87326 Vanderwagen, NM - Serving a Navajo Community

ZIP Code 87326, Vanderwagen

Tribal

LocationMckinley County, NM

Area397.5 sq mi

Population2,437

Households852

PO Boxes0 No PO Boxes

Median Age41.2 years

Also Known AsChi Chll Tah

ZIP CreatedBefore Oct 2004

Key Facts

Of 2,437 residents, 88% are Native American (2,155 people), making Vanderwagen one of the larger Navajo communities with PO Box ZIP classification
Despite the PO Box classification, this area has rural carrier route delivery to 103 addresses across the 397.5 square mile territory
Chi Chll Tah, the Navajo name for the area, is recognized by USPS but isn't valid for mailing addresses
Transportation and public administration dominate employment, with 390 workers in transportation/warehousing/utilities and 173 in government work
Homeownership is very high at 84% (714 of 852 households), with minimal seasonal vacancy indicating stable year-round residency
With a median household income of $31,844 and median home value of $50,500, Vanderwagen has an affordable but lower-income economy

Community Overview

Vanderwagen sits in the high desert of McKinley County, New Mexico, serving a predominantly Navajo community across nearly 400 square miles. Of the 2,437 residents, 88% are Native American (2,155 people), making this one of the more populated tribal communities with PO Box ZIP classification. The unrecognized mailing alias Chi Chll Tah preserves the area's Navajo name.

Mail Delivery Across the Territory

This isn't a PO Box Only Zone. Mail reaches homes through rural carrier routes across the territory. One rural route and one highway contract route deliver to 103 addresses along roads like Jones Ranch Road, Manuelito Canyon Road, and Tse De Tah Canyon Road. The classification as a PO Box ZIP comes from historical postal records, not current delivery patterns.

Geographic Context

The territory spans 397.5 square miles of rural New Mexico landscape. Households average 2.9 people, typical for family structures in the region. With 852 occupied homes and a median age of 41.2 years, Vanderwagen has a stable residential population rather than the extreme isolation of some reservation communities.

Street Names Tell the Story

Street names tell the story of place. Geographic features dominate: Manuelito Canyon Road, White Water Canyon Road, Oak Mesa Road. Animal names appear frequently: Fox Road, Lobo Road, Black Hawk Road, Jaguar Road, Puma Road. The name patterns mix English wildlife references with local landmarks, and Tse De Tah Canyon Road uses Navajo language.

Economic Context

The economy runs on transportation and government work. Of employed residents, 390 work in transportation, warehousing, or utilities (about a third of the workforce). Another 173 work in public administration, likely for tribal or federal agencies. Median household income sits at $31,844, and the median home value is $50,500. About 268 homes are mobile homes.

Only 9.1% of adults have bachelor's degrees, well below state and national averages. This points to limited local educational and economic opportunities. With 38% of workers telecommuting, some residents have found remote employment options. The area has 10 business establishments employing 43 people, a small commercial base for a population of over 2,400.

Housing Patterns

Homeownership is high: 714 of the 852 households (84%) own their homes. Just 138 households rent. Seasonal vacancy is minimal (24 units), indicating year-round occupancy. The housing stock is older, with 925 units predating 1940, though this number seems inconsistent with the total count and may reflect data collection anomalies.

Mailing to Vanderwagen

Addresses use either Vanderwagen, NM 87326 or the alternative Gallup, NM 87326. The Navajo name Chi Chll Tah is recognized but not valid for mailing purposes.

Street Name Patterns

Geographic Features Animal Names Navajo Language

Street names mix geographic landmarks (canyons, mesas, springs), wildlife (Fox, Lobo, Black Hawk, Jaguar, Puma), and Navajo language (Tse De Tah).

Interactive charts load automatically as you scroll. Hover for data, click to explore trends, and use the menu to export.

Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 87326 has 2,437 residents and 852 households (average 2.86 persons per household). The median age is 41.2 years, slightly older than the state (39.2) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.1% male and 50.9% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (88.4%, much higher than the state average of 10.0% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (8.0%, much lower than the state average of 51.0% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.5%, 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 Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	2,437Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:	2,489Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:	0Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	10.4 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$34,773Source: Census ACS

Households:	852Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$62,300Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.86Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.96Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 87326 population estimates from 2011-2024, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	2,106	1,975	1,995	2,129	1,889	1,849	1,751	1,890	1,690	1,624	2,383	2,439	2,224	2,489
Decennial Census	1,688	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	2,437	--	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 41.2

Male Median Age: 38.1

Female Median Age: 43.8

Line chart for ZIP 87326 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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	68	86	103	78	70	71	74	76	66	74	74	82	76	77	46	37	32	7
Female	78	76	66	80	56	71	70	67	63	44	76	108	116	102	59	53	26	29
Total	146	162	169	158	126	142	144	143	129	118	150	190	192	179	105	90	58	36

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 87326. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	194	7.97%
Black:	3	0.12%
Hispanic:*	62	2.55%
Asian:	2	0.08%
American Indian:	2,155	88.57%
Hawaiian:	0	0%
Other:	17	0.70%
Total:	2,433	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 87326. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	1,197	49.12%	38.1 years
Females:	1,240	50.88%	43.8 years
Total:	2,437	100%	41.2 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 87326. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	2,480	99.64%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	6	0.24%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	3	0.12%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	0	0.12%
Total Population:	2,489	100%
Total Native Population:	2,486	99.88%
Total Foreign-born Population:	3	0.12%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment

