| City: | Ponemah, Minnesota |
| County: | Beltrami County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:45:58 AM |
| Population: | 886 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 218 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 48.0394, -94.8930 |
| Land Area: | 42.478 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Ponemah sits on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota, about 72 square miles of tribal land in Beltrami County. Of the 886 residents, 879 are Native American (99%), making this one of Minnesota's most homogeneous tribal communities. The median age of 23.0 years and household size of 3.8 people show a young community with extended family living patterns common in Ojibwe culture.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The Ponemah post office maintains 225 PO Boxes serving 233 households, a 97% adoption rate that isn't a choice but a necessity. County Road 15 appears in the ZIP+4 database, but it's served by a single rural route (R001), not traditional street delivery.
Tribal government dominates employment. Of those who work, 126 are in public administration (primarily Red Lake Band of Chippewa jobs), 105 work in education and health care, and 87 in transportation and warehousing. The remote location means 41.1% of workers (17 of 41 tracked) work from home. The median household income of $50,250 and median home value of $113,400 indicate a working-class community with affordable housing.
Ponemah's isolation is profound. General Delivery service (route G001) exists alongside PO Boxes, a rare feature that signals areas where even box rental isn't universal. The post office serves as the community's connection to the outside world: government documents, medical supplies, tribal benefits, and online orders all arrive here. For 886 people living on 72 square miles of reservation land, this isn't just mail service. It's infrastructure.
All mail must be addressed to a PO Box or General Delivery:
Recipient Name
PO Box [Number]
Ponemah, MN 56666or
Recipient Name
General Delivery
Ponemah, MN 56666Street addresses are not valid for mail delivery in this ZIP code.
County Road 15 is the only street in ZIP+4 records, served by rural route R001 rather than traditional street delivery.
ZIP Code 56666 has 886 residents and 233 households (average 3.80 persons per household). The median age is 23.0 years, significantly younger than the state (38.4) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.4% male and 48.6% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (99.2%, much higher than the state average of 1.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (0.8%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.8%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (1.2%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 886Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 816Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 20.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 233Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $161,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.80Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 5.26Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 863 | 1,077 | 855 | 871 | 999 | 1,034 | 1,035 | 1,080 | 1,224 | 1,085 | 1,169 | 1,202 | 1,092 | 816 |
| Decennial Census | 1,066 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 886 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 23
Male Median Age: 23.4
Female Median Age: 22.5
| 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 | 51 | 53 | 58 | 54 | 17 | 22 | 41 | 22 | 14 | 20 | 16 | 31 | 27 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Female | 64 | 37 | 42 | 55 | 25 | 29 | 21 | 26 | 21 | 22 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 25 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 115 | 90 | 100 | 109 | 42 | 51 | 62 | 48 | 35 | 42 | 33 | 47 | 42 | 39 | 20 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| White: | 4 | 0.45% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 7 | 0.79% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 879 | 98.76% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 890 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 455 | 51.35% | 23.4 years |
| Females: | 431 | 48.65% | 22.5 years |
| Total: | 886 | 100% | 23.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 816 | 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: | 816 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 816 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $22,727 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $33,036. Family households earn a median of $43,854 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $43,854). By gender, male median income is $72,024 and female is $45,188, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $26,836 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 60.8%, which is trails slightly the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 25.9%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (32.7%).
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 | $22,727 | $13,846 | $11,947 | $14,844 | $16,576 | $21,429 | $29,250 | $32,011 | $33,036 | $32,466 | $45,652 | $72,768 | $50,250 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $24,018 | $25,568 | $13,810 | $27,222 | $20,833 | $27,917 | $29,038 | $33,073 | $33,490 | $32,375 | $38,026 | $41,208 | $47,500 | $43,854 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $9,917 | $2,499 | $2,499 | $2,499 | $7,625 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $20,469 | $19,833 | $27,614 | $19,141 | $0 | $20,865 | $23,542 | $28,611 | $36,513 | $37,386 | $35,481 | $45,804 | $48,583 | $72,024 |
| Median Female Income | $28,672 | $40,370 | $29,250 | $19,750 | $0 | $19,219 | $18,207 | $18,977 | $31,083 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $45,188 |
| Employed: | 205 | 40.84% |
| Unemployed: | 79 | 15.74% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 218 | 43.43% |
| Total: | 502 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 60 | 29.27% |
| Service: | 56 | 27.32% |
| Sales and Office: | 67 | 32.68% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 22 | 10.73% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 205 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $161,000, which is far less than the national median ($332,700), is up $1,200 (0.75%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $70,000. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $601 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $418. Of occupied housing, owners make up 69.05% (0.00% with a mortgage, 100.00% free-and-clear) and renters 30.95% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 9.09%, which is much lower 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 | $159,800 | $105,000 | $160,800 | $58,500 | $59,800 | $58,800 | $0 | $82,500 | $91,000 | $90,800 | $88,100 | $116,300 | $113,400 | $161,000 |
| Less than $500: | 18 | 27.69% |
| $500 to $999: | 47 | 72.31% |
| $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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 65 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $601 | $609 | $525 | $542 | $513 | $528 | $520 | $469 | $418 | $610 | $377 | $436 | $438 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 145 | 69.05% |
| Renter Occupied: | 65 | 30.95% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 210 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 210 | 90.91% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 21 | 9.09% |
| Total Housing Units: | 231 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 212 | 91.77% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 19 | 8.23% |
| Total Housing Units: | 231 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.00% 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 84.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 11.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 16.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 78.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 36.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 19.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 12.70 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 elementary (63.27%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 54 | 15.84% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 75 | 21.99% |
| Some college, no degree: | 165 | 48.39% |
| Associate's degree: | 47 | 13.78% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 341 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 287 | 84.16% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 133 | 15.68% |
| Public Insurance: | 624 | 73.58% |
| No Insurance: | 91 | 10.73% |
| Total: | 848 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 757 | 89.27% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 48.3% | 50.2% | 60.8% | 51.5% | 54.3% | 52.6% | 47.3% | 39.7% | 41.3% | 39.1% | 33.8% | 35.6% | 28.6% | 36.5% |
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: | 18 | 7.35% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 155 | 63.27% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 72 | 29.39% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 245 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 18 | 7.35% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 245 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 56666 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: | 230Source: 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 56666 is located in Beltrami County, Minnesota, within the Bemidji, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 13420) and Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 44,442 people, about 1.99% of whom live in ZIP Code 56666. It covers 42.478 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.008 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Bemidji, MNSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 13420Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 44,442Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 42.478 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.008 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 08Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 27908.13 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 2751892Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Ponemah CDP; MinnesotaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 56666 is in the Red Lake Public School District, 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 February 1, 2026.