| City: | Fort Wingate, New Mexico |
| Names to Avoid: | Mcgaffey, Perea |
| County: | Mckinley County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:23:59 AM |
| Population: | 1,596 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 505 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.4293, -108.4746 |
| Land Area: | 75.14 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Fort Wingate sits on 185 square miles of high desert in western New Mexico, 11 miles east of Gallup. Despite the military name, this isn't an active base. Of the 1,596 residents, 97% are Native American (1,544 people), making this one of the most concentrated Navajo communities in McKinley County.
The post office is the only mail option across the entire territory. This is a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative delivery method. The Fort Wingate facility maintains 379 PO Boxes for 431 households, an 88% adoption rate that indicates near-universal reliance on box service. General Delivery is available for those who don't maintain boxes.
Rural carrier route R001 handles limited delivery on roads like Iyanbito Road (35 delivery points), Sweetwater Road (30 points), and Dakota Loop (28 points). A single highway contract route serves State Highway 400. Street names mix Navajo geography (Sweetwater, Burnt Corn) with Southwest character (Red Sage Loop, Painted Horse Trail) and military heritage (General Pershing Drive).
With 3.7 people per household, families here are larger than the national average of 2.5, typical of multi-generational Navajo households. Median age is 31.9 years. Only 24% of adults hold bachelor's degrees, but median household income is $96,324, well above typical reservation levels. This likely stems from the transportation and warehousing sector, which employs 419 workers, and 31% of the workforce working from home.
Perea and McGaffey are recognized names for this area but aren't valid for mailing addresses. All mail must use Fort Wingate, NM 87316. Homeownership is strong at 70% (302 of 431 households), with median home values of $77,200 and median rent of $1,072.
Street names blend Navajo geographic references (Iyanbito, Sweetwater) with Southwest natural features (Red Sage, Burnt Corn) and military history (General Pershing Drive).
ZIP Code 87316 has 1,596 residents and 431 households (average 3.70 persons per household). The median age is 31.9 years, significantly younger than the state (39.2) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.4% male and 50.6% 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 (96.7%, much higher than the state average of 10.0% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.1%, which is much lower than the state average (47.7%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (10.0%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,596Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,979Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 21.2 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $84,875Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 431Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $71,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.70Source: 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 | -- | 1,263 | 1,293 | 1,411 | 1,286 | 1,320 | 1,304 | 1,398 | 1,188 | 1,086 | 1,228 | 1,630 | 1,552 | 1,721 | 1,979 |
| Decennial Census | 1,304 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,596 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 31.9
Male Median Age: 31.7
Female Median Age: 32.1
| 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 | 59 | 61 | 96 | 58 | 59 | 43 | 53 | 54 | 50 | 37 | 37 | 54 | 41 | 36 | 11 | 22 | 12 | 5 |
| Female | 58 | 76 | 54 | 68 | 52 | 66 | 67 | 48 | 49 | 36 | 37 | 49 | 46 | 44 | 35 | 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Total | 117 | 137 | 150 | 126 | 111 | 109 | 120 | 102 | 99 | 73 | 74 | 103 | 87 | 80 | 46 | 32 | 17 | 13 |
| White: | 17 | 1.06% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.06% |
| Hispanic:* | 33 | 2.06% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.06% |
| American Indian: | 1,544 | 96.20% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 9 | 0.56% |
| Total: | 1,605 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 788 | 49.37% | 31.7 years |
| Females: | 808 | 50.63% | 32.1 years |
| Total: | 1,596 | 100% | 31.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,785 | 90.20% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 154 | 7.78% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 24 | 1.21% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 16 | 2.02% |
| Total Population: | 1,979 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,939 | 97.98% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 40 | 2.02% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $84,875, which is well above the national median ($80,734), is up $60,812 (252.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $55,917. Family households earn a median of $98,529 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $98,529). By gender, male median income is $94,297 and female is $49,000, which is well under the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $45,297 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 59.3%, which is lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 10.0%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (36.4%).