In 2024, the Median household income is $34,773, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $7,668 (28.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $12,636. Family households earn a median of $45,000 versus $15,000 for nonfamily households (a difference of $30,000). By gender, male median income is $55,000 and female is $48,571, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $6,429 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 37.6%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 8.0%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (35.8%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 87326 from 2011-2024 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Household Income	$27,105	$29,833	$31,296	$29,821	$24,750	$26,750	$26,515	$28,804	$22,137	$27,006	$25,709	$28,954	$31,844	$34,773
Median Family Income	$39,464	$34,271	$33,487	$33,500	$31,125	$31,000	$34,038	$31,591	$29,833	$30,809	$29,861	$34,417	$42,000	$45,000
Median NonFamily Income	$10,563	$16,250	$10,694	$11,250	$9,890	$10,694	$11,333	$14,773	$11,382	$12,273	$11,607	$15,214	$15,240	$15,000
Median Male Income	$27,337	$40,163	$41,635	$32,768	$0	$32,969	$33,438	$30,000	$27,279	$27,353	$27,981	$33,047	$37,813	$55,000
Median Female Income	$18,909	$19,975	$21,250	$22,386	$0	$25,987	$25,398	$27,333	$26,711	$26,471	$28,889	$36,250	$48,750	$48,571

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 87326, city of Vanderwagen, Mckinley County, state of New Mexico, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 87326, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	687	34.33%
Unemployed:	60	3.00%
Not In Labor Force:	1,254	62.67%
Total:	2,001	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	246	35.81%
Service:	201	29.26%
Sales and Office:	93	13.54%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	71	10.33%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	76	11.06%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	687	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability

In 2024, the median home value is $62,300, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $48,000 (43.52%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,900. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $674 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 94.78% (8.55% with a mortgage, 91.45% free-and-clear) and renters 5.22% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 28.06%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.12%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 87326, compared with Vanderwagen, Mckinley County, state of New Mexico, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 87326 across years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Home Value	$110,300	$109,700	$87,000	$60,000	$59,700	$52,400	$49,700	$45,300	$44,400	$49,200	$53,800	$54,000	$50,500	$62,300

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 87326, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	0	0.00%
$500 to $999:	3	7.89%
$1,000 to $1,499:	0	0.00%
$1,500 to $1,999:	12	31.58%
$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:	23	60.53%
Total:	38	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 87326 over the years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Rent	$674	$672	$667	$663	$594	$592	$433	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 87326. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	59	8.10%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	631	86.68%
Renter Occupied:	38	5.22%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	728	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	728	71.94%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	284	28.06%
Total Housing Units:	1,012	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 87326. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	739	73.02%
Multi-Family Units:	0	0.00%
Other Units:	273	26.98%
Total Housing Units:	1,012	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community

In 2024, 9.10% 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 78.40%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 20.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 13.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 73.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 34.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), up 0.30 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.50 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (38.35%). College enrollment is 33.01%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 87326, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	156	9.11%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	214	12.49%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	788	46.00%
Some college, no degree:	319	18.62%
Associate's degree:	80	4.67%
Bachelor's degree:	122	7.12%
Graduate or professional degree:	34	1.98%
Total:	1,713	100%
High school or higher:	1,343	78.40%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	156	9.11%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 87326. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	339	12.72%
Public Insurance:	1,819	68.26%
No Insurance:	507	19.02%
Total:	2,665	100%
Has Health Insurance:	2,158	80.98%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 87326 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2024. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
% of People in Poverty	35.5%	36.3%	31.4%	34.9%	37.7%	31.2%	28.3%	34.6%	36.3%	32.5%	39.1%	37.2%	35.8%	34.9%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

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.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	11	2.67%
Kindergarten:	22	5.34%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	158	38.35%
High school (grades 9-12):	85	20.63%
College or graduate school:	136	33.01%
Total:	412	100%
Early Childhood:	33	8.01%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	265	64.32%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Vanderwagen, New Mexico
City Alias:	Gallup
Names to Avoid:	Chi Chll Tah
County:	Mckinley County
Timezone:	Mountain (GMT -07:00)
Local Time:	10:24:05 AM
Population:	2,437 [See All]
Area Code:	505
Classification:	PO Box
Coordinates:	35.2994, -108.8420
Land Area:	235.034 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/87326/zip-code-87326.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	0Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	0Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	0Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	11Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$353,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$1,339,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	46Source: CBP

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:	235.034 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	0.097 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:	3582430Source: Census
Place Name:	Vanderwagen CDP; New MexicoSource: Census

ZIP Code 87326 in Vanderwagen, NM

87326 Vanderwagen, NM - Serving a Navajo Community

ZIP Code 87326, Vanderwagen

Key Facts

Community Overview

Mail Delivery Across the Territory

Geographic Context

Street Names Tell the Story

Economic Context

Housing Patterns

Mailing to Vanderwagen

Street Name Patterns

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 87326

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 87326

Sources & References