| City: | Whiteriver, Arizona |
| County: | Navajo County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:21:02 AM |
| Population: | 10,575 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.8039, -110.0928 |
| Land Area: | 477.397 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Whiteriver sits at the heart of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in east-central Arizona, home to the White Mountain Apache Tribe. With 10,575 residents spread across 700 square miles of high-elevation plateau and mountain terrain, this community depends entirely on PO Box delivery. There's no alternative mail service across the territory.
Of the 10,575 people living here, 97% are Native American (10,265 residents). That makes Whiteriver one of the largest tribal communities with PO Box classification in the country. The median age of 28.4 years shows a young population, and with 4.1 people per household, extended family living arrangements are common.
The Whiteriver post office maintains 1,935 PO Boxes for 2,550 households, giving an adoption rate of 76%. This isn't about preference. It's necessity. With only one street name recorded in postal data across 700 square miles, there's no addressing infrastructure for carrier delivery. Residents travel to the post office to collect mail, packages, prescriptions, and government documents.
Tribal government dominates the local economy. Of working residents, 32% are employed in public administration, most working for the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Another 24% work in educational services and health care, likely at tribal schools and the Indian Health Service facility. Median household income stands at $41,554, and median home values of $84,200 are typical for reservation communities.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. No street delivery exists as an option. For the White Mountain Apache community, the post office works as an essential gathering point where residents from across the vast reservation territory come to stay connected with family, government services, and the outside world.
Only one street name recorded across 700 square miles, illustrating the absence of formal addressing infrastructure on the reservation.
ZIP Code 85941 has 10,575 residents and 2,550 households (average 4.14 persons per household). The median age is 28.4 years, significantly younger than the state (38.9) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.1% male and 51.9% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (97.1%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (1.2%, much lower than the state average of 60.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.8%, 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: | 10,575Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 10,459Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 22.2 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $43,259Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 2,550Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $74,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 4.14Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.34Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 10,403 | 10,683 | 11,183 | 10,991 | 11,451 | 11,025 | 10,968 | 11,149 | 11,251 | 11,320 | 10,640 | 10,480 | 10,333 | 10,459 |
| Decennial Census | 9,941 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 10,575 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 28.4
Male Median Age: 27.7
Female Median Age: 29
| 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 | 462 | 453 | 571 | 453 | 370 | 431 | 413 | 320 | 265 | 206 | 266 | 273 | 198 | 151 | 123 | 76 | 41 | 17 |
| Female | 464 | 519 | 609 | 479 | 356 | 430 | 409 | 370 | 202 | 269 | 321 | 317 | 272 | 185 | 135 | 72 | 51 | 26 |
| Total | 926 | 972 | 1,180 | 932 | 726 | 861 | 822 | 690 | 467 | 475 | 587 | 590 | 470 | 336 | 258 | 148 | 92 | 43 |
| White: | 123 | 1.17% |
| Black: | 8 | 0.08% |
| Hispanic:* | 87 | 0.82% |
| Asian: | 49 | 0.46% |
| American Indian: | 10,265 | 97.29% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.02% |
| Other: | 17 | 0.16% |
| Total: | 10,551 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 5,089 | 48.12% | 27.7 years |
| Females: | 5,486 | 51.88% | 29.0 years |
| Total: | 10,575 | 100% | 28.4 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 10,436 | 99.78% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 13 | 0.12% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 10 | 0.22% |
| Total Population: | 10,459 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 10,436 | 99.78% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 23 | 0.22% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $43,259, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $17,420 (67.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $12,214. Family households earn a median of $45,600 versus $12,725 for nonfamily households (a difference of $32,875). By gender, male median income is $41,489 and female is $46,196, which is far less than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $4,707 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 44.2%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 7.9%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (33.6%).
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 | $25,839 | $30,768 | $27,679 | $26,614 | $25,594 | $25,261 | $26,493 | $29,571 | $31,045 | $37,188 | $38,054 | $39,411 | $41,554 | $43,259 |
| Median Family Income | $29,229 | $31,546 | $31,183 | $30,650 | $29,020 | $29,015 | $31,121 | $32,404 | $33,674 | $37,480 | $39,141 | $40,971 | $44,400 | $45,600 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $9,490 | $13,024 | $11,571 | $9,389 | $10,080 | $11,507 | $11,352 | $11,528 | $12,772 | $14,960 | $0 | $11,869 | $12,010 | $12,725 |
| Median Male Income | $22,239 | $25,417 | $22,581 | $24,309 | $23,672 | $28,006 | $31,121 | $33,184 | $33,913 | $37,821 | $36,692 | $37,531 | $40,254 | $41,489 |
| Median Female Income | $26,632 | $27,886 | $27,420 | $29,539 | $26,773 | $28,493 | $29,360 | $29,814 | $29,590 | $34,825 | $39,244 | $44,489 | $46,528 | $46,196 |
| Employed: | 2,991 | 40.66% |
| Unemployed: | 257 | 3.49% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 4,108 | 55.85% |
| Total: | 7,356 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 1,006 | 33.63% |
| Service: | 883 | 29.52% |
| Sales and Office: | 454 | 15.18% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 504 | 16.85% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 144 | 4.81% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 2,991 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $74,600, which is well under the national median ($332,700), is down $12,400 (14.25%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,100. The median gross rent is $604, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $251 (71.10%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $145. Of occupied housing, owners make up 58.95% (3.23% with a mortgage, 96.77% free-and-clear) and renters 41.05% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 9.89%, which is much 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 | $87,000 | $66,200 | $61,400 | $65,100 | $57,500 | $55,400 | $59,400 | $59,000 | $57,500 | $63,000 | $64,000 | $78,000 | $84,200 | $74,600 |
| Less than $500: | 455 | 37.08% |
| $500 to $999: | 513 | 41.81% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 87 | 7.09% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 20 | 1.63% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 13 | 1.06% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 139 | 11.33% |
| Total: | 1,227 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $353 | $388 | $414 | $426 | $418 | $441 | $468 | $462 | $459 | $477 | $518 | $612 | $604 | $604 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 57 | 1.91% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 1,705 | 57.04% |
| Renter Occupied: | 1,227 | 41.05% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 2,989 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 2,989 | 90.11% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 328 | 9.89% |
| Total Housing Units: | 3,317 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 2,912 | 87.79% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 231 | 6.96% |
| Other Units: | 174 | 5.25% |
| Total Housing Units: | 3,317 | 100% |
In 2024, 8.20% 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 75.30%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 31.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 20.30%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 51.40%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 32.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 6.50 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.90 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 (48.79%). College enrollment is 7.48%, 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: | 267 | 4.40% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 1,233 | 20.33% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 2,459 | 40.55% |
| Some college, no degree: | 1,306 | 21.54% |
| Associate's degree: | 302 | 4.98% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 360 | 5.94% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 137 | 2.26% |
| Total: | 6,064 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 4,564 | 75.26% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 497 | 8.20% |
| Private Insurance: | 2,102 | 19.68% |
| Public Insurance: | 5,328 | 49.89% |
| No Insurance: | 3,249 | 30.42% |
| Total: | 10,679 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 7,430 | 69.58% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 40.7% | 38.7% | 40.6% | 40.3% | 41.4% | 40.5% | 38.5% | 37.0% | 36.1% | 32.2% | 34.3% | 34.3% | 34.2% | 32.7% |
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: | 233 | 7.71% |
| Kindergarten: | 132 | 4.37% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 1,475 | 48.79% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 957 | 31.66% |
| College or graduate school: | 226 | 7.48% |
| Total: | 3,023 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 365 | 12.07% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 2,564 | 84.82% |
ZIP Code 85941 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 23 business establishments, employing about 867 people with an annual payroll of $63,003,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,983Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 23Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $14,793,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $63,003,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 867Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 85941 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 9.84% of whom live in ZIP Code 85941. It covers 477.397 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.043 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: | 477.397 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1.043 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: | 0482530Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Whiteriver CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 85941 is in the Whiteriver Unified District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 7 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.