| City: | Arboles, Colorado |
| Names to Avoid: | Navajo State Park, Piedre Park |
| County: | Archuleta County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:03:50 AM |
| Population: | 284 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 970 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 37.1235, -107.4096 |
| Land Area: | 4.482 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Arboles sits in southwestern Colorado's Archuleta County, a small community of 284 residents spread across 4.4 square miles near Navajo State Park. With a median age of 57, this is a retirement and recreational community where nearly everyone owns their home (118 of 129 households). The post office is the only mail option. This is a PO Box Only Zone, and there's no alternative delivery across the territory.
The Arboles post office maintains 228 PO Boxes for 129 occupied homes. That's 1.77 boxes per household, meaning the post office doesn't just serve local residents. People from surrounding areas, seasonal homeowners, and recreational property owners use this facility. Seasonal units make up 24% of the housing stock (49 of 208 total units). Street names like Lake View Drive and Sunset Trail suggest waterfront and recreational character near Navajo Reservoir.
Mail arrives via two rural carrier routes covering 99 delivery points. The ZIP+4 data shows 32 distinct street names, including Pinon Hills Circle (13 delivery points), State Highway 151 (10 points), and County Road 982 (10 points). Some addresses include unit designators, indicating small multi-family or recreational properties. Despite the PO Box classification, rural carrier delivery does exist for some addresses.
The community's economy is unusual. Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employ 80 workers in this small area. That's a significant share of the workforce, suggesting the presence of utility infrastructure (possibly related to Navajo State Park or reservoir operations). Other service sectors employ 25 workers, and public administration employs 30. Nearly 20% of workers operate from home. Median household income is $63,000, with a median home value of $268,800.
The recognized but non-mailing aliases tell the story. "Navajo State Park" and "Piedre Park" appear in USPS records, linking this ZIP to Colorado's recreational landscape. Arboles serves as the postal hub for people scattered across lakeside properties, rural homesites, and areas without formal addressing. For anyone mailing here, a PO Box address is required. Standard street addressing isn't reliable in this terrain.
Street names like Lake View Drive, Sunset Trail, and Pinon Hills suggest lakeside recreational character near Navajo Reservoir.
ZIP Code 81121 has 284 residents and 129 households (average 2.20 persons per household). The median age is 57.0 years, significantly older than the state (37.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.5% male and 52.5% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (50.2%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (73.9%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (20.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 20.1%, which is slightly lower than the state average (21.9%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 284Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 376Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 63.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $42,813Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 129Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $332,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.20Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.35Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 159 | 187 | 217 | 262 | 233 | 290 | 246 | 333 | 323 | 449 | 362 | 357 | 361 | 376 |
| Decennial Census | 270 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 284 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 57
Male Median Age: 55.1
Female Median Age: 59.4
| 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 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 22 | 5 | 16 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 5 |
| Female | 3 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 23 | 14 | 20 | 16 | 9 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 8 | 11 | 21 | 9 | 7 | 14 | 6 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 15 | 45 | 19 | 36 | 26 | 19 | 5 | 10 |
| White: | 210 | 70.47% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 57 | 19.13% |
| Asian: | 2 | 0.67% |
| American Indian: | 21 | 7.05% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 8 | 2.68% |
| Total: | 298 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 135 | 47.54% | 55.1 years |
| Females: | 149 | 52.46% | 59.4 years |
| Total: | 284 | 100% | 57.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 376 | 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: | 376 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 376 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $42,813, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $9,896 (30.1%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $2,437. Family households earn a median of $49,250 versus $29,167 for nonfamily households (a difference of $20,083). By gender, male median income is $89,375 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $89,375 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 32.5%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is generally lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (59.8%).
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 | $32,917 | $37,125 | $37,708 | $39,861 | $40,893 | $39,732 | $39,792 | $42,639 | $45,250 | $63,000 | $57,500 | $62,500 | $63,000 | $42,813 |
| Median Family Income | $35,000 | $37,841 | $38,333 | $40,313 | $41,429 | $41,346 | $44,464 | $46,563 | $67,917 | $74,583 | $73,056 | $71,750 | $83,036 | $49,250 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $23,250 | $35,625 | $36,429 | $38,542 | $38,125 | $31,964 | $28,000 | $28,000 | $27,083 | $21,250 | $24,375 | $0 | $42,750 | $29,167 |
| Median Male Income | $53,125 | $18,542 | $19,167 | $30,750 | $34,250 | $32,143 | $33,750 | $37,000 | $41,250 | $42,500 | $44,722 | $50,625 | $68,750 | $89,375 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $19,625 | $36,053 | $36,750 | $40,417 | $43,750 | $48,750 | $38,333 | $40,500 | $34,881 | $37,344 | $39,750 | $48,542 | $0 |
| Employed: | 112 | 31.11% |
| Unemployed: | 5 | 1.39% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 243 | 67.50% |
| Total: | 360 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 67 | 59.82% |
| Service: | 14 | 12.50% |
| Sales and Office: | 21 | 18.75% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 7 | 6.25% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 3 | 2.68% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 112 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $332,000, which is well above the national median ($303,400), is up $53,400 (19.17%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $138,700. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is down $735 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $788. Of occupied housing, owners make up 88.89% (42.97% with a mortgage, 57.03% free-and-clear) and renters 11.11% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 37.39%, which is considerably higher than 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 | $278,600 | $204,200 | $179,200 | $226,700 | $231,900 | $227,300 | $233,300 | $219,200 | $193,300 | $197,100 | $230,800 | $218,200 | $268,800 | $332,000 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 7 | 43.75% |
| $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: | 9 | 56.25% |
| Total: | 16 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $735 | $733 | $721 | $784 | $900 | $768 | $850 | $1,094 | $788 | $1,042 | $1,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 55 | 38.19% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 73 | 50.69% |
| Renter Occupied: | 16 | 11.11% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 144 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 144 | 62.61% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 86 | 37.39% |
| Total Housing Units: | 230 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 177 | 76.96% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 53 | 23.04% |
| Total Housing Units: | 230 | 100% |
In 2024, 16.50% 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 62.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 34.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 41.50%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). The share of people in poverty is 12.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 16.30 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 14.70 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 college (45.16%). College enrollment is 45.16%, 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: | 19 | 5.71% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 106 | 31.83% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 63 | 18.92% |
| Some college, no degree: | 49 | 14.71% |
| Associate's degree: | 41 | 12.31% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 46 | 13.81% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 9 | 2.70% |
| Total: | 333 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 208 | 62.46% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 55 | 16.52% |
| Private Insurance: | 156 | 35.29% |
| Public Insurance: | 157 | 35.52% |
| No Insurance: | 129 | 29.19% |
| Total: | 442 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 313 | 70.81% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 31.0% | 28.6% | 23.7% | 17.2% | 8.1% | 6.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.0% | 11.7% | 13.4% | 14.7% | 12.0% |
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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 7 | 22.58% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 10 | 32.26% |
| College or graduate school: | 14 | 45.16% |
| Total: | 31 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 17 | 54.84% |
ZIP Code 81121 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 6 business establishments, employing about 29 people with an annual payroll of $776,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 434Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 6Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $276,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $776,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 29Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 81121 is located in Archuleta County, Colorado, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 81121. It covers 4.482 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.015 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 4.482 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1.015 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 03Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 49731.77 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0802905Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Arboles CDP; ColoradoSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 81121 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.