| City: | Blue Gap, Arizona |
| City Alias: | Pinon |
| County: | Navajo County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:22:31 AM |
| Population: | 2,361 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.0674, -109.9897 |
| Land Area: | 284.613 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Blue Gap sits in the heart of the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona. This remote community spans 291 square miles of high desert terrain in Navajo County. Of the 2,361 residents, 2,304 are Native American, making this 98% Navajo. The median age is 33.8 years, and households average 3.1 people, typical of extended family structures common on the reservation.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The post office in Pinon (an accepted mailing alias for 86520) maintains 466 PO Boxes serving 751 households. That's a 62% adoption rate. Many families share boxes, and some residents travel considerable distances to collect mail. The sparse road network includes just one named route in postal records: Indian Route 4. Highway contract delivery (Route H) handles what limited street addressing exists.
Economic conditions reflect the challenges of reservation life. Median household income is $15,160, well below state and national averages. Per capita income sits at $11,406. Only 4.6% of adults hold bachelor's degrees. There are no recorded business establishments in ZIP+4 data, though four business delivery points exist. Public administration employs 178 workers, likely tribal government positions. Another 211 work in transportation and warehousing, and 128 in educational and health services.
Homeownership is strong despite low incomes. Of 751 occupied housing units, 590 are owner-occupied (79%). Median home values are $60,900, and median rent is $715. The housing stock includes 96 mobile homes. Seasonal vacancy is low: just 36 of 878 total housing units. This isn't a vacation area. People live here year-round.
The work-from-home rate stands at 35.3%, though this likely includes subsistence activities and informal work rather than remote professional employment. Commuting patterns show 78 workers drive alone, 93 carpool (reflecting both necessity and fuel costs), and 85 use public transportation, unusual for rural areas but explained by tribal transit services. Only 19.7% of residents were born in the United States outside Arizona, indicating deep generational ties to this land.
Mail should be addressed to either:
PO Box [number]
Blue Gap, AZ 86520or
PO Box [number]
Pinon, AZ 86520Both city names are valid. Pinon is where the physical post office is located. Street addresses don't work here.
Postal records show only one named route, Indian Route 4, across the entire 291 square mile territory. This minimal addressing infrastructure explains why PO Boxes are essential and why highway contract delivery is used instead of traditional carrier routes.
ZIP Code 86520 has 2,361 residents and 751 households (average 3.14 persons per household). The median age is 33.8 years, younger than the state (38.9) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.5% male and 50.5% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (97.6%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (1.5%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.5%, 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: | 2,361Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,293Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 8.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $15,417Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 751Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $55,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.14Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.45Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,884 | 1,765 | 1,938 | 2,002 | 1,995 | 1,961 | 1,882 | 1,689 | 1,540 | 1,556 | 2,270 | 2,201 | 2,185 | 2,293 |
| Decennial Census | 1,793 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2,361 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 33.8
Male Median Age: 32.4
Female Median Age: 35.7
| 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 | 41 | 126 | 125 | 105 | 73 | 75 | 80 | 61 | 46 | 70 | 59 | 66 | 86 | 40 | 47 | 40 | 16 | 12 |
| Female | 85 | 73 | 131 | 80 | 65 | 83 | 70 | 52 | 43 | 76 | 67 | 68 | 103 | 73 | 42 | 43 | 19 | 20 |
| Total | 126 | 199 | 256 | 185 | 138 | 158 | 150 | 113 | 89 | 146 | 126 | 134 | 189 | 113 | 89 | 83 | 35 | 32 |
| White: | 4 | 0.17% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.04% |
| Hispanic:* | 35 | 1.49% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 2,304 | 98.29% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 2,344 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,168 | 49.47% | 32.4 years |
| Females: | 1,193 | 50.53% | 35.7 years |
| Total: | 2,361 | 100% | 33.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 2,293 | 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: | 2,293 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 2,293 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $15,417, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $900 (6.2%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $5,929. Family households earn a median of $31,071 versus $2,499 for nonfamily households (a difference of $28,572). By gender, male median income is $41,771 and female is $31,354, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $10,417 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 36.7%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 36.4%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (26.7%).
