| City: | Elk River, Idaho |
| County: | Clearwater County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:11:39 AM |
| Population: | 164 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 208 / 986 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 46.8073, -116.2391 |
| Land Area: | 9.506 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Elk River sits deep in Idaho's Clearwater County, a small community of 164 residents scattered across 135 square miles of mountainous forest. With a median age of 56.2 years and an average household size of just 1.8 people, this is a quiet retirement and recreation community where older couples and singles have settled far from urban centers.
The Elk River post office maintains 103 PO Boxes for 91 occupied homes. That's 1.13 boxes per household, meaning the post office serves not just the immediate village but surrounding areas across this vast territory. One rural route and one highway contract route provide limited street delivery, but most residents rely on PO Boxes as their primary mailing address.
Nearly a third of housing units (33%) are used seasonally. Of 165 total homes, 54 sit vacant most of the year. These are hunting cabins, fishing retreats, and summer getaways in Idaho's backcountry. The seasonal pattern explains why PO Box demand exceeds the year-round population.
Street names tell the story of a classic small Idaho town. Main Street and numbered streets (1st through 4th, both north and south) form the historic grid. Nature names like Fir Street, Pine Street, Larch Street, and Spruce Court reference the surrounding forest. Elk Creek Lane and Moose Drive nod to the wildlife that defines this region.
Economically, this is a working-class community with a median household income of $54,808. Nearly half the workforce (47%) works in transportation, warehousing, or utilities, likely tied to logging, freight, or road maintenance in this remote corner of Idaho. Another 15% work from home, a practical choice when the nearest city is dozens of miles away.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 164 |
| Median Age | 56.2 years |
| Households | 91 |
| Owner-Occupied Homes | 87% (79 of 91) |
| Seasonal Vacancy | 33% (54 of 165 units) |
| Median Home Value | $225,000 |
While limited rural delivery exists, PO Boxes are recommended for reliable mail service. Address mail to:
PO Box [Number]
Elk River, ID 83827Classic small-town grid with Main Street and numbered streets (1st-4th), plus nature names like Fir, Pine, Larch, and Spruce, and wildlife references like Elk Creek Lane and Moose Drive.
ZIP Code 83827 has 164 residents and 91 households (average 1.80 persons per household). The median age is 56.2 years, significantly older than the state (36.8) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 56.1% male and 43.9% female, which is much higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (95.7%, much higher than the state average of 82.1% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (3.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.0%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 164Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 154Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 3Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 17.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $54,327Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 91Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $231,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.80Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.57Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 158 | 127 | 119 | 158 | 159 | 129 | 123 | 164 | 154 | 132 | 131 | 199 | 161 | 154 |
| Decennial Census | 143 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 164 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 56.2
Male Median Age: 54.5
Female Median Age: 56.8
| 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 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 13 | 3 | 10 | 18 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Female | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Total | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 25 | 17 | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| White: | 157 | 95.73% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 5 | 3.05% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 2 | 1.22% |
| Total: | 164 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 92 | 56.10% | 54.5 years |
| Females: | 72 | 43.90% | 56.8 years |
| Total: | 164 | 100% | 56.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 151 | 98.05% |
| 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: | 3 | 1.95% |
| Total Population: | 154 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 151 | 98.05% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 3 | 1.95% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $54,327, which is far less than the national median ($80,734), is up $14,148 (35.2%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $18,191. Family households earn a median of $68,571 versus $53,750 for nonfamily households (a difference of $14,821). By gender, male median income is $45,625 and female is $68,571, which is far above the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $22,946 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 47.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Natural resources (42.9%).
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 | $40,179 | $43,571 | $34,583 | $31,875 | $23,906 | $26,875 | $26,786 | $27,344 | $36,136 | $37,778 | $38,750 | $44,688 | $54,808 | $54,327 |
| Median Family Income | $40,893 | $43,214 | $36,250 | $36,250 | $31,667 | $35,417 | $31,250 | $35,781 | $37,321 | $38,750 | $43,000 | $60,250 | $67,083 | $68,571 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $35,000 | $100,250 | $25,000 | $23,333 | $20,714 | $24,063 | $25,875 | $25,625 | $26,875 | $35,625 | $28,500 | $43,125 | $53,846 | $53,750 |
| Median Male Income | $26,797 | $33,750 | $70,000 | $35,000 | $0 | $30,625 | $31,250 | $31,563 | $31,500 | $31,000 | $43,750 | $41,964 | $44,750 | $45,625 |
| Median Female Income | $14,107 | $31,964 | $0 | $31,250 | $0 | $31,458 | $34,167 | $34,583 | $45,833 | $53,750 | $58,750 | $70,500 | $66,458 | $68,571 |
| Employed: | 63 | 47.01% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 71 | 52.99% |
| Total: | 134 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 18 | 28.57% |
| Service: | 5 | 7.94% |
| Sales and Office: | 5 | 7.94% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 27 | 42.86% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 8 | 12.70% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 63 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $231,800, which is far less than the national median ($332,700), is up $119,300 (106.04%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $124,100. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $514 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 90.41% (45.45% with a mortgage, 54.55% free-and-clear) and renters 9.59% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 58.52%, which is considerably 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 | $112,500 | $190,300 | $181,300 | $145,000 | $110,700 | $87,500 | $101,500 | $100,600 | $107,700 | $111,900 | $114,800 | $169,800 | $225,000 | $231,800 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 3 | 42.86% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 2 | 28.57% |
| $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: | 2 | 28.57% |
| Total: | 7 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $514 | $511 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 30 | 41.10% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 36 | 49.32% |
| Renter Occupied: | 7 | 9.59% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 73 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 73 | 41.48% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 103 | 58.52% |
| Total Housing Units: | 176 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 138 | 78.41% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 5 | 2.84% |
| Other Units: | 33 | 18.75% |
| Total Housing Units: | 176 | 100% |
In 2024, 8.50% 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 97.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 18.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 44.20%, which is falls below the national rate (67.10%). The share of people in poverty is 15.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 22.90 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.20 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 (54.55%). College enrollment is 13.64%, 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 | 2.33% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 86 | 66.67% |
| Some college, no degree: | 22 | 17.05% |
| Associate's degree: | 7 | 5.43% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 7 | 5.43% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 4 | 3.10% |
| Total: | 129 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 126 | 97.67% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 11 | 8.53% |
| Private Insurance: | 68 | 37.99% |
| Public Insurance: | 83 | 46.37% |
| No Insurance: | 28 | 15.64% |
| Total: | 179 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 151 | 84.36% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 32.0% | 21.1% | 22.6% | 19.1% | 18.8% | 8.3% | 6.7% | 12.3% | 13.3% | 12.8% | 14.7% | 12.8% | 9.1% | 15.8% |
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: | 3 | 13.64% |
| Kindergarten: | 2 | 9.09% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 12 | 54.55% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 2 | 9.09% |
| College or graduate school: | 3 | 13.64% |
| Total: | 22 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 5 | 22.73% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 16 | 72.73% |
ZIP Code 83827 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 6 business establishments, employing about 12 people with an annual payroll of $385,000. USPS data shows 2 residential mailboxes and 0 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 2Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 125Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 2Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 6Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $57,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $385,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 12Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 83827 is located in Clearwater County, Idaho, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Idaho's 1st Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 83827. It covers 9.506 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.134 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: | 9.506 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.134 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 39418.02 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 1625120Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Elk River city; IdahoSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 83827 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 February 1, 2026.