| City: | Idyllwild, California |
| County: | Riverside County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:24:51 PM |
| Population: | 4,234 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 951 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.7866, -116.7727 |
| Land Area: | 106.063 sq mi |
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Idyllwild sits at over 5,000 feet elevation in the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County, California. This mountain resort community spans 56.7 square miles of forested terrain, drawing visitors year-round to its alpine setting just two hours from both Los Angeles and San Diego. With 4,234 year-round residents and 1,918 households, the town's character shifts dramatically between seasons. Nearly half of all homes (45%) are used for seasonal or recreational purposes, with 1,807 of the 4,010 total housing units sitting vacant most of the year.
The Idyllwild post office maintains 2,448 PO Boxes for a community of 1,918 households. That's a 1.28 adoption rate, meaning there are 28% more boxes than local homes. This pattern is typical of mountain resort communities where seasonal homeowners, vacation renters, and surrounding area residents all need mail access. Idyllwild is designated a PO Box Only Zone, so there's no alternative delivery option across this mountain territory. While the ZIP does have limited rural carrier service (one rural route serves 319 delivery points), PO Box service dominates the mail landscape.
Street names tell the story of a mountain community. Pine Crest Avenue, Fern Valley Road, and Tahquitz View Drive reference the area's conifer forests and iconic Tahquitz Rock formation. The ZIP includes 133 distinct street names scattered across mountain subdivisions with names like Saunders Meadows, Double View Drive, and Scenic Drive. Highway 243 serves as the main access route, with 17 ZIP+4 records including mobile home spaces.
The year-round population skews older, with a median age of 52.7 years. Only 61 children under 18 live here permanently, while 1,633 residents (39% of the total) are 65 or older. This isn't a family town. It's a retirement and second-home community. Home values reflect mountain resort demand, with a median of $486,300. Among occupied homes, 71% are owner-occupied. The community shows high educational attainment (41% hold bachelor's degrees) and comfortable incomes (median household income of $83,318).
What's unusual for a mountain community is the work-from-home pattern. Some 465 workers (24.5% of the workforce) work from home, well above national averages. Writers, artists, and remote professionals are drawn to Idyllwild's creative community atmosphere. The town hosts 147 business establishments employing 1,159 people, many in accommodation, food service, and retail supporting the tourism economy. Federal government workers number 332, likely U.S. Forest Service employees managing the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. All residential mail delivery requires a PO Box at the Idyllwild Post Office. Some street addresses may exist for package delivery or emergency services, but standard mail service is PO Box only. The 188 residents in group quarters live in noninstitutionalized settings, probably including retreat centers or the Idyllwild Arts Academy, a residential arts high school.
Street names reference mountain features: Pine Crest, Fern Valley, Tahquitz (iconic rock formation), Cedar Crest, and Scenic Drive.
ZIP Code 92549 has 4,234 residents and 1,918 households (average 2.11 persons per household). The median age is 52.7 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older 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 White (77.3%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (17.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 17.3%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 4,234Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 3,823Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 39.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $83,318Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,918Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $486,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.11Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.17Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 2,309 | 1,993 | 2,157 | 2,652 | 2,702 | 2,644 | 2,689 | 2,464 | 2,517 | 2,988 | 2,896 | 3,535 | 3,823 |
| Decennial Census | 3,926 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 4,234 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 52.7
Male Median Age: 52
Female Median Age: 53.3
| 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 | 61 | 87 | 87 | 120 | 110 | 86 | 104 | 125 | 107 | 104 | 135 | 150 | 226 | 225 | 184 | 113 | 48 | 22 |
| Female | 75 | 106 | 102 | 79 | 80 | 91 | 105 | 131 | 102 | 126 | 111 | 174 | 220 | 229 | 192 | 116 | 65 | 36 |
| Total | 136 | 193 | 189 | 199 | 190 | 177 | 209 | 256 | 209 | 230 | 246 | 324 | 446 | 454 | 376 | 229 | 113 | 58 |
| White: | 3,273 | 72.93% |
| Black: | 46 | 1.02% |
| Hispanic:* | 731 | 16.29% |
| Asian: | 90 | 2.01% |
| American Indian: | 57 | 1.27% |
| Hawaiian: | 3 | 0.07% |
| Other: | 288 | 6.42% |
| Total: | 4,488 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 2,094 | 49.46% | 52.0 years |
| Females: | 2,140 | 50.54% | 53.3 years |
| Total: | 4,234 | 100% | 52.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 3,020 | 79.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 29 | 0.76% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 448 | 11.72% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 326 | 20.25% |
| Total Population: | 3,823 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 3,049 | 79.75% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 774 | 20.25% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $83,318, which is much lower than the state median ($96,334), is up $27,823 (50.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,341. Family households earn a median of $100,804 versus $40,571 for nonfamily households (a difference of $60,233). By gender, male median income is $63,194 and female is $71,076, which is considerably higher than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $7,882 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 59.6%, which is below the state rate (63.9%). The unemployment rate is 6.2%, which is well above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (45.0%).
