| City: | Orleans, California |
| County: | Humboldt County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 11:15:48 PM |
| Population: | 650 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 530 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 41.2722, -123.5597 |
| Land Area: | 167.842 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Orleans sits along State Highway 96 in Humboldt County, California, serving a 190 square mile territory of mountainous terrain along the Klamath River. This small community of 650 residents acts as a service hub for one of California's most remote regions, where the highway corridor provides the only access to scattered settlements and tribal lands.
The Orleans post office maintains 232 PO Boxes for 275 households, an 84% adoption rate that shows near-universal reliance on PO Box service. While limited street delivery exists (one city route and one rural route), most residents depend on post office boxes. This isn't a PO Box Only Zone, but the rugged geography and scattered settlement pattern make boxes the practical choice for mail access.
The community has a mixed demographic character. Of 650 residents, 256 (39%) are Native American and 314 (48%) are White, with a median age of 40.8 years. This blend corresponds to the area's position between tribal lands and remote homesteads. Street names like Ishi Pishi Road and Axak Court point to indigenous heritage, while names like Ferris Ranch Road and Big Rock Road indicate the region's ranching and mining history.
Government work dominates the local economy. Of employed residents, 253 work in public administration. This likely includes Hoopa Valley Tribe operations, U.S. Forest Service positions (Six Rivers National Forest surrounds the area), and other public agencies serving this isolated region. Education levels are surprisingly high: 42.6% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, well above rural California averages. Per capita income stands at $29,278.
The housing stock tells a story of long-established settlement. Of 340 total units counted, most were built before 1939, indicating a community with deep roots despite its small size. Median home values of $323,600 are moderate for California. About 61% of occupied homes are owner-occupied (168 of 275 households), while 39% are rentals.
Street names mix indigenous heritage (Ishi Pishi, Axak) with geographic features and ranching history.
ZIP Code 95556 has 650 residents and 275 households (average 2.36 persons per household). The median age is 40.8 years, older than the state (37.5) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.2% male and 46.8% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (48.3%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well below the national average of 61.6%) and American Indian & Alaska Native (39.4%, much higher than the state average of 1.6% and well above the national average of 1.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 5.1%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (1.6%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 650Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 854Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 3.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 275Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $323,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.36Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.67Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 600 | 649 | 637 | 655 | 652 | 643 | 706 | 627 | 598 | 910 | 921 | 692 | 854 |
| Decennial Census | 605 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 650 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 40.8
Male Median Age: 38.8
Female Median Age: 43.5
| 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 | 27 | 30 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 27 | 22 | 21 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 31 | 25 | 21 | 24 | 6 | 5 | 9 |
| Female | 12 | 20 | 33 | 9 | 11 | 20 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 20 | 18 | 22 | 28 | 18 | 9 | 4 | 9 |
| Total | 39 | 50 | 53 | 26 | 23 | 47 | 38 | 40 | 35 | 33 | 37 | 49 | 47 | 49 | 42 | 15 | 9 | 18 |
| White: | 314 | 50.24% |
| Black: | 2 | 0.32% |
| Hispanic:* | 33 | 5.28% |
| Asian: | 7 | 1.12% |
| American Indian: | 256 | 40.96% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.32% |
| Other: | 11 | 1.76% |
| Total: | 625 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 346 | 53.23% | 38.8 years |
| Females: | 304 | 46.77% | 43.5 years |
| Total: | 650 | 100% | 40.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 854 | 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: | 854 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 854 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $0, which is far less than the state median ($96,334), is down $47,419 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $42,561. Family households earn a median of $123,301 versus $14,375 for nonfamily households (a difference of $108,926). By gender, male median income is $107,725 and female is $63,939, which is markedly greater than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $43,786 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 57.7%, which is lower than the state rate (63.9%). The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is considerably lower than the state rate (6.4%). The largest occupation group is Management (47.7%).
