| City: | Second Mesa, Arizona |
| Names to Avoid: | Mishongnovi, Shipolovi, Shongopovi, Toreva |
| County: | Navajo County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:17:34 PM |
| Population: | 1,559 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.8983, -110.6371 |
| Land Area: | 114.422 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Second Mesa sits on the Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona, serving multiple villages across 417 square miles of high desert plateau. This isn't a single town. The post office serves Shongopovi, Mishongnovi, Shipolovi, and Toreva, villages that share this ZIP code but maintain distinct identities. Of the 1,559 residents, 99% are Native American, making this one of the most culturally homogeneous communities in Arizona.
PO Boxes are the only mail delivery option across the entire territory. This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no street delivery, no rural carrier routes, and no alternative postal service. The 447 PO Boxes at the Second Mesa post office serve 416 households plus 11 businesses. Highway 264 connects the villages, and mail is delivered via highway contract route rather than traditional carrier service.
Household size averages 3.75 people, typical of Hopi extended family structures where multiple generations often live together. Median age is 31 years. The community is young and growing, with a balance of working-age adults and children. Home ownership is high at 76%, though median home values of $76,900 don't capture the cultural significance of ancestral homes on the mesas.
Public administration employs 38% of the workforce (262 of 691 workers). That's tribal government, schools, and community services. Another 30% work in educational services and health care. Federal government employs 100 workers, likely Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service positions. About 19% of workers work from home, higher than many rural areas. Median household income is $37,875, with per capita income of $9,353.
The Hopi Mesas have been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years. Second Mesa is one of three mesa fingers extending from Black Mesa, each with its own villages. The post office serves as more than a mail distribution point. It's where community members gather, where government checks arrive, where packages from distant family members are picked up, and where official tribal and federal documents are received.
Use "Second Mesa, AZ 86043" for all mail. The village names (Shongopovi, Mishongnovi, Shipolovi, Toreva) are recognized by USPS but aren't valid for mailing addresses. All mail must include a PO Box number.
The sparse addressing shows minimal street-based infrastructure, with Highway 264 serving as the main corridor connecting villages.
ZIP Code 86043 has 1,559 residents and 416 households (average 3.75 persons per household). The median age is 31.0 years, significantly younger than the state (38.9) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 44.6% male and 55.4% female, which is lower than the state male share (49.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (98.7%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (0.5%, much lower than the state average of 60.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.3%, 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: | 1,559Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,337Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 13.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $37,875Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 416Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $76,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.75Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 5.63Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 2,138 | 1,772 | 1,787 | 2,080 | 2,293 | 2,617 | 2,762 | 2,838 | 2,840 | 3,036 | 2,609 | 2,523 | 2,337 |
| Decennial Census | 1,798 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,559 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 31
Male Median Age: 30
Female Median Age: 32.3
| 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 | 53 | 71 | 62 | 61 | 51 | 49 | 60 | 32 | 29 | 46 | 39 | 27 | 30 | 36 | 28 | 6 | 10 | 5 |
| Female | 47 | 63 | 69 | 81 | 80 | 58 | 50 | 24 | 57 | 29 | 51 | 32 | 67 | 37 | 50 | 31 | 25 | 13 |
| Total | 100 | 134 | 131 | 142 | 131 | 107 | 110 | 56 | 86 | 75 | 90 | 59 | 97 | 73 | 78 | 37 | 35 | 18 |
| White: | 8 | 0.51% |
| Black: | 2 | 0.13% |
| Hispanic:* | 5 | 0.32% |
| Asian: | 3 | 0.19% |
| American Indian: | 1,539 | 98.78% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 1 | 0.06% |
| Total: | 1,558 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 695 | 44.58% | 30.0 years |
| Females: | 864 | 55.42% | 32.3 years |
| Total: | 1,559 | 100% | 31.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 2,337 | 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: | 2,337 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 2,337 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $37,875, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $15,219 (67.2%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,694. Family households earn a median of $43,781 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $43,781). By gender, male median income is $43,704 and female is $38,952, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $4,752 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 45.4%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 26.5%, which is markedly higher than the state rate (5.1%). The largest occupation group is Sales (43.5%).
