| City: | Cucumber, West Virginia |
| County: | Mcdowell County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:20:18 PM |
| Population: | 98 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 304 / 681 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 37.2778, -81.6267 |
| Land Area: | 4.9 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
This is a PO Box ZIP serving a small, scattered population across nearly 5 square miles of Appalachian terrain. The 47 PO Boxes at the Cucumber post office actually outnumber local households, which stands at 38. That adoption rate of 1.24 means the post office serves not just Cucumber itself but draws from surrounding areas where carrier delivery doesn't reach. Rocket Boys Drive is the only named street with regular delivery, referencing the region's connection to Homer Hickam's memoir about growing up in nearby Coalwood. For most residents here, the PO Box isn't a convenience—it's the primary link to mail service in terrain where traditional delivery routes don't make economic sense.
The single named street, Rocket Boys Drive, references Homer Hickam's bestselling memoir 'Rocket Boys' (later filmed as 'October Sky'), which chronicled growing up in nearby Coalwood during the coal boom years. This literary connection is one of the few points of external recognition for this remote corner of McDowell County.
ZIP Code 24826 has 98 residents and 38 households (average 2.58 persons per household). The median age is 61.5 years, significantly older than the state (42.9) 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 national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (91.8%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (1.0%, much lower than the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.0%, 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: | 98Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 87Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 20.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 38Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.58Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.52Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 501 | 351 | 273 | 45 | 71 | 85 | 91 | 80 | 66 | 38 | 8 | 50 | 62 | 87 |
| Decennial Census | 150 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 98 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 61.5
Male Median Age: 56.5
Female Median Age: 62.3
| 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 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Female | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 20 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| White: | 90 | 96.77% |
| Black: | 1 | 1.08% |
| Hispanic:* | 1 | 1.08% |
| Asian: | 1 | 1.08% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 93 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 56 | 57.14% | 56.5 years |
| Females: | 42 | 42.86% | 62.3 years |
| Total: | 98 | 100% | 61.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 87 | 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: | 87 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 87 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is far less than the state median ($57,917), is down $14,643 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $24,464. 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 well under the state female median ($44,242), with a current gap of $0 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 75.9%, which is much higher than the state rate (53.6%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is much lower than the state rate (5.7%). The largest occupation group is Sales (100.0%).
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 | $14,643 | $14,828 | $20,850 | $21,071 | $25,714 | $25,000 | $22,778 | $0 | $24,464 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $15,817 | $15,234 | $17,417 | $21,071 | $25,714 | $0 | $23,889 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $13,047 | $14,417 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $32,083 | $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: | 66 | 75.86% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 21 | 24.14% |
| Total: | 87 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 66 | 100.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 66 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is considerably lower than the state median ($155,600), is down $41,200 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($850), is down $487 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 19.51% (100.00% with a mortgage, 0.00% free-and-clear) and renters 80.49% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. 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 | $41,200 | $48,800 | $50,500 | $32,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 66 | 100.00% |
| Total: | 66 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $487 | $607 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 16 | 19.51% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 66 | 80.49% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 82 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 82 | 86.32% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 13 | 13.68% |
| Total Housing Units: | 95 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 79 | 83.16% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 16 | 16.84% |
| Total Housing Units: | 95 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.00% 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 81.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 3.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 96.60%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is on par with the state rate (11.90%), down 56.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 26.90 percentage points. 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: | 16 | 18.39% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 3 | 3.45% |
| Some college, no degree: | 68 | 78.16% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 87 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 71 | 81.61% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 84 | 96.55% |
| No Insurance: | 3 | 3.45% |
| Total: | 87 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 84 | 96.55% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 56.2% | 48.5% | 34.1% | 36.4% | 17.6% | 19.4% | 37.5% | 51.4% | 26.9% | 100.0% | 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 24826 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: | 45Source: 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 24826 is located in Mcdowell County, West Virginia, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and West Virginia's 1st Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 24826. It covers 4.9 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.001 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: | 4.9 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.001 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 6275.56 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 5419492Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Cucumber CDP; West VirginiaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 24826 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.