| City: | Blanchard, Pennsylvania |
| County: | Centre County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:26:19 PM |
| Population: | 581 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 582 / 814 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 41.0459, -77.5978 |
| Land Area: | 1.752 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Blanchard is a small rural community in Centre County, Pennsylvania, where PO Boxes aren't just preferred. They're the only option. This is officially designated as a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative mail delivery across the 3.77 square mile territory.
The Blanchard post office maintains 401 PO Boxes for 240 households. That's a 1.67 adoption rate, indicating the post office serves not just the immediate village but surrounding rural areas as well. With 581 residents spread across this compact rural territory, most mail arrives via rural carrier routes (50 ZIP+4 records) with minimal city carrier service (just 2 records). General Delivery is also available for those without boxes.
Street names tell the story of the local geography. Beach Street, N Beach Street, Bald Eagle Street, Eagle Valley Road, Eagle Nest Road, and Eagle Lane all reference the Bald Eagle Creek valley that runs through this region of central Pennsylvania. The area features a mix of village streets (Main Street, Railroad Street, School Street) and rural roads connecting outlying homes.
Blanchard's 581 residents have a median age of 50.5 years, older than Pennsylvania's state average. The community is predominantly owner-occupied (201 of 240 households own their homes) with median home values around $183,800. About 43% of workers work from home, reflecting both rural character and modern remote work patterns. With median household income of $59,871 and a working-class employment base (175 workers in transportation/warehousing), this is a quiet Pennsylvania community where the post office serves as a regional hub.
All mail to Blanchard addresses must use a PO Box format:
[Recipient Name]
PO Box [Number]
Blanchard, PA 16826Street names reference the Bald Eagle Creek valley geography with traditional village streets like Main, Railroad, and School.
ZIP Code 16826 has 581 residents and 240 households (average 2.42 persons per household). The median age is 50.5 years, significantly older than the state (41.0) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.7% male and 46.3% female, which is higher than the state male share (48.9%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (96.6%, much higher than the state average of 75.0% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (0.7%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.7%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 581Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 439Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 331.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $60,938Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 240Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $166,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.42Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.08Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 492 | 583 | 638 | 581 | 562 | 635 | 575 | 433 | 461 | 376 | 383 | 425 | 457 | 439 |
| Decennial Census | 616 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 581 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 50.5
Male Median Age: 50.3
Female Median Age: 50.6
| 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 | 11 | 23 | 17 | 7 | 4 | 22 | 26 | 19 | 16 | 37 | 27 | 40 | 19 | 16 | 7 | 4 | 7 |
| Female | 11 | 25 | 17 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 28 | 14 | 30 | 26 | 12 | 3 | 14 | 12 |
| Total | 21 | 36 | 40 | 30 | 21 | 16 | 37 | 37 | 26 | 21 | 65 | 41 | 70 | 45 | 28 | 10 | 18 | 19 |
| White: | 561 | 98.94% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 4 | 0.71% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 2 | 0.35% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 567 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 312 | 53.70% | 50.3 years |
| Females: | 269 | 46.30% | 50.6 years |
| Total: | 581 | 100% | 50.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 437 | 99.54% |
| 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: | 2 | 0.46% |
| Total Population: | 439 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 437 | 99.54% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 2 | 0.46% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $60,938, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is up $13,750 (29.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,033. Family households earn a median of $90,313 versus $57,679 for nonfamily households (a difference of $32,634). By gender, male median income is $53,750 and female is $40,500, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $13,250 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 57.8%, which is falls short of the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is much lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (33.5%).
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 | $47,188 | $46,406 | $43,971 | $42,829 | $44,141 | $53,000 | $55,000 | $55,833 | $56,905 | $58,958 | $57,344 | $60,114 | $59,871 | $60,938 |
| Median Family Income | $52,750 | $55,000 | $56,950 | $58,125 | $58,698 | $59,667 | $88,292 | $64,375 | $88,125 | $87,946 | $87,500 | $77,750 | $65,417 | $90,313 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $13,250 | $16,750 | $40,368 | $35,469 | $35,536 | $34,167 | $33,973 | $35,474 | $35,647 | $36,000 | $30,938 | $55,658 | $57,833 | $57,679 |
| Median Male Income | $42,375 | $29,135 | $27,314 | $27,500 | $28,487 | $36,339 | $39,773 | $46,250 | $46,136 | $45,667 | $42,386 | $55,263 | $53,162 | $53,750 |
| Median Female Income | $21,136 | $24,479 | $23,667 | $23,563 | $30,721 | $31,536 | $32,019 | $34,808 | $48,250 | $48,611 | $53,417 | $58,304 | $45,972 | $40,500 |
| Employed: | 212 | 56.68% |
| Unemployed: | 4 | 1.07% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 158 | 42.25% |
| Total: | 374 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 71 | 33.49% |
| Service: | 21 | 9.91% |
| Sales and Office: | 34 | 16.04% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 39 | 18.40% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 47 | 22.17% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 212 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $166,300, which is well under the national median ($332,700), is up $56,400 (51.32%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,800. The median gross rent is $988, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $988. Of occupied housing, owners make up 79.70% (41.40% with a mortgage, 58.60% free-and-clear) and renters 20.30% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 10.05%, which is much lower than the national rate (10.12%).
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 | $109,900 | $142,900 | $138,900 | $134,800 | $137,500 | $169,600 | $164,900 | $165,400 | $176,100 | $171,600 | $163,700 | $184,400 | $183,800 | $166,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 21 | 52.50% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 19 | 47.50% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 40 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $633 | $684 | $678 | $679 | $679 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $800 | $877 | $988 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 65 | 32.99% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 92 | 46.70% |
| Renter Occupied: | 40 | 20.30% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 197 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 197 | 89.95% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 22 | 10.05% |
| Total Housing Units: | 219 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 156 | 71.23% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 36 | 16.44% |
| Other Units: | 27 | 12.33% |
| Total Housing Units: | 219 | 100% |
In 2024, 21.30% 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 95.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 4.60%, which is falls below the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 49.90%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 0.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.40 percentage points. 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 (65.57%). College enrollment is 4.92%, 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 Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 4 | 1.12% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 13 | 3.65% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 169 | 47.47% |
| Some college, no degree: | 67 | 18.82% |
| Associate's degree: | 27 | 7.58% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 73 | 20.51% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 3 | 0.84% |
| Total: | 356 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 339 | 95.22% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 76 | 21.35% |
| Private Insurance: | 307 | 56.23% |
| Public Insurance: | 219 | 40.11% |
| No Insurance: | 20 | 3.66% |
| Total: | 546 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 526 | 96.34% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 3.7% | 3.2% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.3% | 5.5% | 0.0% | 5.0% | 3.9% | 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: | 11 | 18.03% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 40 | 65.57% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 7 | 11.48% |
| College or graduate school: | 3 | 4.92% |
| Total: | 61 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 11 | 18.03% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 58 | 95.08% |
ZIP Code 16826 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 9 business establishments, employing about 53 people with an annual payroll of $1,854,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 417Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 9Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $456,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,854,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 53Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 16826 is located in Centre County, Pennsylvania, within the State College, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 44300) and Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 153,990 people, about 0.38% of whom live in ZIP Code 16826. It covers 1.752 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | State College, PASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 44300Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 153,990Source: Census |
| MSA: | State College, PA MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 1.752 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 15Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1285.03 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 4206960Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Blanchard CDP; PennsylvaniaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 16826 is in the Keystone Central School District, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). 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.