| City: | Tsaile, Arizona |
| City Alias: | Chinle |
| County: | Apache County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:21:01 PM |
| Population: | 2,398 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 928 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.3362, -109.2631 |
| Land Area: | 216.365 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Tsaile sits in the heart of the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona, home to 2,398 residents across 265 square miles of Apache County. Of these residents, 1,947 are Native American, making this 81% Navajo. The community is built around Diné College, the first tribally-controlled college in the United States, which accounts for 401 students living in group quarters (dormitories).
Mail delivery here works differently than in most of America. The post office maintains 333 PO Boxes for 647 households, meaning about half of local families rely on boxes while others receive highway contract delivery. There's minimal street addressing infrastructure (just one street, Circle Drive, appears in postal records), which is typical for reservation communities where traditional land use patterns don't align with conventional addressing systems. A single highway contract route serves scattered homes across this vast territory.
The population is notably young, with a median age of 25.2 years. This isn't just because of the college. Extended families are common here, with an average of 3.7 people per household compared to the national average of 2.5. These multi-generational households are a cornerstone of Navajo family structure.
Work patterns differ from urban America. About 36% of workers work from home, one of the highest rates in Arizona. This reflects both the college presence (faculty, researchers) and the geographic reality of living on the reservation. When residents do commute, carpooling is common (213 workers carpool versus 291 who drive alone), a practical response to distances and economic conditions. The largest employment sectors are educational services and health care (502 workers), public administration (386 workers, mostly tribal government), and transportation (390 workers).
Economic conditions are challenging. Median household income is $27,500, well below state and national averages. Median home values of $35,000 and rents of $550 per month reflect both the rural location and reservation housing economics. Only 9.5% of adults hold bachelor's degrees, though Diné College's presence is working to change that.
Tsaile also accepts mail addressed to Chinle, the larger Navajo Nation administrative center about 30 miles north. This alias connection reflects how postal service spans multiple communities across the reservation, with Tsaile functioning as a sub-hub for its corner of the Navajo Nation.
Virtually no conventional street addressing exists, with just Circle Drive appearing in postal records. Highway contract delivery serves scattered residences across the territory.
ZIP Code 86556 has 2,398 residents and 647 households (average 3.09 persons per household). The median age is 25.2 years, significantly younger than the state (38.9) and significantly 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 (81.2%, much higher than the state average of 4.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (14.9%, much lower than the state average of 60.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.8%, 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: | 2,398Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,894Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 11.1 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $27,500Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 647Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $35,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.09Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.27Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,593 | 1,792 | 1,811 | 1,901 | 1,920 | 1,909 | 1,956 | 2,073 | 2,324 | 2,358 | 2,845 | 2,945 | 2,894 |
| Decennial Census | 2,090 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2,398 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 25.2
Male Median Age: 27.1
Female Median Age: 24.6
| 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 | 77 | 77 | 89 | 147 | 162 | 75 | 71 | 64 | 73 | 52 | 50 | 56 | 38 | 47 | 24 | 24 | 5 | 4 |
| Female | 55 | 90 | 107 | 148 | 244 | 62 | 66 | 69 | 54 | 61 | 50 | 60 | 75 | 32 | 46 | 11 | 14 | 19 |
| Total | 132 | 167 | 196 | 295 | 406 | 137 | 137 | 133 | 127 | 113 | 100 | 116 | 113 | 79 | 70 | 35 | 19 | 23 |
| White: | 358 | 14.74% |
| Black: | 3 | 0.12% |
| Hispanic:* | 92 | 3.79% |
| Asian: | 11 | 0.45% |
| American Indian: | 1,947 | 80.16% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 18 | 0.74% |
| Total: | 2,429 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,135 | 47.33% | 27.1 years |
| Females: | 1,263 | 52.67% | 24.6 years |
| Total: | 2,398 | 100% | 25.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 2,796 | 96.61% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 10 | 0.35% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 3 | 0.10% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 85 | 3.04% |
| Total Population: | 2,894 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 2,806 | 96.96% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 88 | 3.04% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $27,500, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $7,500 (37.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $347. Family households earn a median of $29,135 versus $15,313 for nonfamily households (a difference of $13,822). By gender, male median income is $49,167 and female is $33,021, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $16,146 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 43.6%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 14.9%, which is far worse than the state rate (5.1%). The largest occupation group is Management (36.5%).
