| City: | Rail Road Flat, California |
| City Alias: | Rail Rd Flat |
| Names to Avoid: | Railroad Flat |
| County: | Calaveras County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:56:25 AM |
| Population: | 266 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 209 / 350 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 38.3408, -120.5162 |
| Land Area: | 31.582 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Railroad Flat sits in Calaveras County's eastern foothills at 2,800 feet elevation, a remnant Gold Rush settlement turned retirement community. With just 266 residents scattered across 32.5 square miles of pine-covered hills, this is one of California's smallest and most isolated postal communities. Median age: 61.6 years.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The post office maintains 218 PO Boxes for 96 local households, but the 2.27 adoption rate tells a different story. Residents from surrounding areas without any postal service travel to Railroad Flat for mail access, making this tiny post office a regional hub for the backcountry.
Street names preserve the area's pioneer history. Rail Road Flat Road (21 delivery records) shares the route with roads named for gold mining landmarks: Independence Road, Summit Level Road, Wells Fargo Station Road, and Standby Mine Road. Fine Gold Road and Liberty Valley Road evoke the 1850s rush that created this settlement.
Of 150 housing units, 40 are used seasonally (27%). This isn't a vacation resort. It's a retirement community where some residents maintain second properties or winter elsewhere. The 2020 Census counted only 2 residents under age 18 and 3 in the 18-24 bracket. This is a place people move to finish their lives, not raise families.
Delivery infrastructure barely exists. One rural carrier route and one city route serve those with street addresses. Most rely on PO Boxes because rural addressing was never fully developed in these steep, forested hills where properties spread along winding mountain roads.
USPS recognizes three name variants: RAIL ROAD FLAT (preferred), RAIL RD FLAT (accepted since 2005), and RAILROAD FLAT (recognized but not valid for mailing). PO Box addressing is strongly recommended given the limited carrier delivery infrastructure.
Street names preserve Gold Rush and pioneer heritage with references to mining operations, Wells Fargo stations, and independence-era landmarks.
ZIP Code 95248 has 266 residents and 96 households (average 2.77 persons per household). The median age is 61.6 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 44.4% male and 55.6% female, which is lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (71.8%, 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: | 266Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 60Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 8.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 96Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.77Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.69Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 227 | 205 | 131 | 178 | 121 | 127 | 148 | 189 | 106 | 108 | 38 | 106 | 66 | 60 |
| Decennial Census | 301 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 266 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 61.6
Male Median Age: 62.3
Female Median Age: 60.8
| 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 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 21 | 8 | 11 | 3 | 5 |
| Female | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 26 | 20 | 11 | 7 | 1 |
| Total | 8 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 7 | 15 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 32 | 47 | 28 | 22 | 10 | 6 |
| White: | 191 | 72.62% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.38% |
| Hispanic:* | 46 | 17.49% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.38% |
| American Indian: | 9 | 3.42% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 15 | 5.70% |
| Total: | 263 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 118 | 44.36% | 62.3 years |
| Females: | 148 | 55.64% | 60.8 years |
| Total: | 266 | 100% | 61.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 60 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 60 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 60 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $22,386 (100.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 51.9%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Natural resources (100.0%).
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 | $22,386 | $35,083 | $21,382 | $21,429 | $23,750 | $28,194 | $30,903 | $28,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $35,368 | $36,333 | $22,303 | $28,203 | $0 | $45,556 | $31,458 | $30,486 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $7,206 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $57,692 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 14 | 51.85% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 13 | 48.15% |
| Total: | 27 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 14 | 100.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 14 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $827,800 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $208,300. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $684 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Insufficient data for owner/renter mix. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
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 | $827,800 | $698,500 | $485,700 | $273,200 | $0 | $0 | $205,000 | $205,800 | $208,300 | $205,400 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $684 | $693 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 13 | 100.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 13 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 13 | 14.13% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 79 | 85.87% |
| Total Housing Units: | 92 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 92 | 100.00% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 92 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 23.40 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 (100.00%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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): | 27 | 100.00% |
| Some college, no degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 27 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 27 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 60 | 100.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 60 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 60 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 20.9% | 23.4% | 32.7% | 100.0% | 54.8% | 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 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 33 | 100.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 33 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 33 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 95248 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 9 people with an annual payroll of $164,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 431Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $39,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $164,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 9Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 95248 is located in Calaveras County, California, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and California's 5th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 95248. It covers 31.582 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.156 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: | 31.582 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.156 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 05Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1730.82 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0659220Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Rail Road Flat CDP; CaliforniaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 95248 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 February 1, 2026.