| City: | Olancha, California |
| City Alias: | Cartago |
| County: | Inyo County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:44:28 PM |
| Population: | 235 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 442 / 760 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.3125, -117.8657 |
| Land Area: | 494.486 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Olancha sits along the Highway 395 corridor in eastern California's Owens Valley, covering 270 square miles of Inyo County. With just 235 residents spread across vast desert terrain, this is one of California's most isolated communities. The median age of 56.6 years indicates an older, settled population.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. No alternative mail delivery exists across the entire 270-square-mile territory. The Olancha post office maintains 95 PO Boxes serving 130 occupied homes, a 73% adoption rate that shows near-universal reliance on PO Box mail. Two rural routes provide limited street delivery to scattered properties along roads like Sage Flats Drive and Highway 395.
Cartago, historically a separate settlement, shares this ZIP code. The USPS recognizes Cartago as an alternate mailing name, and N Cartago Street appears in the street records. Both communities are part of the same rural postal service area.
Employment patterns reveal the area's character. Of workers with available data, 90 are in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (53% of the workforce). Another 21 work in agriculture. This isn't a retirement resort. It's a working rural community where people make their living from the land and the highway corridor. Median household income of $73,125 exceeds the state average, while educational attainment is notably low at just 9.4% with bachelor's degrees.
Housing stock shows age and isolation. Of 201 total units, 160 were built before 1939. Just 130 homes are occupied year-round, with 30 units used seasonally. Median home values of $325,000 reflect California's overall real estate market, not local exclusivity. The 37 mobile homes (18% of housing) suit the desert climate and isolated setting.
Mail can be addressed to either:
Both are valid. PO Box addresses are recommended for reliable delivery.
Street names reflect desert landscape (Sage Flats, Cactus Flats) and seasonal roads (Summer Rd, W Fall Rd), with Highway 395 forming the main corridor.
ZIP Code 93549 has 235 residents and 130 households (average 1.81 persons per household). The median age is 56.6 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 54.5% male and 45.5% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (69.4%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (28.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 28.1%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 235Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 244Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $73,125Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 130Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $325,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.81Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.30Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 396 | 364 | 364 | 334 | 215 | 250 | 250 | 264 | 293 | 273 | 258 | 254 | 244 |
| Decennial Census | 344 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 235 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 56.6
Male Median Age: 56.8
Female Median Age: 53.8
| 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 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 17 | 10 | 24 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 7 |
| Female | 3 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 15 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 10 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 13 | 14 | 32 | 15 | 32 | 13 | 21 | 5 | 7 |
| White: | 163 | 60.37% |
| Black: | 3 | 1.11% |
| Hispanic:* | 66 | 24.44% |
| Asian: | 2 | 0.74% |
| American Indian: | 9 | 3.33% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 27 | 10.00% |
| Total: | 270 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 128 | 54.47% | 56.8 years |
| Females: | 107 | 45.53% | 53.8 years |
| Total: | 235 | 100% | 56.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 231 | 94.67% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 13 | 5.33% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 5.33% |
| Total Population: | 244 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 231 | 94.67% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 13 | 5.33% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $73,125, which is well under the state median ($96,334), is up $28,505 (63.9%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,437. Family households earn a median of $79,821 versus $33,929 for nonfamily households (a difference of $45,892). By gender, male median income is $68,854 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($61,569), with a current gap of $68,854 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 41.0%, which is considerably lower than the state rate (63.9%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the state rate (6.4%). The largest occupation group is Natural resources (38.0%).
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 | $44,620 | $44,550 | $44,261 | $42,237 | $41,597 | $68,750 | $44,803 | $61,875 | $59,688 | $58,558 | $61,607 | $69,464 | $73,125 |
| Median Family Income | $102,500 | $105,083 | $108,125 | $94,167 | $92,941 | $94,605 | $102,917 | $87,321 | $112,500 | $66,181 | $68,092 | $76,563 | $79,821 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $27,326 | $27,390 | $41,042 | $33,750 | $40,069 | $40,694 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $19,500 | $21,750 | $36,806 | $33,929 |
| Median Male Income | $63,333 | $62,768 | $65,833 | $60,833 | $60,515 | $0 | $35,197 | $35,063 | $35,093 | $35,357 | $61,324 | $66,563 | $68,854 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $62,760 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $31,339 | $0 | $35,089 | $35,268 | $50,568 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 100 | 40.98% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 144 | 59.02% |
| Total: | 244 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 32 | 32.00% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 30 | 30.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 38 | 38.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 100 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $325,000, which is far less than the state median ($695,400), is up $235,400 (262.72%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $133,700. The median gross rent is $1,571, which is far less than the state median ($1,956), is up $760 (93.71%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,571. Of occupied housing, owners make up 61.31% (28.57% with a mortgage, 71.43% free-and-clear) and renters 38.69% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 14.38%, which is markedly above 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 | $89,600 | $95,000 | $88,900 | $127,900 | $0 | $147,300 | $188,200 | $195,600 | $191,300 | $168,500 | $163,800 | $169,200 | $325,000 |
| Less than $500: | 6 | 11.32% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 9 | 16.98% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 21 | 39.62% |
| $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: | 17 | 32.08% |
| Total: | 53 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $811 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,296 | $1,289 | $1,571 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 24 | 17.52% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 60 | 43.80% |
| Renter Occupied: | 53 | 38.69% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 137 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 137 | 85.63% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 23 | 14.38% |
| Total Housing Units: | 160 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 117 | 73.13% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 43 | 26.88% |
| Total Housing Units: | 160 | 100% |
In 2023, 9.40% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (36.50%). High school or higher is 71.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 18.90%, which is on par with the state rate (6.90%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Insufficient data for school enrollment.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 40 | 16.39% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 30 | 12.30% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 75 | 30.74% |
| Some college, no degree: | 53 | 21.72% |
| Associate's degree: | 23 | 9.43% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 23 | 9.43% |
| Total: | 244 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 174 | 71.31% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 23 | 9.43% |
| Private Insurance: | 163 | 50.62% |
| Public Insurance: | 113 | 35.09% |
| No Insurance: | 46 | 14.29% |
| Total: | 322 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 276 | 85.71% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 4.7% | 7.1% | 7.1% | 11.1% | 10.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
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: | 0 | 0% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 0 | 0% |
ZIP Code 93549 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 7 business establishments, employing about 141 people with an annual payroll of $11,365,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 491Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 7Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $2,663,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $11,365,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 141Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 93549 is located in Inyo County, California, within the Bishop, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 13860) and California's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 18,803 people, about 1.25% of whom live in ZIP Code 93549. It covers 494.486 sq mi of land and a water area of 8.455 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Bishop, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 13860Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 18,803Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 494.486 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 8.455 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 03Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 6183.59 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0653490Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Olancha CDP; CaliforniaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 93549 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. 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.