| City: | Severance, New York |
| County: | Essex County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:48:29 PM |
| Population: | 44 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 518 / 838 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 43.8764, -73.7164 |
| Land Area: | 1.082 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Severance is a tiny seasonal community in Essex County, New York, where vacation properties vastly outnumber year-round residents. With just 44 permanent residents and 15 occupied households, this hamlet maintains 104 total housing units. That means 83% of all homes (86 units) sit vacant most of the year, used only for seasonal recreation.
The Severance post office maintains 63 PO Boxes to serve these 15 year-round households, creating an adoption rate of 4.2 boxes per household. This high ratio isn't about local preference. It's about seasonal homeowners who keep boxes year-round to receive mail, tax bills, and property notices even when they aren't in residence. Vacation renters and visitors also need temporary mail access during summer months.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery available. While some homes receive rural carrier delivery along routes like Shore Road and NYS Route 74, PO Boxes remain the primary method for most properties. The post office operates as the mail hub for a community that swells dramatically during vacation season.
With a median age of 56.5 years and zero registered businesses, Severance fits the profile of a quiet retreat. Street names like Shore Road, Summer Haven Road, and River Road point to waterfront character. The hamlet serves as a seasonal getaway rather than a working community, where most residents arrive when the weather warms and leave before winter sets in.
Street names like Shore Road, Summer Haven Road, and River Road indicate waterfront vacation character.
ZIP Code 12872 has 44 residents and 15 households (average 2.53 persons per household). The median age is 56.5 years, significantly older than the state (39.0) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 45.5% male and 54.5% female, which is lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (79.5%, much higher than the state average of 55.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (9.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.1%, which is much lower than the state average (19.5%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 44Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 22Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 40.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 15Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.53Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 1.72Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 76 | 77 | 69 | 76 | 41 | 44 | 42 | 47 | 40 | 91 | 95 | 103 | 0 | 22 |
| Decennial Census | 31 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 44 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 56.5
Male Median Age: 56.5
Female Median Age: 53.5
| 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 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Female | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| White: | 35 | 77.78% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 4 | 8.89% |
| Asian: | 3 | 6.67% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 3 | 6.67% |
| Total: | 45 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 20 | 45.45% | 56.5 years |
| Females: | 24 | 54.55% | 53.5 years |
| Total: | 44 | 100% | 56.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 22 | 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: | 22 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 22 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $16,534 (100.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). 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 stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%).
Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $16,534 | $16,150 | $0 | $18,750 | $28,750 | $29,167 | $29,625 | $29,519 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $16,534 | $16,150 | $0 | $18,750 | $28,750 | $28,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 22 | 100.00% |
| Total: | 22 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 0 | 0% |
| Service: | 0 | 0% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 0 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $190,300 (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. Insufficient data for owner/renter mix. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $190,300 | $188,500 | $0 | $187,500 | $162,500 | $162,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 11 | 100.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 11 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 11 | 16.42% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 56 | 83.58% |
| Total Housing Units: | 67 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 67 | 100.00% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 67 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.00% 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 comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is -666,666,666.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), down 81.50 percentage points since 2011. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Insufficient data for school enrollment.
Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 22 | 100.00% |
| Some college, no degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 22 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 22 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 11 | 33.33% |
| Public Insurance: | 22 | 66.67% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 33 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 33 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 81.5% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 89.3% | 20.0% | 20.0% | 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% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 0 | 0% |
ZIP Code 12872 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 76Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 12872 is located in Essex County, New York, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and New York's 21st Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 12872. It covers 1.082 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 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: | 1.082 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 21Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 15114.76 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 12872 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 February 1, 2026.