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 | $22,656 | $20,000 | $23,542 | $31,713 | $34,167 | $32,632 | $36,250 | $37,763 | $36,181 | $40,665 | $42,604 | $40,655 | $37,875 |
| Median Family Income | $24,766 | $19,922 | $21,184 | $31,125 | $36,058 | $33,875 | $37,071 | $39,492 | $37,118 | $42,031 | $45,212 | $48,382 | $43,781 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $2,499 | $5,625 | $30,234 | $30,588 | $30,066 | $25,625 | $0 | $12,375 | $10,625 | $8,611 | $9,348 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $21,714 | $30,250 | $35,357 | $35,208 | $0 | $33,125 | $29,375 | $36,667 | $37,139 | $37,034 | $38,944 | $41,277 | $43,704 |
| Median Female Income | $29,102 | $33,542 | $31,364 | $29,453 | $0 | $24,955 | $27,391 | $25,996 | $25,147 | $28,813 | $35,000 | $36,250 | $38,952 |
| Employed: | 545 | 33.33% |
| Unemployed: | 197 | 12.05% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 893 | 54.62% |
| Total: | 1,635 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 68 | 12.48% |
| Service: | 97 | 17.80% |
| Sales and Office: | 237 | 43.49% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 45 | 8.26% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 98 | 17.98% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 545 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $76,900, which is much lower than the state median ($358,900), is down $84,100 (52.24%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,400. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,431), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $454. Of occupied housing, owners make up 73.18% (4.37% with a mortgage, 95.63% free-and-clear) and renters 26.82% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 19.11%, which is considerably 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 | $161,000 | $113,800 | $97,100 | $39,100 | $59,000 | $82,900 | $86,100 | $83,100 | $86,300 | $100,500 | $96,000 | $79,100 | $76,900 |
| Less than $500: | 15 | 9.93% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 136 | 90.07% |
| Total: | 151 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $525 | $538 | $546 | $530 | $638 | $454 | $346 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 18 | 3.20% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 394 | 69.98% |
| Renter Occupied: | 151 | 26.82% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 563 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 563 | 80.89% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 133 | 19.11% |
| Total Housing Units: | 696 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 589 | 84.63% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 107 | 15.37% |
| Total Housing Units: | 696 | 100% |
In 2023, 2.50% 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 85.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 14.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 8.30%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 81.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 40.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 8.30 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.00 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 (52.10%). College enrollment is 5.50%, 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: | 9 | 0.69% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 186 | 14.31% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 673 | 51.77% |
| Some college, no degree: | 314 | 24.15% |
| Associate's degree: | 86 | 6.62% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 32 | 2.46% |
| Total: | 1,300 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,105 | 85.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 32 | 2.46% |
| Private Insurance: | 193 | 7.99% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,897 | 78.49% |
| No Insurance: | 327 | 13.53% |
| Total: | 2,417 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,090 | 86.47% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 48.7% | 52.3% | 50.3% | 40.3% | 36.0% | 37.5% | 31.7% | 33.2% | 38.4% | 27.7% | 27.0% | 33.9% | 40.4% |
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: | 66 | 9.55% |
| Kindergarten: | 43 | 6.22% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 360 | 52.10% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 184 | 26.63% |
| College or graduate school: | 38 | 5.50% |
| Total: | 691 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 109 | 15.77% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 587 | 84.95% |
ZIP Code 86043 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 9 people with an annual payroll of $294,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 462Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $79,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $294,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 9Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 86043 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 107,744 people, about 1.45% of whom live in ZIP Code 86043. It covers 114.422 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.036 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Show Low, AZSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 43320Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 107,744Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 114.422 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.036 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: | 0465280Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Second Mesa CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 86043 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 January 1, 2026.