| City: | Ray Brook, New York |
| County: | Essex County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:49:25 PM |
| Population: | 693 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 518 / 838 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 44.3000, -74.0856 |
| Land Area: | 1.243 sq mi |
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The post office maintains 117 PO Boxes for just 52 occupied households. That adoption rate of 2.25 means the Ray Brook post office serves more than twice its local residential population. People travel from surrounding communities in Essex County to maintain PO Boxes here, particularly those in nearby areas without carrier delivery options.
This is classified as a PO Box-only ZIP, though the designation reflects the nature of the institutional facilities rather than a lack of infrastructure. Rural carrier routes serve State Route 86, NYS Route 86, and a handful of residential streets including Bridget Way, Scarface Mtn Ln, and Bairn. These routes primarily handle mail for staff housing and administrative buildings.
The median age is 37.4 years. Only 8 people work from home, and household income data isn't available due to the small residential population. The 1.41 square miles contain both the institutional complexes and limited residential development. Most housing units that exist outside the facilities are occupied year-round, with just 5 seasonal or vacation units. This isn't a resort community despite its Adirondack location. It's a federal and state government employment center with regional postal service functions.
Street names reflect the Adirondack setting and highway corridor location. State Route 86 dominates delivery infrastructure, with limited residential streets bearing regional mountain names like Scarface Mtn Ln. The minimal street count underscores the institutional nature of the community.
ZIP Code 12977 has 693 residents and 52 households (average 1.81 persons per household). The median age is 37.4 years, slightly younger than the state (39.0) and slightly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 93.1% male and 6.9% female, which is much higher than the state male share (48.4%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are Black or African American (49.6%, much higher than the state average of 14.8% and well above the national average of 12.4%) and White (48.5%, much lower than the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 28.6%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (14.8%) and national averages (12.4%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 693Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,213Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 557.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 52Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.81Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.07Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,932 | 1,875 | 1,803 | 1,733 | 1,720 | 1,750 | 1,810 | 1,849 | 1,874 | 1,763 | 1,741 | 1,324 | 1,186 | 1,213 |
| Decennial Census | 1,753 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 693 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 37.4
Male Median Age: 37.1
Female Median Age: 51
| 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 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 39 | 94 | 120 | 122 | 105 | 79 | 33 | 13 | 9 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Female | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Total | 1 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 42 | 94 | 121 | 131 | 106 | 82 | 36 | 18 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| White: | 336 | 37.92% |
| Black: | 344 | 38.83% |
| Hispanic:* | 198 | 22.35% |
| Asian: | 8 | 0.90% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 886 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 645 | 93.07% | 37.1 years |
| Females: | 48 | 6.93% | 51.0 years |
| Total: | 693 | 100% | 37.4 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 828 | 68.26% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 41 | 3.38% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 37 | 3.05% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 307 | 28.36% |
| Total Population: | 1,213 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 869 | 71.64% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 344 | 28.36% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), 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 narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 4.3%, which is markedly below 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 Management (80.8%).
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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $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 | $25,469 | $25,313 | $26,875 | $28,750 | $0 | $0 | $25,833 | $0 | $22,917 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $30,284 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 52 | 4.29% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,161 | 95.71% |
| Total: | 1,213 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 42 | 80.77% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 10 | 19.23% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 52 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), 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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $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): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 10 | 100.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 10 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 10 | 30.30% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 23 | 69.70% |
| Total Housing Units: | 33 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 10 | 30.30% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 23 | 69.70% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 33 | 100% |
In 2024, 1.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 49.50%, which is far lower than 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 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 high school (46.73%). College enrollment is 22.43%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 111 | 9.39% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 486 | 41.12% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 493 | 41.71% |
| Some college, no degree: | 65 | 5.50% |
| Associate's degree: | 7 | 0.59% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 10 | 0.85% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 10 | 0.85% |
| Total: | 1,182 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 585 | 49.49% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 20 | 1.69% |
| Private Insurance: | 52 | 83.87% |
| Public Insurance: | 10 | 16.13% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 62 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 62 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | 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): | 33 | 30.84% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 50 | 46.73% |
| College or graduate school: | 24 | 22.43% |
| Total: | 107 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 83 | 77.57% |
ZIP Code 12977 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 14 business establishments, employing about 89 people with an annual payroll of $4,518,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 142Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 14Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,066,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $4,518,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 89Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 12977 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 12977. It covers 1.243 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.016 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: | 1.243 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.016 sq miSource: 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 12977 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.