| City: | Charenton, Louisiana |
| Parish: | Saint Mary Parish |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:58:24 AM |
| Population: | 744 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 337 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 29.8802, -91.5338 |
| Land Area: | 1.381 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Charenton, Louisiana sits at the intersection of two distinct patterns: a small community where 744 people share just 0.007 square miles, and a tribal nation with deep roots in this corner of St. Mary Parish. The population is 26% Native American, reflecting the presence of the Chitimacha people who've inhabited these bayous for centuries. What looks like just a post office in a tiny town actually anchors a community where extended families remain the norm.
The post office maintains 303 PO Boxes for 264 occupied homes. That adoption rate of 1.15 tells a specific story: this isn't just local service. People from surrounding areas without carrier delivery rely on Charenton's post office. The ZIP has street delivery along two roads, Navarro Street and Chitimacha Trail, served by two rural routes and a general delivery route. But the box count exceeding local households shows the facility's reach extends beyond these immediate streets.
This is a true PO Box Only zone. No alternative delivery exists for residents. The rural routes serve the scattered households, but PO Boxes remain the primary connection to the postal system. In communities with multi-generational households (the ratio here is 2.8 people per home, above the national average), the post office becomes a gathering point where you'll run into relatives, neighbors, and extended family members picking up their mail.
The median household income is $61,019, and the median home value sits at $115,100. These aren't hardship numbers. The median age of 39.9 suggests a stable, working-age population. About 29% of workers are in production, transportation, and material moving occupations. The high PO Box adoption doesn't reflect isolation or poverty. It reflects geography, settlement patterns, and the reality that carrier delivery hasn't expanded to cover every household in the surrounding area.
The street names reveal the dual character of this community: Chitimacha Trail honors the indigenous people who've lived here for centuries, while Navarro Street reflects the broader Louisiana culture. With only two streets receiving carrier delivery, the names underscore how concentrated this settlement is and why PO Boxes serve as the primary postal infrastructure.
ZIP Code 70523 has 744 residents and 264 households (average 2.82 persons per household). The median age is 39.9 years, slightly older than the state (38.1) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.7% male and 49.3% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (48.5%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (36.8%, much lower than the state average of 57.1% and well below the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (30.1%, much higher than the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.6%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than the national average (12.4%) and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (0.7%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 744Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 476Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 538.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $63,408Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 264Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $120,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.82Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.11Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 551 | 644 | 625 | 602 | 606 | 625 | 882 | 788 | 722 | 778 | 604 | 360 | 444 | 476 |
| Decennial Census | 906 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 744 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 39.9
Male Median Age: 42.3
Female Median Age: 38.7
| 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 | 17 | 27 | 33 | 21 | 16 | 30 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 35 | 29 | 33 | 21 | 27 | 15 | 11 | 5 | 1 |
| Female | 22 | 29 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 19 | 24 | 32 | 17 | 7 | 33 | 35 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Total | 39 | 56 | 54 | 44 | 40 | 49 | 39 | 52 | 38 | 42 | 62 | 68 | 43 | 48 | 37 | 14 | 11 | 8 |
| White: | 274 | 38.59% |
| Black: | 224 | 31.55% |
| Hispanic:* | 19 | 2.68% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.14% |
| American Indian: | 191 | 26.90% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 1 | 0.14% |
| Total: | 710 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 377 | 50.67% | 42.3 years |
| Females: | 367 | 49.33% | 38.7 years |
| Total: | 744 | 100% | 39.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 472 | 99.16% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 4 | 0.84% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.84% |
| Total Population: | 476 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 472 | 99.16% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 4 | 0.84% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $63,408, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $32,366 (104.3%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $7,405. Family households earn a median of $60,000 versus $63,420 for nonfamily households (a difference of $3,420). By gender, male median income is $32,107 and female is $31,615, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $492 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 73.7%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (41.9%).
