| City: | Lukachukai, Arizona |
| City Alias: | Chinle |
| Names to Avoid: | Greasewood Springs, Upper Greasewood Trading Pos, Upper Wheatfields |
| County: | Apache County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:22:26 AM |
| Population: | 1,912 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.4679, -109.2504 |
| Land Area: | 216.229 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Lukachukai sits in the Chuska Mountains of northeastern Arizona, serving Navajo communities across 203 square miles of Apache County. This isn't a town in the conventional sense. It's a chapter of the Navajo Nation where 1,889 of the 1,912 residents (99%) are Native American. The post office connects families and hogans scattered across a vast mountain territory where traditional land use patterns don't align with standard street addressing.
The Lukachukai post office operates as a Community Post Office (facility code C) and maintains 542 PO Boxes for the 601 households in this area. That 90% adoption rate shows near-universal reliance on PO Boxes. While this isn't technically designated a PO Box Only Zone, the reality is that most mail reaches families through boxes. A single Highway Contract route (H route) serves some locations along Highway 191, but the sparse addressing infrastructure (just one street name appears in postal records) means PO Boxes handle the bulk of mail delivery across 203 square miles of mountain terrain.
Families here average 3.2 people per household, a pattern that shows the multi-generational living arrangements common in Navajo communities. Median age is 34.8 years. With a median household income of $33,015, this is a working community where 296 people work in public administration (likely for the Navajo Nation government), 276 in education and healthcare, and 185 in transportation. Work from home accounts for 41% of the workforce, though this figure likely includes traditional economic activities on the reservation.
The aliases tell the story of the communities served: Upper Wheatfields, Upper Greasewood Trading Post, and Greasewood Springs. These names appear in postal records but aren't valid for mailing. Mail sent to Chinle (also an accepted alias) or Lukachukai will reach the same post office. The ZIP code dates back to before October 2004, when USPS tracking began, showing this has been an established mail access point for decades.
For families across this mountain chapter, the Lukachukai post office isn't a convenience. It's the primary connection to mail, packages, prescriptions, and government documents. People drive from across the territory to this central point because there's no practical alternative for most locations. The post office handles General Delivery (G route) for those without boxes, but the 542 boxes at a facility serving 601 households shows that nearly every family maintains one.
Only one street appears in postal records. Highway Contract delivery serves scattered locations, but PO Boxes handle most mail.
ZIP Code 86507 has 1,912 residents and 601 households (average 3.18 persons per household). The median age is 34.8 years, younger than the state (38.9) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.3% male and 52.7% 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 (98.8%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (0.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.9%, 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: | 1,912Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,207Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 8.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $35,924Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 601Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $50,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.18Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.49Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 2,132 | 2,311 | 2,464 | 2,415 | 2,551 | 2,456 | 2,481 | 2,217 | 2,323 | 2,429 | 2,005 | 2,006 | 2,143 | 2,207 |
| Decennial Census | 2,340 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,912 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 34.8
Male Median Age: 35
Female Median Age: 34.4
| 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 | 51 | 78 | 70 | 77 | 52 | 52 | 73 | 52 | 54 | 45 | 61 | 63 | 59 | 35 | 47 | 19 | 9 | 8 |
| Female | 54 | 78 | 104 | 79 | 68 | 72 | 52 | 57 | 41 | 55 | 47 | 85 | 56 | 62 | 29 | 34 | 18 | 16 |
| Total | 105 | 156 | 174 | 156 | 120 | 124 | 125 | 109 | 95 | 100 | 108 | 148 | 115 | 97 | 76 | 53 | 27 | 24 |
| White: | 5 | 0.26% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.05% |
| Hispanic:* | 17 | 0.89% |
| Asian: | 3 | 0.16% |
| American Indian: | 1,889 | 98.44% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 4 | 0.21% |
| Total: | 1,919 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 905 | 47.33% | 35.0 years |
| Females: | 1,007 | 52.67% | 34.4 years |
| Total: | 1,912 | 100% | 34.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 2,207 | 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: | 2,207 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 2,207 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $35,924, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $18,769 (109.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,039. Family households earn a median of $37,039 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $37,039). By gender, male median income is $48,393 and female is $44,107, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $4,286 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 39.3%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 21.2%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (26.0%).
