| City: | Thornton, California |
| County: | San Joaquin County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 11:19:04 PM |
| Population: | 1,338 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 209 / 350 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 38.1883, -121.4879 |
| Land Area: | 32.394 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Thornton sits in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a landscape of levees, waterways, and rich agricultural land. The community of 1,338 residents lives across 14 square miles of delta territory in San Joaquin County. With 86% of housing built before 1939, Thornton preserves one of the Delta's oldest settlement patterns.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across this delta community. The Thornton post office maintains 439 PO Boxes for 438 households, a near-perfect one-to-one ratio. Street delivery exists on a limited scale (one rural route and one city route serve 77 delivery points), but most residents rely entirely on PO Boxes.
The Delta economy shapes daily life here. Of the 830 working adults, 397 work in transportation, warehousing, and utilities. That's nearly half the workforce. Agriculture employs 86 people, and 57 work in public administration. About 30% work from home, higher than the national average. Median household income is $43,482.
Street names tell the Delta story. W Walnut Grove Rd (13 delivery points) connects to the historic river town three miles north. Mokelumne Ave references the nearby river. Thornton Rd (12 points) runs through the old town center. The area includes 1.4 square miles of water, typical for delta communities built on islands and reclaimed land.
Housing stock is remarkably old. Of 477 total housing units, 411 were built before 1939. That's 86%, one of the highest percentages for any California ZIP code. About 54% of homes are owner-occupied (236 units), while 46% are rentals (202 units). Median home value is $429,800. Mobile homes account for 62 units, reflecting the agricultural character.
The population skews slightly older (median age 37.7) but includes families. About 30 residents live in group quarters, likely farmworker housing. Racially, the community is diverse: 36% White alone, 37% Some Other Race, 17% Two or More Races, and 6% Asian. About 9% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. Only 11% of adults have bachelor's degrees.
Nearby communities include Walnut Grove (3.7 miles north), the historic Community of Locke (4.0 miles), and several Delta subdivisions. Thornton functions as a quiet residential outpost in the Delta's levee and farmland network, close to the Sacramento metro but distinctly rural in character.
All mail should use PO Box addresses:
[Recipient Name]
PO Box [Number]
Thornton, CA 95686Street names reference Delta geography: Walnut Grove (nearby town), Mokelumne (river), and agricultural roads spreading across leveed islands.
ZIP Code 95686 has 1,338 residents and 438 households (average 2.99 persons per household). The median age is 37.7 years, about the same as the state (37.5) and slightly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.4% male and 49.6% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%). Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (60.6%) and Other / Two or More Races (37.4%, much higher than the state average of 21.2% and well above the national average of 8.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 60.6%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than both the state (21.2%) and national averages (8.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,338Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,123Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 41.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $43,482Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 438Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $429,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.99Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.36Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,020 | 1,014 | 1,020 | 965 | 1,007 | 1,079 | 1,021 | 1,209 | 1,262 | 1,133 | 1,155 | 1,194 | 1,123 |
| Decennial Census | 1,405 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,338 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 37.7
Male Median Age: 35.8
Female Median Age: 38.9
| 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 | 35 | 47 | 67 | 57 | 39 | 37 | 43 | 38 | 42 | 49 | 38 | 37 | 48 | 32 | 32 | 15 | 10 | 9 |
| Female | 33 | 41 | 41 | 53 | 44 | 36 | 46 | 47 | 51 | 38 | 35 | 56 | 51 | 26 | 26 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Total | 68 | 88 | 108 | 110 | 83 | 73 | 89 | 85 | 93 | 87 | 73 | 93 | 99 | 58 | 58 | 28 | 23 | 22 |
| White: | 485 | 25.25% |
| Black: | 36 | 1.87% |
| Hispanic:* | 811 | 42.22% |
| Asian: | 82 | 4.27% |
| American Indian: | 6 | 0.31% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 501 | 26.08% |
| Total: | 1,921 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 675 | 50.45% | 35.8 years |
| Females: | 663 | 49.55% | 38.9 years |
| Total: | 1,338 | 100% | 37.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 792 | 70.53% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 18 | 1.60% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 119 | 10.60% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 194 | 27.87% |
| Total Population: | 1,123 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 810 | 72.13% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 313 | 27.87% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $43,482, which is considerably lower than the state median ($96,334), is up $3,732 (9.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $10,426. Family households earn a median of $47,321 versus $27,222 for nonfamily households (a difference of $20,099). By gender, male median income is $36,786 and female is $27,083, which is considerably lower than the state female median ($61,569), with a current gap of $9,703 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 8.5%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (28.6%).
