| City: | Fort Apache, Arizona |
| County: | Navajo County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:20:51 AM |
| Population: | 435 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 34.0546, -109.8802 |
| Land Area: | 7.186 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Fort Apache sits at the heart of the White Mountain Apache Reservation in eastern Arizona. The 435 residents here are 97% Native American, making this one of the state's most distinctly tribal communities. The post office doesn't just handle mail—it's the primary connection point for 115 households spread across 31.2 square miles of reservation land.
This is true PO Box only territory. There's no street delivery alternative for residents. The ZIP maintains 554 PO Boxes, serving more than four times the local household count. That high adoption rate (4.82) shows how the post office serves not just Fort Apache but surrounding areas of the reservation where carrier delivery doesn't exist. Extended families are common here, with an average of 3.8 people per household.
The street infrastructure tells the story. Officers Row is the only documented street route in the USPS system, pointing to the historic military origins of Fort Apache. The facility dates back to the 1870s when it served as a U.S. Army post before transitioning to tribal use. Today, most addresses on the reservation follow tribal route systems rather than conventional street layouts.
The median age of 31.8 years is younger than the national average. The median household income sits at $11,088, reflecting the economic realities of rural reservation life. Of the 125 total housing units, 115 are occupied year-round. The PO Box system isn't a convenience choice here—it's the infrastructure that keeps the community connected.
Officers Row is the sole documented street route, reflecting Fort Apache's origins as an 1870s U.S. Army post. The limited street infrastructure shows how the reservation primarily uses tribal route systems rather than conventional addressing.
ZIP Code 85926 has 435 residents and 115 households (average 3.78 persons per household). The median age is 31.8 years, significantly younger than the state (38.9) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 54.9% male and 45.1% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (96.8%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.1%, 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: | 435Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 710Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 60.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 115Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $65,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.78Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.29Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 225 | 172 | 163 | 247 | 293 | 356 | 366 | 453 | 421 | 684 | 852 | 807 | 824 | 710 |
| Decennial Census | 265 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 435 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 31.8
Male Median Age: 29
Female Median Age: 35.3
| 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 | 24 | 29 | 30 | 24 | 0 | 13 | 23 | 17 | 1 | 19 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 5 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Female | 8 | 24 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 15 | 18 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 19 | 12 | 12 | 5 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 32 | 53 | 44 | 35 | 7 | 28 | 41 | 30 | 14 | 30 | 33 | 25 | 24 | 10 | 22 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| White: | 6 | 1.37% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 9 | 2.06% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 421 | 96.34% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 1 | 0.23% |
| Total: | 437 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 239 | 54.94% | 29.0 years |
| Females: | 196 | 45.06% | 35.3 years |
| Total: | 435 | 100% | 31.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 710 | 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: | 710 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 710 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $53,693 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $48,750. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $55,858 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $55,858 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 15.6%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 25.0%, which is far worse than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (29.4%).
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 | $53,693 | $53,333 | $29,653 | $56,750 | $0 | $46,750 | $40,625 | $41,591 | $48,750 | $2,499 | $44,375 | $49,196 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $54,830 | $72,734 | $56,875 | $58,000 | $56,000 | $55,500 | $39,167 | $40,568 | $43,750 | $2,499 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $25,938 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $31,953 | $55,179 | $56,458 | $0 | $60,714 | $59,750 | $74,000 | $73,250 | $54,375 | $46,250 | $51,761 | $0 | $55,858 |
| Median Female Income | $35,170 | $28,274 | $27,813 | $35,096 | $0 | $32,292 | $36,442 | $38,289 | $41,250 | $43,750 | $42,721 | $43,472 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 51 | 11.67% |
| Unemployed: | 17 | 3.89% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 369 | 84.44% |
| Total: | 437 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 15 | 29.41% |
| Service: | 15 | 29.41% |
| Sales and Office: | 12 | 23.53% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 9 | 17.65% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 51 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $65,500, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $15,700 (31.53%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $300. The median gross rent is $427, which is much lower than the national median ($1,413), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13. Of occupied housing, owners make up 41.81% (0.00% with a mortgage, 100.00% free-and-clear) and renters 58.19% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 2.11%, which is markedly below 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 | $49,800 | $49,000 | $44,700 | $70,000 | $38,000 | $52,000 | $68,000 | $81,400 | $65,800 | $90,800 | $66,700 | $66,100 | $62,400 | $65,500 |
| Less than $500: | 126 | 93.33% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 9 | 6.67% |
| $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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 135 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,057 | $0 | $395 | $410 | $375 | $440 | $379 | $378 | $408 | $430 | $427 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 97 | 41.81% |
| Renter Occupied: | 135 | 58.19% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 232 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 232 | 97.89% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 5 | 2.11% |
| Total Housing Units: | 237 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 229 | 96.62% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 8 | 3.38% |
| Total Housing Units: | 237 | 100% |
In 2024, 1.90% 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 32.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 34.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 3.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 62.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 86.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), up 80.40 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 54.30 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (65.24%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 284 | 67.46% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 96 | 22.80% |
| Some college, no degree: | 12 | 2.85% |
| Associate's degree: | 21 | 4.99% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 8 | 1.90% |
| Total: | 421 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 137 | 32.54% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 8 | 1.90% |
| Private Insurance: | 21 | 2.96% |
| Public Insurance: | 444 | 62.54% |
| No Insurance: | 245 | 34.51% |
| Total: | 710 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 465 | 65.49% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 14.6% | 10.7% | 13.2% | 11.6% | 29.8% | 23.6% | 26.1% | 74.4% | 66.3% | 66.1% | 80.4% | 86.4% |
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: | 34 | 18.18% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 122 | 65.24% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 31 | 16.58% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 187 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 34 | 18.18% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 187 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 85926 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 6 business establishments, employing about 115 people with an annual payroll of $3,899,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 591Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 6Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $849,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $3,899,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 115Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85926 is located in Navajo County, Arizona, within the Show Low, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 43320) and Arizona's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 107,449 people, about 0.40% of whom live in ZIP Code 85926. It covers 7.186 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.014 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Show Low, AZSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 43320Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 107,449Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 7.186 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.014 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: | 0424250Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Fort Apache CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 85926 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. 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 March 1, 2026.