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 | $17,155 | $20,119 | $22,009 | $22,188 | $25,833 | $29,722 | $28,056 | $24,167 | $22,885 | $19,239 | $20,357 | $23,304 | $33,015 | $35,924 |
| Median Family Income | $23,750 | $28,333 | $31,375 | $32,596 | $31,765 | $33,816 | $33,063 | $31,713 | $31,118 | $27,700 | $27,500 | $32,125 | $33,897 | $37,039 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $9,010 | $10,313 | $11,250 | $11,667 | $9,667 | $8,125 | $8,942 | $9,850 | $11,250 | $9,911 | $12,857 | $11,282 | $9,700 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $23,571 | $28,661 | $32,750 | $35,188 | $34,417 | $31,815 | $33,594 | $30,188 | $26,813 | $29,583 | $40,417 | $43,681 | $48,125 | $48,393 |
| Median Female Income | $30,357 | $27,625 | $27,813 | $31,250 | $31,750 | $26,875 | $30,227 | $33,906 | $33,000 | $26,167 | $36,875 | $47,750 | $46,853 | $44,107 |
| Employed: | 530 | 30.98% |
| Unemployed: | 143 | 8.36% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,038 | 60.67% |
| Total: | 1,711 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 138 | 26.04% |
| Service: | 133 | 25.09% |
| Sales and Office: | 75 | 14.15% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 97 | 18.30% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 87 | 16.42% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 530 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $50,000, which is far less than the national median ($332,700), is down $18,600 (27.11%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,300. The median gross rent is $921, which is much lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $401 (77.12%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $71. Of occupied housing, owners make up 89.13% (3.66% with a mortgage, 96.34% free-and-clear) and renters 10.87% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 30.08%, 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 | $68,600 | $66,100 | $57,600 | $59,400 | $65,000 | $61,200 | $52,000 | $48,500 | $45,700 | $49,000 | $48,000 | $53,600 | $48,800 | $50,000 |
| Less than $500: | 8 | 11.43% |
| $500 to $999: | 14 | 20.00% |
| $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: | 48 | 68.57% |
| Total: | 70 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $520 | $561 | $509 | $542 | $513 | $541 | $588 | $766 | $850 | $888 | $0 | $850 | $907 | $921 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 21 | 3.26% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 553 | 85.87% |
| Renter Occupied: | 70 | 10.87% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 644 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 644 | 69.92% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 277 | 30.08% |
| Total Housing Units: | 921 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 757 | 82.19% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 17 | 1.85% |
| Other Units: | 147 | 15.96% |
| Total Housing Units: | 921 | 100% |
In 2024, 11.90% 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 82.40%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 13.60%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 20.90%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 72.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 32.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 8.30 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 6.90 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 (51.03%). College enrollment is 23.53%, 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: | 141 | 9.66% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 116 | 7.95% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 516 | 35.37% |
| Some college, no degree: | 305 | 20.90% |
| Associate's degree: | 207 | 14.19% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 117 | 8.02% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 57 | 3.91% |
| Total: | 1,459 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,202 | 82.39% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 174 | 11.93% |
| Private Insurance: | 461 | 19.53% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,598 | 67.71% |
| No Insurance: | 301 | 12.75% |
| Total: | 2,360 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,059 | 87.25% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 46.2% | 42.7% | 41.6% | 39.1% | 39.7% | 37.0% | 38.5% | 39.2% | 44.8% | 46.7% | 43.3% | 41.9% | 37.9% | 32.9% |
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: | 37 | 5.88% |
| Kindergarten: | 8 | 1.27% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 321 | 51.03% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 115 | 18.28% |
| College or graduate school: | 148 | 23.53% |
| Total: | 629 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 45 | 7.15% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 444 | 70.59% |
ZIP Code 86507 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 19 people with an annual payroll of $249,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 533Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $94,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $249,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 19Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 86507 is located in Apache County, Arizona, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Arizona's 2nd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 86507. It covers 216.229 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.225 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: | 216.229 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.225 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: | 0442660Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Lukachukai CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 86507 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 February 1, 2026.