766 | $85,819 | $88,807 | $89,620 | $88,839 | $90,850 | $74,491 | $77,188 | $76,761 | $88,500 | $96,607 | $138,750 | $165,333 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $38,750 | $39,620 | $41,438 | $40,197 | $0 | $18,636 | $18,611 | $18,281 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $88,526 | $0 | $95,750 |
| Median Male Income | $99,107 | $99,464 | $72,226 | $104,688 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $73,565 | $72,760 | $0 | $0 | $86,563 | $81,406 | $81,886 |
| Median Female Income | $40,221 | $40,234 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $60,139 | $62,727 | $75,462 | $78,339 | $85,776 | $87,854 | $72,326 |
| Employed: | 374 | 81.30% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 86 | 18.70% |
| Total: | 460 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 130 | 34.76% |
| Service: | 60 | 16.04% |
| Sales and Office: | 149 | 39.84% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 14 | 3.74% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 21 | 5.61% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 374 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $480,000, which is markedly greater than the national median ($332,700), is up $280,600 (140.72%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $288,700. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,054. Of occupied housing, owners make up 71.37% (62.35% with a mortgage, 37.65% free-and-clear) and renters 28.63% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 0.00%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $199,400 | $212,500 | $219,800 | $242,000 | $228,300 | $219,600 | $211,000 | $204,600 | $191,300 | $184,400 | $172,900 | $241,200 | $422,900 | $480,000 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 65 | 100.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 65 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $792 | $1,054 | $1,565 | $1,686 | $1,703 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 101 | 44.49% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 61 | 26.87% |
| Renter Occupied: | 65 | 28.63% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 227 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 227 | 100.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 227 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 162 | 71.37% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 65 | 28.63% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 227 | 100% |
In 2024, 54.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 100.00%, which is well above the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 9.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (48.77%). College enrollment is 12.98%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 39 | 10.24% |
| Some college, no degree: | 106 | 27.82% |
| Associate's degree: | 30 | 7.87% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 145 | 38.06% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 61 | 16.01% |
| Total: | 381 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 381 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 206 | 54.07% |
| Private Insurance: | 657 | 91.25% |
| Public Insurance: | 63 | 8.75% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 720 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 720 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 139 | 48.77% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 109 | 38.25% |
| College or graduate school: | 37 | 12.98% |
| Total: | 285 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 248 | 87.02% |
ZIP Code 85531 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 11 business establishments, employing about 104 people with an annual payroll of $5,033,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 187Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 11Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,146,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $5,033,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 104Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85531 is located in Graham County, Arizona, within the Safford, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 40940) and Arizona's 6th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 45,657 people, about 1.67% of whom live in ZIP Code 85531. It covers 4.473 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.024 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Safford, AZSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 40940Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 45,657Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 4.473 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.024 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 06Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 625.07 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0411580Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Central CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 85531 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on March 1, 2026.