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 | $55,495 | $54,167 | $58,924 | $60,625 | $61,100 | $59,500 | $64,068 | $68,977 | $78,977 | $79,276 | $72,738 | $85,577 | $83,318 |
| Median Family Income | $63,491 | $64,570 | $62,616 | $66,661 | $66,421 | $67,365 | $73,989 | $85,685 | $93,359 | $93,897 | $94,801 | $100,929 | $100,804 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $21,515 | $24,292 | $39,844 | $44,625 | $48,221 | $42,788 | $42,361 | $35,952 | $32,216 | $28,198 | $26,500 | $33,875 | $40,571 |
| Median Male Income | $53,750 | $55,083 | $41,029 | $39,879 | $40,440 | $41,780 | $41,326 | $52,961 | $57,115 | $56,167 | $50,875 | $58,839 | $63,194 |
| Median Female Income | $38,877 | $39,500 | $52,011 | $50,875 | $52,545 | $52,222 | $53,816 | $63,889 | $63,000 | $45,046 | $43,684 | $69,792 | $71,076 |
| Employed: | 1,918 | 55.89% |
| Unemployed: | 126 | 3.67% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,388 | 40.44% |
| Total: | 3,432 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 864 | 45.05% |
| Service: | 337 | 17.57% |
| Sales and Office: | 432 | 22.52% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 153 | 7.98% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 132 | 6.88% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,918 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $486,300, which is much higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $172,600 (55.02%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $151,200. The median gross rent is $1,415, which is considerably lower than the state median ($1,956), is up $364 (34.63%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $276. Of occupied housing, owners make up 72.33% (58.14% with a mortgage, 41.86% free-and-clear) and renters 27.67% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 60.59%, which is much higher than the state rate (7.55%).
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 | $313,700 | $282,100 | $265,200 | $254,800 | $249,700 | $252,800 | $275,200 | $276,300 | $335,100 | $374,800 | $400,300 | $449,600 | $486,300 |
| Less than $500: | 23 | 5.04% |
| $500 to $999: | 106 | 23.25% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 126 | 27.63% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 85 | 18.64% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 84 | 18.42% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 32 | 7.02% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 456 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,051 | $1,132 | $1,174 | $1,124 | $1,127 | $1,086 | $1,063 | $1,075 | $1,139 | $1,153 | $1,172 | $1,327 | $1,415 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 693 | 42.05% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 499 | 30.28% |
| Renter Occupied: | 456 | 27.67% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,648 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,648 | 39.41% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 2,534 | 60.59% |
| Total Housing Units: | 4,182 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 3,801 | 90.89% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 186 | 4.45% |
| Other Units: | 195 | 4.66% |
| Total Housing Units: | 4,182 | 100% |
In 2023, 41.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 92.10%, which is markedly above the state rate (84.60%). The uninsured rate is 4.80%, which is falls below the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 52.00%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 3.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.70%), down 1.00 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 9.30 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 (39.64%). College enrollment is 39.64%, 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: | 118 | 3.89% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 121 | 3.98% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 439 | 14.46% |
| Some college, no degree: | 780 | 25.68% |
| Associate's degree: | 333 | 10.96% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 643 | 21.17% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 603 | 19.86% |
| Total: | 3,037 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 2,798 | 92.13% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 1,246 | 41.03% |
| Private Insurance: | 2,232 | 50.84% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,975 | 44.99% |
| No Insurance: | 183 | 4.17% |
| Total: | 4,390 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 4,207 | 95.83% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 4.6% | 10.6% | 8.1% | 7.9% | 13.6% | 15.1% | 13.2% | 12.2% | 12.9% | 8.5% | 3.6% | 3.3% | 3.6% |
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: | 25 | 3.48% |
| Kindergarten: | 70 | 9.74% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 154 | 21.42% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 185 | 25.73% |
| College or graduate school: | 285 | 39.64% |
| Total: | 719 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 95 | 13.21% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 409 | 56.88% |
ZIP Code 92549 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 142 business establishments, employing about 1,146 people with an annual payroll of $44,237,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 3,601Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 142Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $10,678,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $44,237,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 1,146Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 92549 is located in Riverside County, California, within the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 40140) and California's 36th and 41st Congressional Districts. This Metro area has a population of 4,637,725 people, about 0.09% of whom live in ZIP Code 92549. It covers 106.063 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.015 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 40140Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 4,637,725Source: Census |
| MSA: | Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 106.063 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.015 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 36,41Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 5912.64, 316.54 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Riverside-San Bernardino, CA PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 92549 is in the Hemet Unified School District, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 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 February 1, 2026.