| City: | Tonto Basin, Arizona |
| County: | Gila County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:12:29 PM |
| Population: | 1,491 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.7857, -111.2947 |
| Land Area: | 303.297 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Tonto Basin sits within 293 square miles of Gila County, Arizona, where 1,491 residents live scattered across rural terrain near Roosevelt Lake and the Tonto National Forest. With a median age of 66 years, this is one of Arizona's oldest communities. Only 22 residents are under 25 years old, while most households consist of older couples or individuals who've chosen this remote area for retirement.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. No street delivery alternative exists anywhere across the territory. The Tonto Basin post office maintains 1,163 PO Boxes for 835 occupied households, an adoption rate of 1.39. That's because this post office serves not just local residents but also people from surrounding unincorporated areas who travel here for mail access. One rural route (R001) handles the few deliveries that do occur, but most mail goes to boxes.
With 168 distinct streets spread across 293 square miles, the address network hints at widely scattered homes and ranches. Street names like Tonto Creek Trail, Punkin Center Road, and Mad As Hell Ranch Trail capture the area's rural character. The highway (N Arizona Hwy 188) carries the most delivery points with 33 records. Some streets include mobile home lots, indicated by LOT secondary unit types on Old Highway 188 and Tonto Creek Trail.
Of the 1,310 total housing units, 419 (32%) are vacant seasonal properties. Most residents own their homes rather than rent (737 owner-occupied vs 98 renter-occupied). Median home value is $253,400, and median household income is $49,630. High seasonal vacancy and work-from-home rates (54.5% of workers) suggest this is partly a vacation and remote work destination in addition to retirement.
Nearly everyone here is white (1,371 of 1,491), with 416 Hispanic or Latino residents (28%). The population-to-household ratio of 1.8 indicates small households, mostly couples and singles. Only 16.1% of adults hold bachelor's degrees.
The area has 17 business establishments employing 56 people total. Transportation and warehousing employ the most workers (277), followed by educational services and health care (97), public administration (67), and accommodation/food services (50). Federal government employs 24 workers.
All mail must be addressed to a PO Box. Use the format:
Recipient Name
PO Box [Number]
Tonto Basin, AZ 85553Street names capture rural Arizona character with references to local geography (Tonto Creek), quirky ranch names (Mad As Hell Ranch Trail), and desert features (Saguaro, Ocotillo).
ZIP Code 85553 has 1,491 residents and 835 households (average 1.79 persons per household). The median age is 66.0 years, significantly older than the state (38.9) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.0% male and 48.0% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (92.0%, much higher than the state average of 60.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.9%, which is much lower than the state average (30.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,491Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,629Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 4.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $49,630Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 835Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $253,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.79Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.21Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 931 | 1,120 | 1,441 | 1,550 | 1,481 | 1,564 | 1,683 | 1,634 | 1,791 | 1,850 | 1,522 | 1,477 | 1,629 |
| Decennial Census | 1,501 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,491 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 66
Male Median Age: 67.1
Female Median Age: 65.4
| 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 | 6 | 16 | 16 | 11 | 15 | 9 | 2 | 21 | 26 | 23 | 30 | 84 | 88 | 138 | 132 | 102 | 39 | 18 |
| Female | 11 | 14 | 26 | 15 | 5 | 6 | 20 | 25 | 8 | 24 | 34 | 74 | 83 | 127 | 100 | 90 | 39 | 14 |
| Total | 17 | 30 | 42 | 26 | 20 | 15 | 22 | 46 | 34 | 47 | 64 | 158 | 171 | 265 | 232 | 192 | 78 | 32 |
| White: | 1,371 | 92.45% |
| Black: | 12 | 0.81% |
| Hispanic:* | 73 | 4.92% |
| Asian: | 4 | 0.27% |
| American Indian: | 6 | 0.40% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 17 | 1.15% |
| Total: | 1,483 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 776 | 52.05% | 67.1 years |
| Females: | 715 | 47.95% | 65.4 years |
| Total: | 1,491 | 100% | 66.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,599 | 98.16% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 30 | 1.84% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 1.84% |
| Total Population: | 1,629 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,599 | 98.16% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 30 | 1.84% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $49,630, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $21,213 (74.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,257. Family households earn a median of $62,375 versus $41,368 for nonfamily households (a difference of $21,007). By gender, male median income is $57,938 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($51,415), with a current gap of $57,938 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 23.8%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (38.0%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $28,417 | $36,719 | $36,442 | $35,190 | $30,625 | $36,339 | $28,092 | $29,000 | $40,373 | $42,377 | $32,125 | $48,050 | $49,630 |
