| City: | San Carlos, Arizona |
| County: | Gila County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:27:02 PM |
| Population: | 4,934 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 928 / 520 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.5578, -110.4293 |
| Land Area: | 428.379 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 85550 has 4,934 residents and 1,159 households (average 4.26 persons per household). The median age is 27.5 years, significantly younger than the state (38.9) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.8% male and 51.2% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (97.5%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.3%, which is much lower than the state average (30.7%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (4.5%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 4,934Source: Census DHC |
| 2023 ACS Population Estimate: | 5,619Source: Census ACS |
| 2025 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 11.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $50,181Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,159Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $66,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 4.26Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.49Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 5,851 | 5,217 | 5,297 | 4,990 | 4,904 | 5,199 | 5,227 | 4,994 | 5,239 | 5,525 | 5,425 | 5,378 | 5,619 |
| Decennial Census | 4,790 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 4,934 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 27.5
Male Median Age: 25.7
Female Median Age: 28.8
| 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 | 222 | 278 | 268 | 225 | 170 | 199 | 154 | 167 | 119 | 97 | 95 | 133 | 91 | 83 | 57 | 17 | 16 | 19 |
| Female | 206 | 258 | 272 | 212 | 156 | 215 | 210 | 158 | 120 | 97 | 151 | 153 | 128 | 78 | 56 | 23 | 23 | 8 |
| Total | 428 | 536 | 540 | 437 | 326 | 414 | 364 | 325 | 239 | 194 | 246 | 286 | 219 | 161 | 113 | 40 | 39 | 27 |
| White: | 33 | 0.66% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 112 | 2.25% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 4,811 | 96.49% |
| Hawaiian: | 3 | 0.06% |
| Other: | 27 | 0.54% |
| Total: | 4,986 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 2,410 | 48.84% | 25.7 years |
| Females: | 2,524 | 51.16% | 28.8 years |
| Total: | 4,934 | 100% | 27.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 5,572 | 99.16% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 1 | 0.02% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 46 | 0.82% |
| Total Population: | 5,619 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 5,573 | 99.18% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 46 | 0.82% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $50,181, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $22,522 (81.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,130. Family households earn a median of $48,875 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $48,875). By gender, male median income is $50,071 and female is $36,911, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $13,160 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 54.4%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 16.0%, which is much higher than the state rate (5.1%). The largest occupation group is Service (38.4%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $27,659 | $28,608 | $27,774 | $31,250 | $28,233 | $34,500 | $35,036 | $31,310 | $33,051 | $34,881 | $38,457 | $41,563 | $50,181 |
| Median Family Income | $32,500 | $33,676 | $28,616 | $31,438 | $28,448 | $35,064 | $35,690 | $36,288 | $36,151 | $36,566 | $38,648 | $41,882 | $48,875 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $12,180 | $13,922 | $14,394 | $24,792 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $9,773 | $0 | $15,333 | $15,625 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $32,500 | $31,667 | $36,678 | $38,569 | $38,519 | $37,106 | $37,563 | $39,583 | $40,050 | $31,032 | $38,611 | $45,435 | $50,071 |
| Median Female Income | $32,034 | $32,090 | $30,821 | $30,917 | $33,750 | $35,250 | $38,333 | $39,821 | $38,528 | $32,961 | $36,359 | $33,200 | $36,911 |
| Employed: | 1,847 | 45.73% |
| Unemployed: | 352 | 8.72% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,840 | 45.56% |
| Total: | 4,039 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 359 | 19.44% |
| Service: | 709 | 38.39% |
| Sales and Office: | 348 | 18.84% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 286 | 15.48% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 145 | 7.85% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,847 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $66,900, which is considerably lower than the state median ($358,900), is up $5,300 (8.60%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $32,100. The median gross rent is $392, which is well under the state median ($1,431), is down $26 (6.22%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $11. Of occupied housing, owners make up 61.57% (15.52% with a mortgage, 84.48% free-and-clear) and renters 38.43% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 8.78%, which is markedly below the state rate (11.00%).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $61,600 | $59,300 | $55,200 | $52,500 | $48,400 | $42,000 | $38,400 | $32,400 | $34,800 | $52,100 | $52,800 | $55,700 | $66,900 |
| Less than $500: | 244 | 43.96% |
| $500 to $999: | 175 | 31.53% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 16 | 2.88% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 26 | 4.68% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 94 | 16.94% |
| Total: | 555 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $418 | $342 | $419 | $345 | $337 | $372 | $416 | $382 | $381 | $320 | $336 | $360 | $392 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 138 | 9.56% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 751 | 52.01% |
| Renter Occupied: | 555 | 38.43% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,444 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,444 | 91.22% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 139 | 8.78% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,583 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 1,254 | 79.22% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 59 | 3.73% |
| Other Units: | 270 | 17.06% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,583 | 100% |
In 2023, 4.40% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 82.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 10.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 39.50%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 59.60%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 30.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 7.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 13.90 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (56.18%). College enrollment is 13.84%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 110 | 3.33% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 456 | 13.82% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 1,525 | 46.21% |
| Some college, no degree: | 859 | 26.03% |
| Associate's degree: | 204 | 6.18% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 60 | 1.82% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 86 | 2.61% |
| Total: | 3,300 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 2,734 | 82.85% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 146 | 4.42% |
| Private Insurance: | 2,206 | 36.14% |
| Public Insurance: | 3,326 | 54.49% |
| No Insurance: | 572 | 9.37% |
| Total: | 6,104 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 5,532 | 90.63% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 38.0% | 35.9% | 41.6% | 40.1% | 43.4% | 39.3% | 39.8% | 42.6% | 44.7% | 39.2% | 39.5% | 40.1% | 30.8% |
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: | 99 | 5.88% |
| Kindergarten: | 64 | 3.80% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 946 | 56.18% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 342 | 20.31% |
| College or graduate school: | 233 | 13.84% |
| Total: | 1,684 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 163 | 9.68% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 1,352 | 80.29% |
ZIP Code 85550 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 10 business establishments, employing about 404 people with an annual payroll of $13,150,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,187Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 10Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $4,145,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $13,150,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 404Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85550 is located in Gila County, Arizona, within the Payson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 37740) and Arizona's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 53,610 people, about 9.20% of whom live in ZIP Code 85550. It covers 428.379 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.554 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Payson, AZSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 37740Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 53,610Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 428.379 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.554 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 7838.12 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0462910Source: Census |
| Place Name: | San Carlos CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 85550 is in the San Carlos Unified District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 6 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. 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 October 1, 2025.