ZIP Code 49686 in Traverse City, MI

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Traverse City, Michigan
Names to Avoid:
Barlow
County:Grand Traverse County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:7:47:56 PM
Population:25,859 [See All]
Area Code:231
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:44.8463, -85.5361
Land Area:47.309 sq mi
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https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/49686/zip-code-49686.asp

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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 49686 has 25,859 residents and 11,660 households (average 2.15 persons per household). The median age is 45.0 years, older than the state (40.1) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.7% male and 51.3% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (90.0%, much higher than the state average of 73.9% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (3.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.6%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:25,859Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:25,181Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:28,455Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:546.6 people per sq mile
Average Income:$71,198Source: Census ACS
Households:11,660Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$295,500Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.15Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.15Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--32,18232,55332,27132,93432,66132,74733,01733,06933,45934,34124,71425,28225,181
Decennial Census32,056------------------25,859------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 45

Male Median Age: 42

Female Median Age: 48

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male575605650687977923821753671691725863907919770475306273
Female5156035966638788098117036856517689501,0911,076910660425474
Total1,0901,2081,2461,3501,8551,7321,6321,4561,3561,3421,4931,8131,9981,9951,6801,135731747
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:23,27691.82%
Black:2220.88%
Hispanic:*9273.66%
Asian:2751.08%
American Indian:2901.14%
Hawaiian:180.07%
Other:3411.35%
Total:25,349100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:12,59148.69%42.0 years
Females:13,26851.31%48.0 years
Total:25,859100%45.0 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:24,48397.23%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:2601.03%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:3391.35%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:991.74%
Total Population:25,181100%
Total Native Population:24,74398.26%
Total Foreign-born Population:4381.74%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $71,198, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $20,565 (40.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,050. Family households earn a median of $97,465 versus $42,243 for nonfamily households (a difference of $55,222). By gender, male median income is $55,633 and female is $46,287, which is well under the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $9,346 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 61.8%, which is trails slightly the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is much lower than the state rate (5.8%). The largest occupation group is Management (43.9%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$50,633$52,180$51,104$53,197$53,247$58,389$60,518$63,945$65,148$68,609$64,334$67,279$71,198
Median Family Income$63,512$65,066$62,713$65,560$67,213$70,187$72,956$81,741$85,625$86,800$84,627$93,254$97,465
Median NonFamily Income$27,033$26,986$28,825$29,866$29,776$32,885$37,440$37,188$40,293$42,892$36,017$41,069$42,243
Median Male Income$45,330$43,421$42,099$44,898$45,334$45,369$48,407$50,525$52,007$50,729$48,340$52,495$55,633
Median Female Income$33,594$32,186$32,405$34,050$35,968$38,929$41,402$43,194$43,939$45,665$41,069$44,675$46,287
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:12,78959.75%
Unemployed:4151.94%
Not In Labor Force:8,20038.31%
Total:21,404100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:5,61043.87%
Service:2,02515.83%
Sales and Office:2,81522.01%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:8656.76%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1,47411.53%
Total Civilian Employed Population:12,789100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $295,500, which is markedly greater than the state median ($217,600), is up $115,100 (63.80%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $67,000. The median gross rent is $1,209, which is notably higher than the state median ($1,084), is up $364 (43.08%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $236. Of occupied housing, owners make up 71.07% (55.07% with a mortgage, 44.93% free-and-clear) and renters 28.93% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 11.87%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$180,400$177,100$180,700$180,800$180,600$193,100$202,500$213,800$228,500$232,600$244,800$276,600$295,500
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:42312.51%
$500 to $999:87225.79%
$1,000 to $1,499:90426.74%
$1,500 to $1,999:77722.98%
$2,000 to $2,499:1855.47%
$2,500 to $2,999:491.45%
$3,000 or more:511.51%
No Rent:1203.55%
Total:3,381100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$845$844$835$833$833$853$877$914$973$970$1,052$1,137$1,209
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):4,57439.14%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):3,73231.93%
Renter Occupied:3,38128.93%
Total Occupied Housing Units:11,687100%