| Median Family Income | $32,813 | $43,393 | $46,964 | $39,706 | $50,272 | $51,616 | $48,092 | $49,464 | $51,597 | $44,575 | $45,804 | $51,420 | $62,375 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $25,750 | $32,656 | $29,539 | $23,750 | $17,024 | $17,083 | $16,058 | $20,411 | $17,394 | $22,222 | $22,041 | $28,696 | $41,368 |
| Median Male Income | $27,024 | $40,976 | $41,641 | $49,063 | $0 | $55,313 | $57,832 | $56,250 | $33,456 | $0 | $0 | $66,481 | $57,938 |
| Median Female Income | $20,804 | $22,050 | $22,652 | $22,917 | $0 | $24,048 | $23,901 | $26,339 | $26,186 | $28,367 | $28,553 | $68,162 | $0 |
| Employed: | 368 | 23.77% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,180 | 76.23% |
| Total: | 1,548 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 140 | 38.04% |
| Service: | 86 | 23.37% |
| Sales and Office: | 40 | 10.87% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 44 | 11.96% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 58 | 15.76% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 368 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $253,400, which is considerably lower than the state median ($358,900), is up $111,000 (77.95%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $127,000. The median gross rent is $436, which is well under the state median ($1,431), is down $139 (24.17%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $11. Of occupied housing, owners make up 85.70% (26.65% with a mortgage, 73.35% free-and-clear) and renters 14.30% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 31.46%, which is much 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $142,400 | $128,100 | $130,600 | $134,200 | $131,700 | $149,800 | $143,000 | $141,800 | $126,400 | $151,800 | $154,100 | $194,000 | $253,400 |
| Less than $500: | 54 | 41.86% |
| $500 to $999: | 24 | 18.60% |
| $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: | 51 | 39.53% |
| Total: | 129 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $575 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $424 | $443 | $414 | $437 | $425 | $0 | $379 | $402 | $436 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 206 | 22.84% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 567 | 62.86% |
| Renter Occupied: | 129 | 14.30% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 902 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 902 | 68.54% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 414 | 31.46% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,316 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 542 | 41.19% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 774 | 58.81% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,316 | 100% |
In 2023, 16.10% 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 83.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 2.70%, which is markedly below the state rate (10.60%). Public coverage is 74.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 9.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 14.30 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.30 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 high school (69.09%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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: | 62 | 4.18% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 191 | 12.86% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 499 | 33.60% |
| Some college, no degree: | 422 | 28.42% |
| Associate's degree: | 72 | 4.85% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 173 | 11.65% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 66 | 4.44% |
| Total: | 1,485 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,232 | 82.96% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 239 | 16.09% |
| Private Insurance: | 975 | 43.82% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,206 | 54.20% |
| No Insurance: | 44 | 1.98% |
| Total: | 2,225 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,181 | 98.02% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 23.3% | 20.0% | 9.3% | 20.8% | 18.8% | 11.7% | 10.9% | 12.2% | 11.3% | 16.6% | 13.5% | 9.8% | 9.0% |
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: | 34 | 30.91% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 76 | 69.09% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 110 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 34 | 30.91% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 76 | 69.09% |
ZIP Code 85553 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 15 business establishments, employing about 51 people with an annual payroll of $1,954,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 2,381Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 15Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $330,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,954,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 51Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85553 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 53,610 people, about 2.78% of whom live in ZIP Code 85553. It covers 303.297 sq mi of land and a water area of 13.14 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Payson, AZSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 37740Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 53,610Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 303.297 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 13.14 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: | 0474610Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Tonto Basin CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 85553 is in the Tonto Basin Elementary District, which serves grades 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 January 1, 2026.