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 | $14,517 | $14,583 | $14,583 | $16,250 | $17,074 | $17,195 | $19,679 | $21,154 | $21,346 | $20,313 | $17,361 | $16,818 | $15,160 | $15,417 |
| Median Family Income | $20,962 | $17,458 | $20,938 | $26,429 | $26,397 | $26,438 | $33,824 | $35,227 | $34,500 | $31,094 | $30,337 | $31,838 | $33,142 | $31,071 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $9,020 | $8,936 | $8,325 | $8,350 | $8,446 | $8,682 | $9,776 | $9,485 | $9,286 | $8,375 | $8,839 | $8,682 | $0 | $2,499 |
| Median Male Income | $36,346 | $30,833 | $28,036 | $31,818 | $35,313 | $34,792 | $33,214 | $30,114 | $27,639 | $22,250 | $37,778 | $41,667 | $44,107 | $41,771 |
| Median Female Income | $27,885 | $30,417 | $24,821 | $24,808 | $27,500 | $31,875 | $32,031 | $33,269 | $34,464 | $33,250 | $29,125 | $35,250 | $32,250 | $31,354 |
| Employed: | 408 | 23.35% |
| Unemployed: | 234 | 13.39% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,105 | 63.25% |
| Total: | 1,747 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 95 | 23.28% |
| Service: | 109 | 26.72% |
| Sales and Office: | 45 | 11.03% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 80 | 19.61% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 79 | 19.36% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 408 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $55,800, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $2,200 (3.79%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $800. The median gross rent is $716, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $198 (38.22%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $108. Of occupied housing, owners make up 87.56% (5.14% with a mortgage, 94.86% free-and-clear) and renters 12.44% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 21.71%, 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 | $58,000 | $51,500 | $50,700 | $42,700 | $52,400 | $55,900 | $59,500 | $53,000 | $56,600 | $54,800 | $62,900 | $58,600 | $60,900 | $55,800 |
| Less than $500: | 16 | 15.24% |
| $500 to $999: | 38 | 36.19% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 17 | 16.19% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 6 | 5.71% |
| $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: | 28 | 26.67% |
| Total: | 105 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $518 | $532 | $570 | $569 | $564 | $569 | $586 | $575 | $608 | $680 | $775 | $675 | $715 | $716 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 38 | 4.50% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 701 | 83.06% |
| Renter Occupied: | 105 | 12.44% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 844 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 844 | 78.29% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 234 | 21.71% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,078 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 956 | 88.68% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 12 | 1.11% |
| Other Units: | 110 | 10.20% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,078 | 100% |
In 2024, 5.80% 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 67.90%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 16.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 12.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 74.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 47.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 9.50 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 15.80 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 (58.33%). College enrollment is 6.60%, 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: | 196 | 13.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 288 | 19.10% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 491 | 32.56% |
| Some college, no degree: | 339 | 22.48% |
| Associate's degree: | 107 | 7.10% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 24 | 1.59% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 63 | 4.18% |
| Total: | 1,508 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,024 | 67.90% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 87 | 5.77% |
| Private Insurance: | 291 | 12.29% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,697 | 71.69% |
| No Insurance: | 379 | 16.01% |
| Total: | 2,367 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,988 | 83.99% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 53.2% | 58.5% | 59.4% | 50.9% | 48.2% | 45.8% | 36.5% | 27.5% | 27.9% | 30.8% | 40.2% | 45.9% | 43.7% | 47.2% |
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: | 48 | 8.33% |
| Kindergarten: | 16 | 2.78% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 336 | 58.33% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 138 | 23.96% |
| College or graduate school: | 38 | 6.60% |
| Total: | 576 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 64 | 11.11% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 490 | 85.07% |
ZIP Code 86520 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 471Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 86520 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 2.20% of whom live in ZIP Code 86520. It covers 284.613 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.032 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: | 284.613 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.032 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 86520 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. 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.