ZIP Code 12438 in Halcottsville, NY

Data Last Updated: March 1, 2026
City:Halcottsville, New York
County:Delaware County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:44:29 PM
Population:56 [See All]
Area Codes:329 / 845
Classification:PO Box
Coordinates:42.2085, -74.6016
Land Area:0.162 sq mi
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12438 Halcottsville, NY - A Catskill Mountain Retreat

ZIP Code 12438, Halcottsville

Vacation Island
LocationDelaware County, NY
Area4.8 sq mi
Population56
Households19
PO Boxes147 Regional Hub (774%)
Median Age51.0 years
Seasonal Housing41%
ZIP CreatedBefore Oct 2004
Key Facts
  • This is a PO Box Only Zone with no alternative mail delivery across the 4.8 square mile territory
  • The post office maintains 147 PO Boxes for just 19 occupied households, a ratio of nearly 8 to 1
  • 41% of housing units (14 of 34) are used for seasonal or recreational purposes, indicating a vacation community
  • Year-round population is only 56 people, but the high PO Box count shows seasonal residents and second homeowners drive demand
  • Median age of 51 years and 48% bachelor's degree attainment suggest an educated, older population

A Seasonal Community

Halcottsville sits in Delaware County, deep in New York's Catskill Mountains. With just 56 year-round residents and 19 occupied homes, it's one of the smallest communities in the region. But the post office tells a different story. It maintains 147 PO Boxes for a population that officially fills only 19 households.

Why Everyone Needs a PO Box

This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery anywhere in the 4.8 square mile territory. The 7.7-to-1 ratio of PO Boxes to households reveals Halcottsville's true character: a vacation community where seasonal residents far outnumber locals. Of the 34 housing units, 14 (41%) are used for seasonal or recreational purposes. Summer and fall bring second homeowners from the New York metro area who need reliable mail access at their mountain retreats.

The Catskill Character

Street names here point to the landscape: Bragg Hollow Road, Mountain View Drive, Old River Road, and Valley View Road. These aren't suburban subdivisions. They're rural routes winding through forested hillsides and along streams feeding into the East Branch of the Delaware River.

Demographics

Median age is 51 years, typical for a place where retirees and weekenders outnumber young families. Nearly half the adults (48%) hold bachelor's degrees or higher, well above the national average. The median household income of $49,000 suggests a mix of modest year-round residents and more affluent part-timers who don't file taxes here. All 19 workers who drive commute alone, heading to jobs scattered across the Catskills.

Street Name Patterns

Landscape Features Rural Roads

Street names reflect Catskill Mountain terrain with references to hollows, rivers, and mountain views.

Interactive charts load automatically as you scroll. Hover for data, click to explore trends, and use the menu to export.

Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 12438 has 56 residents and 19 households (average 2.95 persons per household). The median age is 51.0 years, significantly older than the state (39.0) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 57.1% male and 42.9% female, which is much higher than the state male share (48.4%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (76.8%, much higher than the state average of 55.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (12.5%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 12.5%, which is much lower than the state average (19.5%).

Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:56Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:190Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:0Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:345.7 people per sq mile
Average Income:$78,512Source: Census ACS
Households:19Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$666,666,666Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.95Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.89Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group201020112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Census ACS Population Estimate--3334515575524832310294871190
Decennial Census59------------------56--------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 51

Male Median Age: 35

Female Median Age: 52.3

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male430501320005620010
Female0040001201111030100
Total4345014401116650110
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:4378.18%
Black:00%
Hispanic:*712.73%
Asian:00%
American Indian:11.82%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:47.27%
Total:55100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:3257.14%35.0 years
Females:2442.86%52.3 years
Total:56100%51.0 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:190100.00%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:00.00%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:00.00%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:00.00%
Total Population:190100%
Total Native Population:190100.00%
Total Foreign-born Population:00.00%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2024, the Median household income is $78,512, which is a bit under the national median ($80,734), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $78,512. Family households earn a median of $78,512 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $78,512). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 79.7%, which is considerably higher than 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 (40.7%).

Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type20112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Household Income$0$77,019$120,417$122,578$101,250$125,588$0$0$0$0$0$0$49,000$78,512
Median Family Income$0$0$79,423$79,333$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$49,000$78,512
Median NonFamily Income$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0
Median Male Income$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0
Median Female Income$35,250$35,469$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:11879.73%
Unemployed:00.00%
Not In Labor Force:3020.27%
Total:148100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:2218.64%
Service:65.08%
Sales and Office:4840.68%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:00.00%
Production, transportation, and material moving:4235.59%
Total Civilian Employed Population:118100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $296,900 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 40.00% (60.71% with a mortgage, 39.29% free-and-clear) and renters 60.00% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.

Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Home Value$296,900$270,800$272,900$275,000$0$186,100$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:00.00%
$500 to $999:00.00%
$1,000 to $1,499:00.00%
$1,500 to $1,999:00.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:42100.00%
Total:42100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Rent$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):1724.29%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):1115.71%
Renter Occupied:4260.00%
Total Occupied Housing Units:70100%

Occupied Housing Units:70100.00%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):00.00%
Total Housing Units:70100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:70100.00%
Multi-Family Units:00.00%
Other Units:00.00%
Total Housing Units:70100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2024, 50.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 95.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 3.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 10.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 26.90 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 26.90 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (50.00%). College enrollment is 50.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.

Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:00.00%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:74.73%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):5436.49%
Some college, no degree:00.00%
Associate's degree:128.11%
Bachelor's degree:128.11%
Graduate or professional degree:6342.57%
Total:148100%
High school or higher:14195.27%
Bachelor's degree or higher:7550.68%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:14767.12%
Public Insurance:6630.14%
No Insurance:62.74%
Total:219100%
Has Health Insurance:21397.26%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
% of People in Poverty0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%46.7%26.9%10.0%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

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.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:3035.71%
Kindergarten:00.00%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1214.29%
High school (grades 9-12):00.00%
College or graduate school:4250.00%
Total:84100%
Early Childhood:3035.71%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):1214.29%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 12438 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 4 business establishments, employing about 15 people with an annual payroll of $654,000.

# Residential Mailboxes:0Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:0Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:157Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
# of Businesses:4Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$138,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$654,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:15Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 12438 is located in Delaware County, New York, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and New York's 19th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 12438. It covers 0.162 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.041 sq mi.

CBSA Name:--Source: Census
CBSA Number:--Source: Census
CBSA Type:--Source: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:0Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:0.162 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.041 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:19Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:7937.02 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:--Source: Census
Place Name:--Source: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


12439 | | 12436

Schools in ZIP Code 12438


We could not locate which school district 12438 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.

Margaretville Central School 415 Main St
Margaretville, NY 12455
District: Margaretville Central School DistrictNearby
Roxbury Central School 53729 Nys Rt 30
Roxbury, NY 12474
District: Roxbury Central School DistrictNearby
Andes Central School 85 Delaware Ave
Andes, NY 13731
District: Andes Central School DistrictNearby
South Kortright Central School 58200 State Hwy 10
South Kortright, NY 13842
District: South Kortright Central School DistrictNearby
Otsego-Delaware-Schoharie-Greene Boces 2020 Jump Brook Rd
Grand Gorge, NY 12434
District: UnknownNearby
Bovina Center Montessori School 2121 County Highway 5
Bovina Center, NY 13740
District: Private SchoolNearby
The School At Springbrook 154 Campus Dr
Oneonta, NY 13820
District: Private SchoolNearby
The Middle Way School 268 W Saugerties Rd
Saugerties, NY 12477
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 12438


Suny College Of Technology At Delhi 454 Delhi Drive
Delhi, NY 13753-1100
Type: Post Secondary
Otsego Area Boces-Practical Nursing Program 31 Center Street 3rd Floor
Oneonta, NY 13820-1142
Type: Post Secondary
Hartwick College One Hartwick Drive
Oneonta, NY 13820-4020
Type: Post Secondary
Suny Oneonta 108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820-4015
Type: Post Secondary
Sullivan County Community College 112 College Road
Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759-5151
Type: Post Secondary
Bard College - Woodbourne Correctional Facility 99 Prison Road
Woodbourne, NY 12788-1000
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


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.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 3/1/2026], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 3/1/2026], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 3/1/2026], https://nces.ed.gov