| City: | Sweetser, Indiana |
| County: | Grant County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:04:10 PM |
| Population: | 1,010 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 765 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 40.5702, -85.7724 |
| Land Area: | 0.894 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Sweetser is a small Indiana town where PO Boxes are the only way to receive mail. With 400 PO Boxes serving 437 households, 93% of residents rely exclusively on PO Box delivery. This is a PO Box Only Zone, and there's no alternative mail delivery across the town's quarter-square-mile area.
The town's 1,010 residents live in a compact community covering just 0.24 square miles in Grant County. About 80% of the 437 homes are owner-occupied, with a median value of $135,700. The population has a median age of 42.3 years and median household income of $77,813. Most working residents commute elsewhere, with 217 driving alone to work and 59 using public transit.
Sweetser has been classified as a PO Box ZIP since before October 2004, when USPS began tracking classification dates. The post office maintains the town's primary address for all mail delivery. While some carrier routes exist (one city route and one rural route), residents still use PO Boxes as their mailing address. This pattern is common in small Indiana towns where traditional street delivery infrastructure was never fully developed.
Only two streets appear in ZIP+4 records, reflecting the town's compact size and PO Box-centric delivery.
ZIP Code 46987 has 1,010 residents and 437 households (average 2.31 persons per household). The median age is 42.3 years, older than the state (38.2) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.6% male and 49.4% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (94.4%, much higher than the state average of 77.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (3.7%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.7%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,010Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,055Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 1,129.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $80,893Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 437Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $152,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.31Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.59Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 513 | 476 | 569 | 608 | 705 | 752 | 915 | 978 | 884 | 867 | 1,208 | 1,053 | 1,109 | 1,055 |
| Decennial Census | 776 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,010 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 42.3
Male Median Age: 42.5
Female Median Age: 42.3
| 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 | 34 | 30 | 38 | 39 | 28 | 25 | 21 | 26 | 22 | 38 | 36 | 28 | 42 | 43 | 22 | 14 | 9 | 16 |
| Female | 35 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 23 | 28 | 36 | 33 | 23 | 29 | 35 | 32 | 32 | 34 | 33 | 19 | 13 | 15 |
| Total | 69 | 53 | 64 | 69 | 51 | 53 | 57 | 59 | 45 | 67 | 71 | 60 | 74 | 77 | 55 | 33 | 22 | 31 |
| White: | 953 | 94.54% |
| Black: | 8 | 0.79% |
| Hispanic:* | 37 | 3.67% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 1 | 0.10% |
| Hawaiian: | 1 | 0.10% |
| Other: | 8 | 0.79% |
| Total: | 1,008 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 511 | 50.59% | 42.5 years |
| Females: | 499 | 49.41% | 42.3 years |
| Total: | 1,010 | 100% | 42.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,031 | 97.73% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 15 | 1.42% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 9 | 2.27% |
| Total Population: | 1,055 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,031 | 97.73% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 24 | 2.27% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $80,893, which is far above the state median ($70,051), is up $31,049 (62.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $24,643. Family households earn a median of $86,289 versus $31,823 for nonfamily households (a difference of $54,466). By gender, male median income is $65,337 and female is $39,750, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $25,587 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 69.8%, which is higher than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.7%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (43.5%).
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 | $49,844 | $52,292 | $52,083 | $55,469 | $56,850 | $56,333 | $56,154 | $56,850 | $56,250 | $56,750 | $69,375 | $74,417 | $77,813 | $80,893 |
| Median Family Income | $54,000 | $58,500 | $56,833 | $59,750 | $58,750 | $61,786 | $57,138 | $58,750 | $58,720 | $64,063 | $69,107 | $75,714 | $79,000 | $86,289 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $22,917 | $17,083 | $25,000 | $28,750 | $0 | $40,250 | $40,104 | $33,516 | $34,922 | $33,125 | $28,125 | $32,917 | $33,333 | $31,823 |
| Median Male Income | $39,583 | $42,143 | $44,167 | $43,333 | $43,333 | $42,024 | $40,625 | $43,750 | $47,656 | $60,500 | $65,217 | $57,011 | $59,125 | $65,337 |
| Median Female Income | $28,125 | $33,077 | $36,161 | $36,750 | $34,038 | $40,268 | $34,342 | $36,583 | $34,643 | $33,125 | $33,636 | $37,237 | $40,833 | $39,750 |
| Employed: | 579 | 69.34% |
| Unemployed: | 4 | 0.48% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 252 | 30.18% |
| Total: | 835 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 252 | 43.52% |
| Service: | 38 | 6.56% |
| Sales and Office: | 143 | 24.70% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 59 | 10.19% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 87 | 15.03% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 579 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $152,500, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $48,300 (46.35%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $50,600. The median gross rent is $1,063, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $434 (69.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $377. Of occupied housing, owners make up 80.44% (66.02% with a mortgage, 33.98% free-and-clear) and renters 19.56% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 5.66%, which is markedly below the national rate (10.43%).
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 | $104,200 | $113,200 | $118,200 | $120,400 | $115,700 | $120,600 | $116,800 | $107,300 | $101,900 | $111,700 | $119,100 | $130,100 | $135,700 | $152,500 |
| Less than $500: | 5 | 5.68% |
| $500 to $999: | 20 | 22.73% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 36 | 40.91% |
| $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: | 27 | 30.68% |
| Total: | 88 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $629 | $575 | $618 | $633 | $628 | $631 | $657 | $677 | $686 | $693 | $789 | $1,000 | $1,080 | $1,063 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 239 | 53.11% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 123 | 27.33% |
| Renter Occupied: | 88 | 19.56% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 450 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 450 | 94.34% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 27 | 5.66% |
| Total Housing Units: | 477 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 443 | 92.87% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 16 | 3.35% |
| Other Units: | 18 | 3.77% |
| Total Housing Units: | 477 | 100% |
In 2024, 29.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 97.60%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 8.90%, which is on par with the state rate (7.60%). The share of people in poverty is 6.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 2.10 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.00 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (55.33%). College enrollment is 9.02%, 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 AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 6 | 0.81% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 12 | 1.61% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 262 | 35.17% |
| Some college, no degree: | 193 | 25.91% |
| Associate's degree: | 55 | 7.38% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 99 | 13.29% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 118 | 15.84% |
| Total: | 745 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 727 | 97.58% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 217 | 29.13% |
| Private Insurance: | 767 | 65.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 319 | 27.03% |
| No Insurance: | 94 | 7.97% |
| Total: | 1,180 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,086 | 92.03% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 7.1% | 7.6% | 10.5% | 8.2% | 5.4% | 8.3% | 6.2% | 2.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.1% | 3.1% | 5.0% | 6.4% |
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: | 24 | 9.84% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 135 | 55.33% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 63 | 25.82% |
| College or graduate school: | 22 | 9.02% |
| Total: | 244 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 24 | 9.84% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 222 | 90.98% |
ZIP Code 46987 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 21 business establishments, employing about 128 people with an annual payroll of $4,603,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 299Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 21Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,079,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $4,603,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 128Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 46987 is located in Grant County, Indiana, within the Marion, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 31980) and Indiana's 5th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 70,061 people, about 1.44% of whom live in ZIP Code 46987. It covers 0.894 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.003 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Marion, INSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 31980Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 70,061Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.894 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.003 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 05Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1924.76 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 1874546Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Sweetser town; IndianaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 46987 is in the Oak Hill United School Corporation, which serves grades Pre-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.