| City: | Panaca, Nevada |
| County: | Lincoln County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:39:58 PM |
| Population: | 938 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 775 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 37.7036, -114.2686 |
| Land Area: | 109.082 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Panaca is a small rural community in Lincoln County, Nevada, where PO Boxes aren't just preferred but required. This is a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative mail delivery across the 318 square mile territory. The Panaca post office maintains 413 PO Boxes for 339 occupied homes, and that 122% adoption rate tells the story: residents must use PO Boxes, and the post office also serves surrounding rural areas without their own mail facilities.
Mail reaches residents through two rural carrier routes covering the scattered ranches and homes across this vast territory. The town itself has a traditional grid pattern with numbered streets (Second through Seventh) plus named streets like Hansen, Main, and Ernst. But there's no carrier delivery to these addresses. Everyone picks up mail at the post office.
With 938 residents spread across more than 300 square miles, this is classic rural Nevada. Median household income sits at $70,568, and median home values reach $280,600. The population is 95% White with a median age of 37.2 years. About 73% of occupied homes are owner-occupied. Street names like Cathedral Gorge Park Road and Panaca Springs Road hint at the natural features that define this high desert landscape.
The community supports 15 business establishments employing about 100 people. Work from home accounts for 24% of workers. Public administration and transportation are major employment sectors, which is typical for remote rural areas where government and logistics jobs form the economic backbone.
All mail to Panaca requires a PO Box address. Use the format:
Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
Panaca, NV 89042Town has numbered streets (Second through Seventh) in a grid pattern, with roads named for local features like Cathedral Gorge Park and Panaca Springs.
ZIP Code 89042 has 938 residents and 339 households (average 2.77 persons per household). The median age is 37.2 years, slightly younger than the state (38.6) and slightly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.6% male and 49.4% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (95.0%, much higher than the state average of 51.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (3.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.9%, which is much lower than the state average (28.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 938Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,334Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 8.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $70,568Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 339Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $280,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.77Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.92Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,169 | 1,364 | 1,581 | 1,507 | 1,272 | 1,223 | 1,231 | 990 | 1,247 | 1,146 | 1,078 | 1,070 | 1,334 |
| Decennial Census | 1,010 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 938 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 37.2
Male Median Age: 33.9
Female Median Age: 39.5
| 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 | 50 | 43 | 42 | 25 | 22 | 24 | 33 | 22 | 20 | 27 | 19 | 24 | 18 | 19 | 33 | 19 | 22 | 13 |
| Female | 38 | 46 | 31 | 25 | 20 | 21 | 29 | 22 | 27 | 19 | 30 | 29 | 23 | 29 | 26 | 22 | 22 | 4 |
| Total | 88 | 89 | 73 | 50 | 42 | 45 | 62 | 44 | 47 | 46 | 49 | 53 | 41 | 48 | 59 | 41 | 44 | 17 |
| White: | 891 | 94.09% |
| Black: | 3 | 0.32% |
| Hispanic:* | 37 | 3.91% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.21% |
| Other: | 14 | 1.48% |
| Total: | 947 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 475 | 50.64% | 33.9 years |
| Females: | 463 | 49.36% | 39.5 years |
| Total: | 938 | 100% | 37.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,315 | 98.58% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 19 | 1.42% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 1,334 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,334 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $70,568, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $40,611 (135.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $2,249. Family households earn a median of $101,429 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $101,429). By gender, male median income is $86,827 and female is $60,962, which is considerably higher than the state female median ($49,465), with a current gap of $25,865 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 51.2%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is much lower than the state rate (6.8%). The largest occupation group is Management (52.7%).
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 | $29,957 | $42,321 | $42,378 | $39,741 | $46,520 | $49,444 | $53,949 | $63,061 | $68,319 | $78,750 | $82,738 | $68,490 | $70,568 |
| Median Family Income | $40,781 | $44,271 | $41,921 | $42,821 | $50,994 | $60,709 | $64,697 | $68,235 | $76,688 | $82,063 | $90,417 | $92,500 | $101,429 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $17,614 | $37,813 | $46,172 | $39,048 | $37,935 | $37,260 | $35,850 | $35,270 | $31,250 | $0 | $0 | $23,177 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $42,593 | $45,056 | $45,839 | $47,839 | $0 | $48,596 | $51,429 | $55,947 | $65,972 | $59,904 | $75,952 | $84,489 | $86,827 |
| Median Female Income | $36,250 | $36,635 | $36,909 | $37,146 | $0 | $37,148 | $0 | $36,379 | $39,773 | $51,625 | $55,833 | $60,139 | $60,962 |
| Employed: | 438 | 51.23% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 417 | 48.77% |
| Total: | 855 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 231 | 52.74% |
| Service: | 38 | 8.68% |
| Sales and Office: | 23 | 5.25% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 71 | 16.21% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 75 | 17.12% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 438 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $280,600, which is far less than the state median ($406,100), is up $170,900 (155.79%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $139,100. The median gross rent is $902, which is considerably lower than the state median ($1,489), is up $371 (69.87%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $902. Of occupied housing, owners make up 64.23% (47.35% with a mortgage, 52.65% free-and-clear) and renters 35.77% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 11.23%, which is far higher than the state rate (9.48%).
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 | $109,700 | $109,600 | $107,900 | $101,100 | $109,400 | $0 | $113,500 | $136,200 | $141,500 | $169,000 | $209,800 | $246,200 | $280,600 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 114 | 77.55% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 20 | 13.61% |
| $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: | 13 | 8.84% |
| Total: | 147 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $531 | $542 | $588 | $578 | $590 | $581 | $656 | $488 | $0 | $0 | $814 | $907 | $902 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 125 | 30.41% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 139 | 33.82% |
| Renter Occupied: | 147 | 35.77% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 411 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 411 | 88.77% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 52 | 11.23% |
| Total Housing Units: | 463 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 348 | 75.16% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 62 | 13.39% |
| Other Units: | 53 | 11.45% |
| Total Housing Units: | 463 | 100% |
In 2023, 31.30% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is on par with the state rate (27.40%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is markedly above the state rate (87.40%). The uninsured rate is 5.20%, which is markedly below the state rate (11.30%). The share of people in poverty is 9.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 13.60 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.10 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 (61.72%). College enrollment is 17.78%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 234 | 29.40% |
| Some college, no degree: | 215 | 27.01% |
| Associate's degree: | 98 | 12.31% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 137 | 17.21% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 112 | 14.07% |
| Total: | 796 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 796 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 249 | 31.28% |
| Private Insurance: | 860 | 58.46% |
| Public Insurance: | 541 | 36.78% |
| No Insurance: | 70 | 4.76% |
| Total: | 1,471 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,401 | 95.24% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 23.1% | 18.0% | 18.8% | 18.3% | 7.5% | 3.4% | 2.9% | 0.0% | 10.6% | 8.7% | 8.3% | 9.8% | 9.5% |
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: | 28 | 5.86% |
| Kindergarten: | 11 | 2.30% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 295 | 61.72% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 59 | 12.34% |
| College or graduate school: | 85 | 17.78% |
| Total: | 478 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 39 | 8.16% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 365 | 76.36% |
ZIP Code 89042 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 11 business establishments, employing about 73 people with an annual payroll of $2,860,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 463Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 11Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $586,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $2,860,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 73Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 89042 is located in Lincoln County, Nevada, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Nevada's 4th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 89042. It covers 109.082 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 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: | 109.082 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 04Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 50997.97 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3254200Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Panaca CDP; NevadaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 89042 is in the Lincoln County School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 5 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. 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.