| City: | Young, Arizona |
| County: | Gila County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:19:30 AM |
| Population: | 735 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 34.0877, -111.0190 |
| Land Area: | 828.192 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Young, Arizona serves as a remote mountain community in Gila County, spanning 858 square miles of rugged terrain in the Tonto National Forest. With a population of 735 and a median age of 61.6 years, this is among Arizona's oldest communities. It's a retirement destination where seasonal residents dominate the landscape.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The Young post office maintains 453 PO Boxes for 362 occupied homes, an adoption rate of 1.25 indicating the post office serves not just local residents but surrounding areas throughout this vast mountain region. Two rural carrier routes handle deliveries along 107 different roads and forest service routes.
Of 759 total housing units, 323 are used seasonally (42.6%). Most residents own rather than rent, with 307 owner-occupied homes versus just 55 rentals. Median home values sit at $279,900. The community is 93% White with a Hispanic population of 22%. An exceptionally high 67% of workers (36 people) work from home, typical for remote mountain communities where residents often operate small businesses or work remotely.
Street names tell the story of a mountain ranching and forest community. The main artery is N AZ Highway 288, with delivery points scattered along Forest Service roads (200, 512, 100, 487, 33, and many others), ranch roads (Baker Ranch, Rose Creek Ranch, Zachariae Ranch, O W Ranch), and trails named for wildlife (Elk Song Trail, Elk Ridge Road). Places called Whiskey Alley, Poverty Gulch, and Mail Trail Road hint at frontier history.
The community's isolation is reflected in employment patterns. Of local workers, 41% work in public administration (mostly federal), 34% are federal government employees (likely Forest Service), and 31% work in accommodation and food services. Bachelor's degree attainment is 44.6%, well above the national average for rural areas. Median household income is $31,324.
All mail must be addressed to a PO Box in Young, AZ 85554. Street delivery doesn't exist in this PO Box Only Zone.
Street names include numerous Forest Service roads serving scattered mountain properties, historic ranch roads, and colorful frontier names like Whiskey Alley and Poverty Gulch.
ZIP Code 85554 has 735 residents and 362 households (average 2.03 persons per household). The median age is 61.6 years, significantly older than the state (38.9) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.5% male and 46.5% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (92.7%, much higher than the state average of 60.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (5.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 5.3%, which is much lower than the state average (30.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 735Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 309Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 362Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $246,700Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.03Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.83Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 284 | 279 | 289 | 426 | 519 | 516 | 493 | 624 | 581 | 456 | 430 | 484 | 361 | 309 |
| Decennial Census | 778 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 735 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 61.6
Male Median Age: 61.8
Female Median Age: 61.3
| 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 | 7 | 15 | 21 | 7 | 17 | 6 | 14 | 13 | 1 | 24 | 44 | 63 | 48 | 47 | 37 | 10 | 14 |
| Female | 11 | 7 | 13 | 15 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 23 | 46 | 55 | 40 | 43 | 23 | 19 | 8 |
| Total | 16 | 14 | 28 | 36 | 7 | 20 | 11 | 25 | 24 | 10 | 47 | 90 | 118 | 88 | 90 | 60 | 29 | 22 |
| White: | 681 | 91.29% |
| Black: | 5 | 0.67% |
| Hispanic:* | 39 | 5.23% |
| Asian: | 2 | 0.27% |
| American Indian: | 9 | 1.21% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 10 | 1.34% |
| Total: | 746 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 393 | 53.47% | 61.8 years |
| Females: | 342 | 46.53% | 61.3 years |
| Total: | 735 | 100% | 61.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 305 | 98.71% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 2 | 0.65% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 2 | 1.29% |
| Total Population: | 309 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 305 | 98.71% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 4 | 1.29% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $28,750 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $32,375. Family households earn a median of $53,938 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $53,938). By gender, male median income is $128,333 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $128,333 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 35.6%, which is markedly below 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 Service (41.8%).
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 | $28,750 | $30,729 | $47,845 | $50,114 | $47,000 | $42,386 | $37,708 | $38,021 | $32,375 | $29,952 | $28,750 | $47,000 | $31,324 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $24,063 | $26,042 | $26,818 | $66,471 | $65,302 | $47,679 | $47,692 | $49,808 | $46,765 | $48,750 | $85,673 | $95,446 | $55,357 | $53,938 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $30,865 | $32,188 | $48,103 | $47,552 | $42,188 | $0 | $22,935 | $16,250 | $17,625 | $23,152 | $19,922 | $21,394 | $22,500 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $46,964 | $0 | $46,429 | $49,583 | $49,107 | $0 | $0 | $60,625 | $0 | $125,476 | $128,333 |
| Median Female Income | $33,242 | $33,787 | $36,050 | $36,125 | $0 | $42,813 | $41,071 | $58,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 110 | 35.60% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 199 | 64.40% |
| Total: | 309 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 34 | 30.91% |
| Service: | 46 | 41.82% |
| Sales and Office: | 3 | 2.73% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 27 | 24.55% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 110 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $246,700, which is far less than the national median ($332,700), is up $72,200 (41.38%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $49,300. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $525 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $665. Of occupied housing, owners make up 76.56% (35.63% with a mortgage, 64.38% free-and-clear) and renters 23.44% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 60.11%, 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 | $174,500 | $173,300 | $168,400 | $207,600 | $215,400 | $193,500 | $206,100 | $198,900 | $197,400 | $254,300 | $246,700 | $239,500 | $279,900 | $246,700 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 16 | 32.65% |
| $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: | 33 | 67.35% |
| Total: | 49 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $525 | $525 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $725 | $735 | $680 | $665 | $498 | $543 | $593 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 57 | 27.27% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 103 | 49.28% |
| Renter Occupied: | 49 | 23.44% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 209 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 209 | 39.89% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 315 | 60.11% |
| Total Housing Units: | 524 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 381 | 72.71% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 143 | 27.29% |
| Total Housing Units: | 524 | 100% |
In 2024, 41.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 94.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 20.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 45.30%, which is falls below the national rate (67.10%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 36.40 percentage points since 2011. 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 (100.00%). 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 17 | 5.63% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 85 | 28.15% |
| Some college, no degree: | 48 | 15.89% |
| Associate's degree: | 28 | 9.27% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 57 | 18.87% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 67 | 22.19% |
| Total: | 302 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 285 | 94.37% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 124 | 41.06% |
| Private Insurance: | 140 | 38.25% |
| Public Insurance: | 164 | 44.81% |
| No Insurance: | 62 | 16.94% |
| Total: | 366 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 304 | 83.06% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 36.4% | 20.7% | 18.2% | 8.9% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
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): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 3 | 100.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 3 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 3 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 85554 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 11 business establishments, employing about 26 people with an annual payroll of $530,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 498Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 11Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $104,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $530,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 26Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85554 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 1.37% of whom live in ZIP Code 85554. It covers 828.192 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.138 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: | 828.192 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.138 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: | 0485330Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Young CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 85554 is in the Young Elementary School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 2 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 February 1, 2026.