| City: | Fort Defiance, Arizona |
| Names to Avoid: | White Clay |
| County: | Apache County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:22:23 AM |
| Population: | 5,723 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.7787, -109.1819 |
| Land Area: | 201.615 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Fort Defiance sits in Apache County, Arizona, serving Navajo communities across 319 square miles of reservation land. With 5,349 of the 5,723 residents (93%) identifying as Native American, this is one of the largest Navajo communities with PO Box classification. The post office maintains 1,712 PO Boxes for 1,707 occupied households, meaning nearly every family relies on PO Box delivery.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. While some rural route delivery exists along tribal roads, the vast majority of residents must travel to the Fort Defiance post office to collect their mail. For many living in remote areas of the reservation, this journey can span significant distances across rugged terrain.
The road network includes tribal roads such as Navajo 112, Navajo 125, Navajo 7, and Red Lake 3149. These numbered routes connect scattered homes and family compounds across the territory. Street names like Juniper Avenue, Cedar Avenue, and Aspen Loop appear in the more developed areas near the post office, but most of the 319 square miles remains rural.
Household size averages 3.35 people per home, reflecting extended family structures common in Navajo communities. Multiple generations often live together. Median age is 34.7 years. Of the 1,852 housing units, 1,707 are occupied and 67% are owner-occupied. Median household income is $47,227, with a median home value of $45,600.
The community also uses the name White Clay, though this isn't accepted for mailing purposes. Economic activity centers on public administration (895 workers), transportation and warehousing (791 workers), and education and health care (574 workers). Many residents work for tribal government, the Indian Health Service, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
When mailing to Fort Defiance, use the format: PO Box [number], Fort Defiance, AZ 86504. Street addresses don't work here. The post office has served this Navajo community since before October 2004 (when ZIP introduction tracking began), functioning as more than just a mail center. It's a gathering point where community members collect government documents, prescriptions, packages, and stay connected to services that sustain life on the reservation.
Tribal routes with numbered designations (Navajo 112, Navajo 125, Navajo 7, Red Lake 3149) connect scattered homes across the reservation, while tree-themed streets (Juniper, Cedar, Aspen, Cypress) appear in more developed areas near the post office.
ZIP Code 86504 has 5,723 residents and 1,707 households (average 3.35 persons per household). The median age is 34.7 years, younger than the state (38.9) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.6% male and 51.4% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (93.5%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (2.4%, much lower than the state average of 60.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.9%, 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: | 5,723Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 5,760Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 28.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $46,573Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,707Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $45,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.35Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.03Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 6,594 | 6,190 | 6,396 | 6,549 | 6,469 | 6,827 | 7,001 | 7,003 | 7,201 | 7,296 | 6,347 | 5,909 | 5,905 | 5,760 |
| Decennial Census | 6,589 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 5,723 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 34.7
Male Median Age: 33.1
Female Median Age: 36.8
| 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 | 162 | 211 | 228 | 312 | 179 | 180 | 206 | 198 | 162 | 170 | 141 | 163 | 139 | 111 | 105 | 53 | 31 | 31 |
| Female | 155 | 199 | 247 | 305 | 168 | 153 | 178 | 186 | 207 | 148 | 158 | 183 | 165 | 174 | 130 | 82 | 61 | 42 |
| Total | 317 | 410 | 475 | 617 | 347 | 333 | 384 | 384 | 369 | 318 | 299 | 346 | 304 | 285 | 235 | 135 | 92 | 73 |
| White: | 135 | 2.37% |
| Black: | 17 | 0.30% |
| Hispanic:* | 106 | 1.86% |
| Asian: | 55 | 0.97% |
| American Indian: | 5,349 | 94.01% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 28 | 0.49% |
| Total: | 5,690 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 2,782 | 48.61% | 33.1 years |
| Females: | 2,941 | 51.39% | 36.8 years |
| Total: | 5,723 | 100% | 34.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 5,647 | 98.04% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 3 | 0.05% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 53 | 0.92% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 57 | 1.91% |
| Total Population: | 5,760 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 5,650 | 98.09% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 110 | 1.91% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $46,573, which is far less than the national median ($80,734), is up $6,213 (15.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $12,962. Family households earn a median of $49,297 versus $28,333 for nonfamily households (a difference of $20,964). By gender, male median income is $36,964 and female is $45,170, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $8,206 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 45.2%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 14.6%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (31.2%).