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 | $24,063 | $26,531 | $26,167 | $25,956 | $25,694 | $25,000 | $27,143 | $23,125 | $28,958 | $65,391 | $81,563 | $90,083 | $96,324 | $84,875 |
| Median Family Income | $27,083 | $27,143 | $28,646 | $28,429 | $28,295 | $29,241 | $30,071 | $26,750 | $31,029 | $66,797 | $83,357 | $91,445 | $97,357 | $98,529 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $17,604 | $13,750 | $15,260 | $16,250 | $16,563 | $18,560 | $19,688 | $21,346 | $0 | $0 | $21,875 | $21,667 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $24,713 | $28,500 | $25,278 | $29,375 | $30,000 | $33,571 | $36,250 | $36,875 | $0 | $110,904 | $115,231 | $88,333 | $87,188 | $94,297 |
| Median Female Income | $19,054 | $19,673 | $24,300 | $25,714 | $31,200 | $31,172 | $31,081 | $32,344 | $30,179 | $50,500 | $34,375 | $39,107 | $42,708 | $49,000 |
| Employed: | 613 | 42.66% |
| Unemployed: | 85 | 5.92% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 739 | 51.43% |
| Total: | 1,437 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 223 | 36.38% |
| Service: | 198 | 32.30% |
| Sales and Office: | 94 | 15.33% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 56 | 9.14% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 42 | 6.85% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 613 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $71,300, which is far less than the national median ($332,700), is up $26,600 (59.51%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $37,000. The median gross rent is $1,085, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $645 (146.59%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $514. Of occupied housing, owners make up 60.79% (9.38% with a mortgage, 90.63% free-and-clear) and renters 39.21% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 23.82%, which is far 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 | $44,700 | $44,100 | $36,300 | $37,000 | $31,000 | $29,800 | $36,800 | $38,800 | $34,300 | $53,400 | $58,300 | $78,600 | $77,200 | $71,300 |
| Less than $500: | 7 | 3.08% |
| $500 to $999: | 45 | 19.82% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 153 | 67.40% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 3 | 1.32% |
| $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: | 19 | 8.37% |
| Total: | 227 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $440 | $427 | $700 | $804 | $813 | $750 | $717 | $575 | $571 | $924 | $941 | $1,101 | $1,072 | $1,085 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 33 | 5.70% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 319 | 55.09% |
| Renter Occupied: | 227 | 39.21% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 579 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 579 | 76.18% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 181 | 23.82% |
| Total Housing Units: | 760 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 559 | 73.55% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 53 | 6.97% |
| Other Units: | 148 | 19.47% |
| Total Housing Units: | 760 | 100% |
In 2024, 25.20% 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 81.00%, 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 21.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 67.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 22.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 27.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 21.90 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 (49.22%). College enrollment is 16.73%, 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: | 77 | 6.07% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 164 | 12.93% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 415 | 32.73% |
| Some college, no degree: | 228 | 17.98% |
| Associate's degree: | 65 | 5.13% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 62 | 4.89% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 257 | 20.27% |
| Total: | 1,268 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,027 | 80.99% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 319 | 25.16% |
| Private Insurance: | 393 | 20.36% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,236 | 64.04% |
| No Insurance: | 301 | 15.60% |
| Total: | 1,930 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,629 | 84.40% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 43.5% | 35.5% | 30.3% | 37.7% | 36.9% | 34.6% | 36.8% | 45.5% | 38.3% | 20.0% | 18.7% | 17.9% | 16.4% | 22.8% |
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: | 22 | 4.28% |
| Kindergarten: | 47 | 9.14% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 253 | 49.22% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 106 | 20.62% |
| College or graduate school: | 86 | 16.73% |
| Total: | 514 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 69 | 13.42% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 406 | 78.99% |
ZIP Code 87316 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 4 business establishments, employing about 120 people with an annual payroll of $10,367,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 443Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 4Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,906,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $10,367,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 120Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 87316 is located in Mckinley County, New Mexico, within the Gallup, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 23700) and New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 71,492 people, about 2.23% of whom live in ZIP Code 87316. It covers 75.14 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.05 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Gallup, NMSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 23700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 71,492Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 75.14 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.05 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 03Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 44958.52 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3527410Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Fort Wingate CDP; New MexicoSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 87316 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are 2 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 March 1, 2026.