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 | $39,750 | $31,957 | $30,491 | $31,438 | $30,721 | $33,672 | $38,068 | $41,094 | $33,056 | $40,333 | $32,083 | $38,611 | $43,482 |
| Median Family Income | $50,450 | $42,031 | $35,000 | $35,556 | $35,859 | $36,354 | $53,750 | $55,000 | $30,938 | $39,643 | $32,303 | $44,554 | $47,321 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $23,583 | $28,438 | $23,281 | $19,375 | $19,444 | $21,563 | $18,942 | $22,150 | $28,971 | $31,563 | $28,889 | $30,865 | $27,222 |
| Median Male Income | $40,139 | $51,000 | $39,688 | $35,000 | $0 | $25,500 | $30,909 | $33,063 | $31,719 | $33,438 | $31,188 | $38,824 | $36,786 |
| Median Female Income | $22,212 | $28,125 | $25,417 | $37,778 | $0 | $36,111 | $37,222 | $38,088 | $26,111 | $25,893 | $27,500 | $32,188 | $27,083 |
| Employed: | 476 | 54.59% |
| Unemployed: | 44 | 5.05% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 352 | 40.37% |
| Total: | 872 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 136 | 28.57% |
| Service: | 61 | 12.82% |
| Sales and Office: | 46 | 9.66% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 127 | 26.68% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 106 | 22.27% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 476 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $429,800, which is considerably higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $242,300 (129.23%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $192,300. The median gross rent is $864, which is much lower than the state median ($1,956), is up $257 (42.34%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $74. Of occupied housing, owners make up 51.98% (60.41% with a mortgage, 39.59% free-and-clear) and renters 48.02% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 7.79%, which is markedly below the national rate (10.43%).
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 | $187,500 | $139,100 | $142,800 | $144,300 | $148,800 | $137,500 | $208,300 | $250,000 | $237,500 | $239,800 | $311,000 | $357,600 | $429,800 |
| Less than $500: | 21 | 11.54% |
| $500 to $999: | 91 | 50.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 28 | 15.38% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 20 | 10.99% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 22 | 12.09% |
| Total: | 182 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $607 | $605 | $572 | $603 | $683 | $807 | $818 | $861 | $790 | $776 | $736 | $834 | $864 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 119 | 31.40% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 78 | 20.58% |
| Renter Occupied: | 182 | 48.02% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 379 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 379 | 92.21% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 32 | 7.79% |
| Total Housing Units: | 411 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 305 | 74.21% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 35 | 8.52% |
| Other Units: | 71 | 17.27% |
| Total Housing Units: | 411 | 100% |
In 2023, 11.40% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (36.50%). High school or higher is 68.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 8.50%, which is on par with the state rate (6.90%). Private coverage is 41.10%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 56.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 22.70%, which is markedly above the state rate (8.40%), up 3.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 8.00 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (46.84%). College enrollment is 20.27%, which is on par with the state rate (30.00%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 96 | 13.85% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 126 | 18.18% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 189 | 27.27% |
| Some college, no degree: | 167 | 24.10% |
| Associate's degree: | 36 | 5.19% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 71 | 10.25% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 8 | 1.15% |
| Total: | 693 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 471 | 67.97% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 79 | 11.40% |
| Private Insurance: | 461 | 38.58% |
| Public Insurance: | 639 | 53.47% |
| No Insurance: | 95 | 7.95% |
| Total: | 1,195 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,100 | 92.05% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 19.5% | 23.1% | 27.4% | 22.5% | 30.6% | 21.0% | 18.3% | 20.8% | 30.7% | 25.6% | 33.5% | 28.2% | 22.7% |
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 | 8.31% |
| Kindergarten: | 23 | 7.64% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 141 | 46.84% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 51 | 16.94% |
| College or graduate school: | 61 | 20.27% |
| Total: | 301 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 48 | 15.95% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 215 | 71.43% |
ZIP Code 95686 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 13 business establishments, employing about 246 people with an annual payroll of $18,202,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 802Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 13Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $4,613,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $18,202,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 246Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 95686 is located in San Joaquin County, California, within the Stockton-Lodi, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 44700) and California's 9th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 787,416 people, about 0.17% of whom live in ZIP Code 95686. It covers 32.394 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.365 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Stockton-Lodi, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 44700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 787,416Source: Census |
| MSA: | Stockton-Lodi, CA MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 32.394 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1.365 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 09Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1245.28 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0678568Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Thornton CDP; CaliforniaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 95686 is in the New Hope Elementary School District, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 8th. 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.