| City: | Sidnaw, Michigan |
| County: | Houghton County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:31:45 PM |
| Population: | 104 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 906 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 46.4857, -88.7255 |
| Land Area: | 68.386 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Sidnaw is a remote community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where PO Boxes serve as the only mail delivery option across 75 square miles of forested terrain. The post office maintains 76 PO Boxes for 60 year-round households, with the extra capacity serving seasonal residents who occupy the area's many vacation properties.
This is a retirement and vacation community with one of the oldest populations among Michigan's small towns. Median age is 65.7 years, and all 60 occupied homes are owner-occupied with zero renters. The population of 104 translates to just 1.7 people per household, typical of retiree couples and single seniors.
Seasonal vacancy defines the community's rhythm. Of 191 total housing units, 118 sit vacant most of the year, used for recreation or occasional visits. That's 62% seasonal occupancy. In summer, the population likely doubles or triples as vacation homeowners arrive from downstate Michigan and neighboring states.
Rural carrier routes serve the scattered homes along roads like State Highway M28, Lake 13 Road, and Sidnaw Road. Street names reference local lakes (Crystal Lake, Estes Lake) and the area's logging heritage. Two rural routes cover the territory, but there's no city carrier delivery. For most residents, the trip to the post office in the small village center is the main reason to leave home.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery anywhere in the territory. Residents drive to the Sidnaw post office for packages, prescriptions, and all mail services. The median home value of $83,800 and median household income of $57,500 indicate a modest, working-class retirement community, not a wealthy resort area.
All mail must be addressed to a PO Box:
Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
Sidnaw, MI 49961Street names reference local lakes (Crystal Lake, Estes Lake) and the primary highway corridor through Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
ZIP Code 49961 has 104 residents and 60 households (average 1.73 persons per household). The median age is 65.7 years, significantly older than the state (40.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.1% male and 51.9% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (94.2%, much higher than the state average of 73.9% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Asian (2.9%, lower than the national average of 6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.0%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 104Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 137Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 1.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $57,500Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 60Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $83,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.73Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.79Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 88 | 89 | 94 | 100 | 100 | 96 | 79 | 79 | 109 | 158 | 155 | 141 | 137 |
| Decennial Census | 107 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 104 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 65.7
Male Median Age: 60.5
Female Median Age: 66.7
| 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 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Female | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 11 | 5 | 11 | 3 | 2 |
| Total | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 15 | 9 | 15 | 8 | 7 |
| White: | 98 | 97.03% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 0 | 0% |
| Asian: | 3 | 2.97% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 101 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 50 | 48.08% | 60.5 years |
| Females: | 54 | 51.92% | 66.7 years |
| Total: | 104 | 100% | 65.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 137 | 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: | 137 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 137 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $57,500, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $33,036 (135.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $22,000. Family households earn a median of $71,538 versus $45,000 for nonfamily households (a difference of $26,538). By gender, male median income is $60,750 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($51,279), with a current gap of $60,750 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 21.9%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 8.0%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (30.4%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $24,464 | $24,083 | $24,231 | $24,844 | $25,000 | $22,500 | $22,000 | $27,917 | $35,500 | $43,333 | $48,750 | $50,625 | $57,500 |
| Median Family Income | $59,375 | $42,917 | $35,000 | $36,250 | $38,125 | $27,500 | $33,333 | $35,000 | $40,000 | $61,250 | $63,594 | $68,750 | $71,538 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $23,021 | $21,000 | $18,333 | $18,750 | $18,125 | $15,000 | $17,500 | $18,750 | $21,250 | $21,875 | $31,875 | $33,125 | $45,000 |
| Median Male Income | $53,750 | $48,750 | $48,125 | $56,250 | $0 | $51,250 | $41,667 | $41,500 | $43,750 | $43,750 | $48,750 | $57,750 | $60,750 |
| Median Female Income | $40,833 | $40,714 | $43,393 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $31,250 | $33,750 | $36,250 | $0 |
| Employed: | 23 | 20.18% |
| Unemployed: | 2 | 1.75% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 89 | 78.07% |
| Total: | 114 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 6 | 26.09% |
| Service: | 1 | 4.35% |
| Sales and Office: | 7 | 30.43% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 4 | 17.39% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 5 | 21.74% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 23 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $83,800, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $18,800 (28.92%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $19,500. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,084), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 100.00% (33.33% with a mortgage, 66.67% free-and-clear) and renters 0.00% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 74.36%, which is markedly above 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $65,000 | $67,500 | $90,000 | $77,500 | $91,300 | $70,000 | $63,300 | $61,700 | $64,300 | $70,700 | $74,300 | $76,600 | $83,800 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 20 | 33.33% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 40 | 66.67% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 60 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 60 | 25.64% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 174 | 74.36% |
| Total Housing Units: | 234 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 219 | 93.59% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 1 | 0.43% |
| Other Units: | 14 | 5.98% |
| Total Housing Units: | 234 | 100% |
In 2023, 17.60% 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 95.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 8.80%, which is on par with the state rate (5.00%). Public coverage is 81.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 3.30%, which is on par with the state rate (8.80%), down 4.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 13.40 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is pre-K (43.48%). College enrollment is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 2 | 1.85% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 3 | 2.78% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 56 | 51.85% |
| Some college, no degree: | 27 | 25.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 1 | 0.93% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 19 | 17.59% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 108 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 103 | 95.37% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 19 | 17.59% |
| Private Insurance: | 73 | 37.24% |
| Public Insurance: | 111 | 56.63% |
| No Insurance: | 12 | 6.12% |
| Total: | 196 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 184 | 93.88% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 8.0% | 6.9% | 6.3% | 6.7% | 3.2% | 16.7% | 25.0% | 30.0% | 16.7% | 8.9% | 2.7% | 3.1% | 3.3% |
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: | 10 | 43.48% |
| Kindergarten: | 2 | 8.70% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 5 | 21.74% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 6 | 26.09% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 23 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 12 | 52.17% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 13 | 56.52% |
ZIP Code 49961 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: | 82Source: 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 49961 is located in Houghton County, Michigan, within the Houghton, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 26340) and Michigan's 1st Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 39,534 people, about 0.26% of whom live in ZIP Code 49961. It covers 68.386 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.076 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Houghton, MISource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 26340Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 39,534Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 68.386 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1.076 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 49961 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 January 1, 2026.