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 | $40,360 | $34,210 | $34,349 | $34,854 | $31,291 | $25,718 | $30,191 | $31,042 | $33,611 | $35,820 | $42,659 | $41,738 | $47,227 | $46,573 |
| Median Family Income | $37,647 | $33,333 | $33,542 | $34,925 | $29,438 | $26,531 | $31,520 | $33,964 | $38,481 | $41,783 | $43,750 | $46,047 | $49,063 | $49,297 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $24,196 | $22,076 | $22,941 | $23,182 | $22,170 | $20,391 | $20,427 | $18,450 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $28,333 |
| Median Male Income | $38,902 | $40,671 | $34,588 | $37,148 | $34,521 | $33,828 | $33,292 | $39,766 | $38,558 | $36,962 | $37,321 | $41,648 | $40,075 | $36,964 |
| Median Female Income | $33,889 | $28,485 | $27,273 | $28,514 | $27,533 | $28,264 | $32,566 | $38,350 | $38,654 | $37,250 | $37,153 | $41,071 | $43,406 | $45,170 |
| Employed: | 1,758 | 38.48% |
| Unemployed: | 301 | 6.59% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 2,510 | 54.94% |
| Total: | 4,569 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 548 | 31.17% |
| Service: | 479 | 27.25% |
| Sales and Office: | 351 | 19.97% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 143 | 8.13% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 237 | 13.48% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,758 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $45,000, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $18,300 (28.91%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,100. The median gross rent is $844, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), is up $180 (27.11%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $287. Of occupied housing, owners make up 67.00% (6.81% with a mortgage, 93.19% free-and-clear) and renters 33.00% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 18.46%, which is much 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 | $63,300 | $60,000 | $56,900 | $51,000 | $53,100 | $53,200 | $44,400 | $38,500 | $40,900 | $45,400 | $34,700 | $35,600 | $45,600 | $45,000 |
| Less than $500: | 148 | 26.24% |
| $500 to $999: | 211 | 37.41% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 123 | 21.81% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 29 | 5.14% |
| $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: | 53 | 9.40% |
| Total: | 564 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $664 | $665 | $698 | $690 | $594 | $566 | $559 | $557 | $557 | $502 | $623 | $695 | $725 | $844 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 78 | 4.56% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 1,067 | 62.43% |
| Renter Occupied: | 564 | 33.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,709 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,709 | 81.54% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 387 | 18.46% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,096 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 1,575 | 75.14% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 132 | 6.30% |
| Other Units: | 389 | 18.56% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,096 | 100% |
In 2024, 14.40% 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 86.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 31.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 28.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 47.60%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 25.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 7.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.50 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 (42.42%). College enrollment is 20.58%, 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: | 170 | 4.88% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 288 | 8.27% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 1,219 | 35.01% |
| Some college, no degree: | 1,011 | 29.04% |
| Associate's degree: | 292 | 8.39% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 314 | 9.02% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 188 | 5.40% |
| Total: | 3,482 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 3,024 | 86.85% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 502 | 14.42% |
| Private Insurance: | 1,623 | 26.31% |
| Public Insurance: | 2,739 | 44.41% |
| No Insurance: | 1,806 | 29.28% |
| Total: | 6,168 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 4,362 | 70.72% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 32.3% | 36.6% | 34.6% | 34.3% | 38.1% | 38.9% | 34.6% | 33.1% | 29.6% | 25.6% | 25.1% | 26.2% | 25.1% | 25.3% |
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: | 116 | 7.30% |
| Kindergarten: | 55 | 3.46% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 674 | 42.42% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 417 | 26.24% |
| College or graduate school: | 327 | 20.58% |
| Total: | 1,589 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 171 | 10.76% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 1,146 | 72.12% |
ZIP Code 86504 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 16 business establishments, employing about 681 people with an annual payroll of $53,106,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,779Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 16Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $11,423,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $53,106,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 681Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 86504 is located in Apache County, Arizona, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Arizona's 1st Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 86504. It covers 201.615 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.196 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 201.615 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.196 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 55039.61 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0424460Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Fort Defiance CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 86504 is in the Window Rock Unified District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 6 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.