| City: | Put In Bay, Ohio |
| County: | Ottawa County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:39:36 PM |
| Population: | 678 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 567 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 41.6631, -82.8183 |
| Land Area: | 2.531 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Put-in-Bay sits on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, three miles north of Ohio's mainland. This island village is Ottawa County's premier vacation destination, where seasonal residents and tourists far outnumber the 678 year-round inhabitants. With 665 of its 1,135 homes (59%) used for seasonal or occasional purposes, the island's population swells dramatically during summer months.
The Put-in-Bay post office maintains 552 PO Boxes for just 342 year-round households. That's a 1.6x adoption rate, meaning there are substantially more boxes than local homes. Second homeowners keep boxes year-round to receive mail and packages, and many island businesses rely on PO Box addresses rather than street delivery. This is a PO Box Only Zone, so there's no alternative mail delivery for the island's 2.4 square miles.
Most mail moves through one rural carrier route (498 of 501 delivery records) rather than traditional city delivery. Street names like Bayview Avenue, Lakeview Drive, and W Shore Boulevard reflect the island's waterfront character. Perry Avenue and Victory Lane reference the island's connection to the Battle of Lake Erie. The island's compact downtown centers around Delaware Street and Catawba Avenue, where seasonal tourists mix with the permanent community.
Median age is 53.3 years, and the median home value of $497,500 signals this isn't a working-class community. With 76% owner-occupied homes among year-round residents and minimal group quarters population (just 4 people), Put-in-Bay functions as both a retirement haven and a vacation property market. The island supports 85 business establishments employing 160 workers, mostly in accommodation and tourism services.
Ferry schedules and winter ice dictate island life. Mail arrives by boat during the navigation season and by air taxi when Lake Erie freezes. The post office serves as a year-round community anchor, one of the few island businesses open through winter when most restaurants and hotels close. For the small permanent population, picking up mail at the post office isn't just practical, it's a daily social ritual.
| Element | Format |
|---|---|
| **PO Box** | PO Box [number] |
| **City, State ZIP** | Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 |
| **Note** | Island location; ferry or air access only |
All mail to Put-in-Bay requires a PO Box address. Street addresses exist for property identification but don't receive carrier delivery.
Street names reflect island geography (Bayview, Lakeview, Shore) and historical significance (Perry, Victory) from the Battle of Lake Erie.
ZIP Code 43456 has 678 residents and 342 households (average 1.97 persons per household). The median age is 53.3 years, significantly older than the state (39.8) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.8% male and 51.2% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (97.1%, much higher than the state average of 77.0% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (0.6%, much lower than the state average of 12.5% and well below the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.6%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 678Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 692Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 267.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $72,969Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 342Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $589,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.97Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.02Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 442 | 511 | 536 | 553 | 483 | 440 | 428 | 291 | 399 | 445 | 495 | 549 | 749 | 692 |
| Decennial Census | 608 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 678 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 53.3
Male Median Age: 52.2
Female Median Age: 54.5
| 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 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 18 | 11 | 27 | 14 | 22 | 20 | 21 | 29 | 47 | 22 | 16 | 27 | 0 | 12 |
| Female | 10 | 8 | 16 | 7 | 21 | 17 | 16 | 28 | 14 | 14 | 24 | 35 | 45 | 22 | 27 | 26 | 6 | 11 |
| Total | 24 | 20 | 25 | 17 | 39 | 28 | 43 | 42 | 36 | 34 | 45 | 64 | 92 | 44 | 43 | 53 | 6 | 23 |
| White: | 658 | 98.06% |
| Black: | 4 | 0.60% |
| Hispanic:* | 4 | 0.60% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.15% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 4 | 0.60% |
| Total: | 671 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 331 | 48.82% | 52.2 years |
| Females: | 347 | 51.18% | 54.5 years |
| Total: | 678 | 100% | 53.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 594 | 85.84% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 50 | 7.23% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 18 | 2.60% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 30 | 6.94% |
| Total Population: | 692 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 644 | 93.06% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 48 | 6.94% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $72,969, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $18,455 (33.9%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $5,156. Family households earn a median of $96,141 versus $45,750 for nonfamily households (a difference of $50,391). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $70,250, which is much higher than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $70,250 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 68.4%, which is above the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 8.7%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (36.9%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $54,514 | $59,531 | $47,344 | $55,104 | $43,750 | $55,893 | $65,455 | $66,488 | $78,125 | $76,875 | $78,523 | $98,750 | $86,250 | $72,969 |