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 | $47,419 | $52,794 | $49,833 | $48,839 | $40,647 | $35,938 | $35,469 | $39,300 | $42,561 | $51,552 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $64,453 | $74,653 | $80,660 | $52,083 | $0 | $50,272 | $38,750 | $41,875 | $44,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $123,301 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $46,008 | $45,341 | $45,417 | $47,888 | $40,776 | $35,057 | $35,284 | $39,076 | $38,973 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $14,375 |
| Median Male Income | $46,815 | $53,833 | $45,379 | $44,412 | $0 | $0 | $27,500 | $0 | $24,900 | $0 | $95,441 | $103,445 | $107,725 |
| Median Female Income | $31,583 | $0 | $0 | $11,818 | $0 | $21,036 | $21,055 | $21,289 | $23,750 | $35,721 | $0 | $0 | $63,939 |
| Employed: | 298 | 56.98% |
| Unemployed: | 4 | 0.76% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 221 | 42.26% |
| Total: | 523 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 142 | 47.65% |
| Service: | 102 | 34.23% |
| Sales and Office: | 19 | 6.38% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 34 | 11.41% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 1 | 0.34% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 298 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $323,600, which is well under the state median ($695,400), is up $112,200 (53.07%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $62,100. The median gross rent is $820, which is far less than the state median ($1,956), is up $233 (39.69%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $348. Of occupied housing, owners make up 83.62% (13.88% with a mortgage, 86.12% free-and-clear) and renters 16.38% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 13.82%, which is far 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 | $211,400 | $227,200 | $226,700 | $206,000 | $0 | $217,100 | $0 | $235,200 | $261,500 | $344,100 | $337,600 | $337,000 | $323,600 |
| Less than $500: | 12 | 25.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 28 | 58.33% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 8 | 16.67% |
| $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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 48 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $587 | $561 | $425 | $425 | $435 | $433 | $431 | $478 | $472 | $478 | $500 | $763 | $820 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 34 | 11.60% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 211 | 72.01% |
| Renter Occupied: | 48 | 16.38% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 293 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 293 | 86.18% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 47 | 13.82% |
| Total Housing Units: | 340 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 285 | 83.82% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 55 | 16.18% |
| Total Housing Units: | 340 | 100% |
In 2023, 42.60% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 99.60%, which is markedly above the state rate (84.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 75.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 4.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 17.30 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 30.90 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 kindergarten (51.92%). College enrollment is 6.73%, which is markedly below the state rate (30.00%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 2 | 0.39% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 120 | 23.58% |
| Some college, no degree: | 152 | 29.86% |
| Associate's degree: | 18 | 3.54% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 94 | 18.47% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 123 | 24.17% |
| Total: | 509 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 507 | 99.61% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 217 | 42.63% |
| Private Insurance: | 601 | 48.31% |
| Public Insurance: | 641 | 51.53% |
| No Insurance: | 2 | 0.16% |
| Total: | 1,244 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,242 | 99.84% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 21.3% | 20.1% | 13.1% | 18.5% | 30.8% | 21.1% | 28.1% | 27.5% | 34.9% | 18.1% | 10.1% | 4.6% | 4.0% |
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: | 1 | 0.48% |
| Kindergarten: | 108 | 51.92% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 76 | 36.54% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 9 | 4.33% |
| College or graduate school: | 14 | 6.73% |
| Total: | 208 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 109 | 52.40% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 193 | 92.79% |
ZIP Code 95556 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 6 business establishments, employing about 43 people with an annual payroll of $2,192,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 260Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 6Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $410,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $2,192,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 43Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 95556 is located in Humboldt County, California, within the Eureka-Arcata, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 21700) and California's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 135,418 people, about 0.48% of whom live in ZIP Code 95556. It covers 167.842 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.852 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Eureka-Arcata, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 21700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 135,418Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 167.842 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.852 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 12952.23 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 95556 is in the Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School District, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). 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.