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 | $31,042 | $31,042 | $26,250 | $26,830 | $33,646 | $32,600 | $36,875 | $55,625 | $70,813 | $0 | $74,325 | $85,260 | $61,019 | $63,408 |
| Median Family Income | $21,447 | $21,532 | $33,250 | $36,607 | $55,000 | $40,625 | $67,112 | $79,844 | $95,338 | $71,495 | $74,925 | $86,458 | $88,125 | $60,000 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $105,417 | $42,019 | $25,500 | $23,603 | $23,920 | $24,758 | $26,327 | $26,875 | $30,000 | $2,499 | $0 | $0 | $60,723 | $63,420 |
| Median Male Income | $51,875 | $56,000 | $46,964 | $46,458 | $0 | $66,250 | $46,607 | $59,500 | $63,315 | $57,917 | $48,750 | $72,650 | $32,372 | $32,107 |
| Median Female Income | $19,500 | $19,674 | $24,471 | $24,087 | $0 | $24,957 | $45,125 | $45,190 | $44,531 | $41,328 | $41,573 | $46,384 | $31,738 | $31,615 |
| Employed: | 272 | 70.83% |
| Unemployed: | 11 | 2.86% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 101 | 26.30% |
| Total: | 384 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 44 | 16.18% |
| Service: | 114 | 41.91% |
| Sales and Office: | 36 | 13.24% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 55 | 20.22% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 23 | 8.46% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 272 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $120,300, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $9,800 (8.87%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $11,100. The median gross rent is $1,108, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), is up $583 (111.05%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $263. Of occupied housing, owners make up 53.30% (31.43% with a mortgage, 68.57% free-and-clear) and renters 46.70% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 25.38%, which is far 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 | $110,500 | $89,200 | $59,200 | $69,300 | $80,000 | $66,700 | $87,200 | $110,400 | $109,200 | $0 | $106,900 | $122,900 | $115,100 | $120,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 10 | 10.87% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 72 | 78.26% |
| $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: | 10 | 10.87% |
| Total: | 92 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $525 | $523 | $275 | $575 | $0 | $756 | $840 | $838 | $845 | $845 | $843 | $800 | $1,109 | $1,108 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 33 | 16.75% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 72 | 36.55% |
| Renter Occupied: | 92 | 46.70% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 197 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 197 | 74.62% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 67 | 25.38% |
| Total Housing Units: | 264 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 167 | 63.26% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 97 | 36.74% |
| Total Housing Units: | 264 | 100% |
In 2024, 8.60% 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 95.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 22.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 40.30%, which is falls below the national rate (67.10%). The share of people in poverty is 14.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 22.40 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.80 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 (50.38%). College enrollment is 33.08%, 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: | 3 | 0.99% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 11 | 3.63% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 107 | 35.31% |
| Some college, no degree: | 33 | 10.89% |
| Associate's degree: | 123 | 40.59% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 22 | 7.26% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 4 | 1.32% |
| Total: | 303 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 289 | 95.38% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 26 | 8.58% |
| Private Insurance: | 192 | 39.92% |
| Public Insurance: | 181 | 37.63% |
| No Insurance: | 108 | 22.45% |
| Total: | 481 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 373 | 77.55% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 34.6% | 28.8% | 21.4% | 10.1% | 1.9% | 4.2% | 7.6% | 10.3% | 10.4% | 12.3% | 8.8% | 8.3% | 12.2% | 14.4% |
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: | 4 | 3.01% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 67 | 50.38% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 18 | 13.53% |
| College or graduate school: | 44 | 33.08% |
| Total: | 133 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 4 | 3.01% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 85 | 63.91% |
ZIP Code 70523 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 7 business establishments, employing about 391 people with an annual payroll of $15,243,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 316Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 7Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $3,408,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $15,243,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 391Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 70523 is located in Saint Mary Parish, Louisiana, within the Morgan City, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 34020) and Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 54,650 people, about 1.36% of whom live in ZIP Code 70523. It covers 1.381 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.076 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Morgan City, LASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 34020Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 54,650Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 1.381 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.076 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 03Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 6983.32 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 2214310Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Charenton CDP; LouisianaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 70523 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 March 1, 2026.