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 | $20,000 | $24,250 | $27,969 | $19,954 | $28,188 | $29,107 | $26,806 | $23,636 | $27,153 | $20,982 | $21,711 | $24,625 | $27,500 |
| Median Family Income | $27,000 | $31,429 | $32,000 | $31,111 | $32,670 | $33,229 | $31,154 | $25,227 | $29,688 | $22,917 | $27,054 | $26,042 | $29,135 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $9,274 | $9,228 | $9,714 | $9,179 | $10,455 | $13,333 | $15,893 | $18,333 | $22,375 | $0 | $0 | $18,438 | $15,313 |
| Median Male Income | $31,719 | $35,139 | $37,188 | $34,000 | $32,708 | $34,583 | $36,250 | $36,688 | $38,281 | $38,229 | $43,125 | $40,833 | $49,167 |
| Median Female Income | $28,864 | $32,417 | $30,469 | $30,750 | $31,250 | $30,729 | $27,692 | $29,500 | $30,417 | $29,728 | $30,529 | $34,250 | $33,021 |
| Employed: | 797 | 36.69% |
| Unemployed: | 141 | 6.49% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,234 | 56.81% |
| Total: | 2,172 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 291 | 36.51% |
| Service: | 213 | 26.73% |
| Sales and Office: | 151 | 18.95% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 67 | 8.41% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 75 | 9.41% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 797 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $35,000, which is much lower than the state median ($358,900), is down $24,000 (40.68%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $12,800. The median gross rent is $550, which is well under the state median ($1,431), is up $236 (75.16%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $223. Of occupied housing, owners make up 68.47% (5.35% with a mortgage, 94.65% free-and-clear) and renters 31.53% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 26.20%, which is markedly above 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 | $59,000 | $57,800 | $56,900 | $55,400 | $61,500 | $49,800 | $47,100 | $46,100 | $47,800 | $43,400 | $41,600 | $41,800 | $35,000 |
| Less than $500: | 83 | 41.92% |
| $500 to $999: | 93 | 46.97% |
| $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: | 22 | 11.11% |
| Total: | 198 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $314 | $332 | $335 | $285 | $274 | $291 | $318 | $292 | $327 | $363 | $388 | $446 | $550 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 23 | 3.66% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 407 | 64.81% |
| Renter Occupied: | 198 | 31.53% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 628 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 628 | 73.80% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 223 | 26.20% |
| Total Housing Units: | 851 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 578 | 67.92% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 106 | 12.46% |
| Other Units: | 167 | 19.62% |
| Total Housing Units: | 851 | 100% |
In 2023, 9.50% 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 77.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 19.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 29.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 54.30%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 44.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 1.00 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.30 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (48.49%). College enrollment is 48.49%, which is markedly above the state rate (26.20%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 160 | 11.75% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 150 | 11.01% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 379 | 27.83% |
| Some college, no degree: | 414 | 30.40% |
| Associate's degree: | 129 | 9.47% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 44 | 3.23% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 86 | 6.31% |
| Total: | 1,362 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,052 | 77.24% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 130 | 9.54% |
| Private Insurance: | 843 | 28.36% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,567 | 52.73% |
| No Insurance: | 562 | 18.91% |
| Total: | 2,972 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,410 | 81.09% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 45.3% | 42.8% | 40.1% | 41.4% | 38.9% | 37.6% | 38.3% | 45.9% | 42.0% | 51.7% | 48.3% | 50.3% | 44.3% |
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: | 6 | 0.42% |
| Kindergarten: | 46 | 3.23% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 461 | 32.35% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 221 | 15.51% |
| College or graduate school: | 691 | 48.49% |
| Total: | 1,425 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 52 | 3.65% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 728 | 51.09% |
ZIP Code 86556 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 37 people with an annual payroll of $1,022,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 394Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $226,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,022,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 37Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 86556 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 86556. It covers 216.365 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.988 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: | 216.365 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.988 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: | 0475660Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Tsaile CDP; ArizonaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 86556 is in the Chinle Unified District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. 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.