| Median Family Income | $71,667 | $78,750 | $78,571 | $77,396 | $75,893 | $76,172 | $78,684 | $76,250 | $90,909 | $87,188 | $92,250 | $136,250 | $115,000 | $96,141 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $37,132 | $35,592 | $29,375 | $35,417 | $26,500 | $26,667 | $27,000 | $34,861 | $42,656 | $38,594 | $36,875 | $43,295 | $45,833 | $45,750 |
| Median Male Income | $41,250 | $43,594 | $39,955 | $39,259 | $0 | $40,000 | $50,917 | $53,125 | $54,135 | $54,063 | $59,583 | $168,125 | $162,083 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $27,083 | $50,000 | $48,000 | $50,625 | $0 | $52,778 | $52,188 | $0 | $48,750 | $41,500 | $60,417 | $93,750 | $83,000 | $70,250 |
| Employed: | 369 | 62.44% |
| Unemployed: | 35 | 5.92% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 187 | 31.64% |
| Total: | 591 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 98 | 26.56% |
| Service: | 62 | 16.80% |
| Sales and Office: | 136 | 36.86% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 40 | 10.84% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 33 | 8.94% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 369 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $589,000, which is much higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $181,900 (44.68%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $210,200. The median gross rent is $827, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), is up $54 (6.99%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $194. Of occupied housing, owners make up 87.32% (45.23% with a mortgage, 54.77% free-and-clear) and renters 12.68% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 73.71%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $407,100 | $456,300 | $473,100 | $371,200 | $372,500 | $434,100 | $408,300 | $420,600 | $378,800 | $351,200 | $364,600 | $379,600 | $497,500 | $589,000 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 22 | 62.86% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 6 | 17.14% |
| $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: | 7 | 20.00% |
| Total: | 35 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $773 | $538 | $532 | $533 | $536 | $625 | $735 | $950 | $1,021 | $1,025 | $0 | $0 | $838 | $827 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 109 | 39.49% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 132 | 47.83% |
| Renter Occupied: | 35 | 12.68% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 276 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 276 | 26.29% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 774 | 73.71% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,050 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 876 | 83.43% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 132 | 12.57% |
| Other Units: | 42 | 4.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,050 | 100% |
In 2024, 29.60% 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 98.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 15.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 3.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), up 3.80 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 6.20 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (51.35%). College enrollment is 51.35%, 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 AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 9 | 1.99% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 142 | 31.35% |
| Some college, no degree: | 123 | 27.15% |
| Associate's degree: | 45 | 9.93% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 90 | 19.87% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 44 | 9.71% |
| Total: | 453 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 444 | 98.01% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 134 | 29.58% |
| Private Insurance: | 413 | 50.61% |
| Public Insurance: | 297 | 36.40% |
| No Insurance: | 106 | 12.99% |
| Total: | 816 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 710 | 87.01% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 4.1% | 3.9% | 5.3% | 5.8% | 6.7% | 1.6% | 1.5% | 0.0% | 1.7% | 1.8% | 1.7% | 2.4% | 7.9% | 3.8% |
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: | 39 | 26.35% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 6 | 4.05% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 27 | 18.24% |
| College or graduate school: | 76 | 51.35% |
| Total: | 148 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 39 | 26.35% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 72 | 48.65% |
ZIP Code 43456 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 86 business establishments, employing about 181 people with an annual payroll of $30,732,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,813Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 86Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,709,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $30,732,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 181Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 43456 is located in Ottawa County, Ohio, within the Sandusky, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 41780) and Ohio's 9th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 77,079 people, about 0.88% of whom live in ZIP Code 43456. It covers 2.531 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.317 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Sandusky, OHSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 41780Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 77,079Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 2.531 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.317 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 09Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 464.65 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 43456 is in the Put-in-Bay Local School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 2 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 February 1, 2026.