Occupied Housing Units:11,68788.13%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1,57411.87%
Total Housing Units:13,261100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:9,30370.15%
Multi-Family Units:2,85021.49%
Other Units:1,1088.36%
Total Housing Units:13,261100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 45.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (31.80%), well above both the state and national averages. High school or higher is 95.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 5.50%, which is falls below the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 6.70%, which is on par with the state rate (8.80%), down 1.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.70 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 (39.18%). College enrollment is 30.30%, which is on par with the state rate (26.60%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:1710.89%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:7363.84%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):3,65319.05%
Some college, no degree:3,95920.65%
Associate's degree:1,8589.69%
Bachelor's degree:5,05826.38%
Graduate or professional degree:3,73719.49%
Total:19,172100%
High school or higher:18,26595.27%
Bachelor's degree or higher:8,79545.87%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:17,90559.79%
Public Insurance:10,67435.65%
No Insurance:1,3654.56%
Total:29,944100%
Has Health Insurance:28,57995.44%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty7.8%7.2%8.3%7.7%7.6%6.3%7.1%6.8%7.4%7.1%7.2%6.5%6.7%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

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.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:3947.57%
Kindergarten:1552.98%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):2,03839.18%
High school (grades 9-12):1,03919.97%
College or graduate school:1,57630.30%
Total:5,202100%
Early Childhood:54910.55%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):3,23262.13%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 49686 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 1,169 business establishments, employing about 13,964 people with an annual payroll of $772,230,000. USPS data shows 13,235 residential mailboxes and 1,440 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:13,235Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:1,440Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:15,267Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:8,936Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:843Source: USPS
# of Businesses:1,169Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$181,387,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$772,230,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:13,964Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 49686 is located in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, within the Traverse City, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 45900) and Michigan's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 154,657 people, about 16.72% of whom live in ZIP Code 49686. It covers 47.309 sq mi of land and a water area of 26.188 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Traverse City, MISource: Census
CBSA Number:45900Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:154,657Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:47.309 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:26.188 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:25027.75 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:2680340Source: Census
Place Name:Traverse City city; MichiganSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


49688 | | 49685

Schools in ZIP Code 49686


ZIP Code 49686 is in the Traverse City Area Public Schools, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 14 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Tba Career Tech Center 880 Parsons Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
Life Skills Center 880 Parsons Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
North Ednew Horizons 933 Rose St
Traverse City, MI 49686
North Edbridgeway 301 South Garfield Ave
Traverse City, MI 49686
Old Mission Peninsula School 2699 Island View Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
Woodland School 7224 Supply Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
Grand Traverse Academy 1245 Hammond Rd E
Traverse City, MI 49686
East Middle School 1776 3 Mile Rd N
Traverse City, MI 49686
District: Traverse City Area Public Schools
Traverse City High School 3962 3 Mile Rd N
Traverse City, MI 49686
District: Traverse City Area Public Schools
Cherry Knoll Elementary School 1800 3 Mile Rd N
Traverse City, MI 49686
District: Traverse City Area Public Schools
Eastern Elementary School 1600 Eastern Ave
Traverse City, MI 49686
District: Traverse City Area Public Schools
Central High School 1150 Milliken Dr
Traverse City, MI 49686
District: Traverse City Area Public Schools
Traverse Heights Elem School 933 Rose St
Traverse City, MI 49686
District: Traverse City Area Public Schools
Courtade Elementary School 1111 Rasho Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
District: Traverse City Area Public Schools
Traverse Bay Mennonite School 915 Carver St
Traverse City, MI 49686
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 49686


Northwestern Michigan College 1701 E Front St
Traverse City, MI 49686
Type: Post Secondary
Davenport University-Traverse City Location 2200 Dendrinos Dr, Ste. 104
Traverse City, MI 49684-9121
Type: Post Secondary
Baker College Of Cadillac 9600 E 13th St
Cadillac, MI 49601-9600
Type: Post Secondary
Cadillac Institute Of Cosmetology 205 North Mitchell Street
Cadillac, MI 49601-1800
Type: Post Secondary
Kirtland Community College 4800 W 4 Mile Road
Grayling, MI 49738
Type: Post Secondary
North Central Michigan College 1515 Howard St
Petoskey, MI 49770
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


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 October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov