| City: | San Carlos, Arizona |
| County: | Gila County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:19:27 AM |
| Population: | 4,934 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 520 / 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.5578, -110.4293 |
| Land Area: | 428.379 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
San Carlos serves the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona. Of the 4,934 residents, 4,811 (98%) are Native American. This makes it one of the largest Apache communities in the United States with PO Box-classified mail service.
PO Boxes aren't just convenient here. They're essential. This is a PO Box Only Zone, which means there's no alternative mail delivery across the 398 square mile territory. The San Carlos post office maintains 1,105 PO Boxes for 1,159 households (95% of homes). Families drive to the post office to collect mail, packages, prescriptions, and government documents.
The community faces significant geographic isolation. The ZIP+4 database lists only two streets: San Carlos Avenue and N AZ Highway 288. Limited street addressing across nearly 400 square miles explains why PO Boxes are the only viable delivery method. Rural Highway Contract Route service exists for a small number of locations, but most residents rely exclusively on post office boxes.
San Carlos families are larger than the national average. With 4,934 people and 1,159 households, that's 4.3 people per household. This ratio is common in Apache communities, where extended families often share homes. The median age is 27.5 years, notably younger than Arizona's overall median of 38.9 years.
Tribal government drives the local economy. Of the working population, 751 people work in public administration (mostly tribal government positions), while 1,034 work in transportation, warehousing, and utilities. The median household income is $50,181. About 21% of workers work from home, which is slightly above the national average of 15%.
Education levels are low compared to state and national averages. Only 4.4% of adults 25 and over hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to Arizona's statewide rate of about 31%. The community has 10 business establishments employing 408 people.
All mail to San Carlos residents must use a PO Box address:
Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
San Carlos, AZ 85550Street addressing is not available for residential delivery.
Minimal street addressing infrastructure with only two streets recorded across 398 square miles.
ZIP Code 85550 has 4,934 residents and 1,159 households (average 4.26 persons per household). The median age is 27.5 years, significantly younger than the state (38.9) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.8% male and 51.2% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (97.5%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.3%, which is much lower than the state average (30.7%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (4.5%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 4,934Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 5,696Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 11.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $51,491Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,159Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $65,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 4.26Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.49Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 5,851 | 5,217 | 5,297 | 4,990 | 4,904 | 5,199 | 5,227 | 4,994 | 5,239 | 5,525 | 5,425 | 5,378 | 5,619 | 5,696 |
| Decennial Census | 4,790 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 4,934 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 27.5
Male Median Age: 25.7
Female Median Age: 28.8
| 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 | 222 | 278 | 268 | 225 | 170 | 199 | 154 | 167 | 119 | 97 | 95 | 133 | 91 | 83 | 57 | 17 | 16 | 19 |
| Female | 206 | 258 | 272 | 212 | 156 | 215 | 210 | 158 | 120 | 97 | 151 | 153 | 128 | 78 | 56 | 23 | 23 | 8 |
| Total | 428 | 536 | 540 | 437 | 326 | 414 | 364 | 325 | 239 | 194 | 246 | 286 | 219 | 161 | 113 | 40 | 39 | 27 |
| White: | 33 | 0.66% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 112 | 2.25% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 4,811 | 96.49% |
| Hawaiian: | 3 | 0.06% |
| Other: | 27 | 0.54% |
| Total: | 4,986 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 2,410 | 48.84% | 25.7 years |
| Females: | 2,524 | 51.16% | 28.8 years |
| Total: | 4,934 | 100% | 27.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 5,695 | 99.98% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 1 | 0.02% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 5,696 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 5,696 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $51,491, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $23,832 (86.2%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $18,440. Family households earn a median of $50,437 versus $9,440 for nonfamily households (a difference of $40,997). By gender, male median income is $38,087 and female is $38,841, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $754 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 56.3%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 17.3%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (40.7%).
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 | $27,659 | $28,608 | $27,774 | $31,250 | $28,233 | $34,500 | $35,036 | $31,310 | $33,051 | $34,881 | $38,457 | $41,563 | $50,181 | $51,491 |
| Median Family Income | $32,500 | $33,676 | $28,616 | $31,438 | $28,448 | $35,064 | $35,690 | $36,288 | $36,151 | $36,566 | $38,648 | $41,882 | $48,875 | $50,437 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $12,180 | $13,922 | $14,394 | $24,792 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $9,773 | $0 | $15,333 | $15,625 | $0 | $9,440 |
| Median Male Income | $32,500 | $31,667 | $36,678 | $38,569 | $38,519 | $37,106 | $37,563 | $39,583 | $40,050 | $31,032 | $38,611 | $45,435 | $50,071 | $38,087 |
| Median Female Income | $32,034 | $32,090 | $30,821 | $30,917 | $33,750 | $35,250 | $38,333 | $39,821 | $38,528 | $32,961 | $36,359 | $33,200 | $36,911 | $38,841 |
| Employed: | 1,864 | 46.57% |
| Unemployed: | 391 | 9.77% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,748 | 43.67% |
| Total: | 4,003 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 339 | 18.19% |
| Service: | 758 | 40.67% |
| Sales and Office: | 341 | 18.29% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 216 | 11.59% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 210 | 11.27% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,864 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $65,800, which is well under the national median ($332,700), is up $4,200 (6.82%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $31,000. The median gross rent is $535, which is much lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $117 (27.99%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $154. Of occupied housing, owners make up 59.85% (21.78% with a mortgage, 78.22% free-and-clear) and renters 40.15% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 7.04%, which is considerably 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 | $61,600 | $59,300 | $55,200 | $52,500 | $48,400 | $42,000 | $38,400 | $32,400 | $34,800 | $52,100 | $52,800 | $55,700 | $66,900 | $65,800 |
| Less than $500: | 147 | 25.65% |
| $500 to $999: | 195 | 34.03% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 15 | 2.62% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 29 | 5.06% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 187 | 32.64% |
| Total: | 573 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $418 | $342 | $419 | $345 | $337 | $372 | $416 | $382 | $381 | $320 | $336 | $360 | $392 | $535 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 186 | 13.03% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 668 | 46.81% |
| Renter Occupied: | 573 | 40.15% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,427 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,427 | 92.96% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 108 | 7.04% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,535 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 1,293 | 84.23% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 28 | 1.82% |
| Other Units: | 214 | 13.94% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,535 | 100% |
In 2024, 3.30% 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 83.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 14.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 41.70%, which is falls below the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 58.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 29.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 7.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 13.90 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 (48.75%). College enrollment is 19.62%, 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: | 131 | 4.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 411 | 12.53% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 1,601 | 48.83% |
| Some college, no degree: | 958 | 29.22% |
| Associate's degree: | 71 | 2.17% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 26 | 0.79% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 81 | 2.47% |
| Total: | 3,279 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 2,737 | 83.47% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 107 | 3.26% |
| Private Insurance: | 2,347 | 36.30% |
| Public Insurance: | 3,290 | 50.89% |
| No Insurance: | 828 | 12.81% |
| Total: | 6,465 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 5,637 | 87.19% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 38.0% | 35.9% | 41.6% | 40.1% | 43.4% | 39.3% | 39.8% | 42.6% | 44.7% | 39.2% | 39.5% | 40.1% | 30.8% | 29.8% |
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: | 144 | 7.36% |
| Kindergarten: | 75 | 3.83% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 954 | 48.75% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 400 | 20.44% |
| College or graduate school: | 384 | 19.62% |
| Total: | 1,957 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 219 | 11.19% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 1,429 | 73.02% |
ZIP Code 85550 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 10 business establishments, employing about 404 people with an annual payroll of $13,150,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,234Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 10Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $4,145,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $13,150,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 404Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85550 is located in Gila County, Arizona, within the Payson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 37740) and Arizona's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 53,597 people, about 9.21% of whom live in ZIP Code 85550. It covers 428.379 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.554 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Payson, AZSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 37740Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 53,597Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 428.379 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.554 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 7838.12 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0462910Source: Census |
| Place Name: | San Carlos CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 85550 is in the San Carlos Unified District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 6 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. 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.