| City: | Sierraville, California |
| County: | Sierra County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:03:29 AM |
| Population: | 273 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 530 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 39.5768, -120.2190 |
| Land Area: | 28.725 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Sierraville is a small mountain community in Sierra County, California, where PO Boxes aren't just convenient. They're the only option. This is a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative mail delivery across the entire 146 square mile territory. The 273 residents and surrounding areas all depend on the Sierraville post office.
The post office maintains 141 PO Boxes for 99 occupied households. That 1.42x adoption rate shows the ZIP serves beyond its immediate boundaries, extending to rural areas and seasonal properties scattered across Sierra Valley and the surrounding mountains. With rural route delivery covering some addresses and highway contract delivery for others, the service pattern adapts to the vast distances and dispersed settlement.
This isn't a young community. Median age is 55.4 years. Home values tell an interesting story: the median of $795,700 is unusually high for such a remote location, but many structures date to before 1939. The combination suggests a mix of historic properties and newer rural retreats. About 17% of housing units (24 of 143) are seasonal, indicating some vacation use alongside year-round residents.
Work patterns here differ from typical small towns. Nearly two-thirds of workers (64.3%) work from home, a rate far above national averages. Per capita income sits at $25,871. Only 12.3% of adults hold bachelor's degrees. Streets like Lincoln, Willow, and Main hint at the town's historic grid, while Old Truckee Road and Campbell Hot Springs Road reference the area's mountain geography and historic routes.
All mail must be addressed to PO Boxes in Sierraville, CA 96126. Street delivery is not available.
Streets follow a small-town grid (Lincoln, Willow, Main) with roads referencing mountain features and historic routes (Old Truckee Rd, Campbell Hot Springs Rd).
ZIP Code 96126 has 273 residents and 99 households (average 2.76 persons per household). The median age is 55.4 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.9% male and 49.1% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (81.7%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (11.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 11.4%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 273Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 351Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 9.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 99Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.76Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.03Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 229 | 128 | 105 | 133 | 55 | 39 | 80 | 103 | 85 | 166 | 301 | 227 | 233 | 351 |
| Decennial Census | 215 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 273 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 55.4
Male Median Age: 41.8
Female Median Age: 61.2
| 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 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 18 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Female | 4 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 22 | 19 | 19 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Total | 11 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 10 | 26 | 12 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 19 | 40 | 36 | 22 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| White: | 223 | 83.83% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 31 | 11.65% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 12 | 4.51% |
| Total: | 266 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 139 | 50.92% | 41.8 years |
| Females: | 134 | 49.08% | 61.2 years |
| Total: | 273 | 100% | 55.4 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 277 | 78.92% |
| 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: | 74 | 21.08% |
| Total Population: | 351 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 277 | 78.92% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 74 | 21.08% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $12,120 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $43,438. Family households earn a median of $145,086 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $145,086). 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 narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 55.0%, 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 Management (37.3%).
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 | $12,120 | $12,031 | $0 | $32,500 | $53,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $43,438 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $11,944 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $57,396 | $59,028 | $63,542 | $0 | $145,086 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $12,368 | $40,536 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $111,167 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $98,523 | $101,023 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 177 | 54.97% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 145 | 45.03% |
| Total: | 322 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 66 | 37.29% |
| Service: | 58 | 32.77% |
| Sales and Office: | 30 | 16.95% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 23 | 12.99% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 177 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $297,100 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $1,213 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 80.15% (72.48% with a mortgage, 27.52% free-and-clear) and renters 19.85% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 37.33%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.12%).
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 | $297,100 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $335,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $781,300 | $795,700 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 5 | 18.52% |
| $3,000 or more: | 22 | 81.48% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 27 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,213 | $2,001 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 79 | 58.09% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 30 | 22.06% |
| Renter Occupied: | 27 | 19.85% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 136 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 136 | 62.67% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 81 | 37.33% |
| Total Housing Units: | 217 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 212 | 97.70% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 5 | 2.30% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 217 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 77.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 57.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 9.10%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 64.30 percentage points since 2011. 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 college (69.47%). College enrollment is 69.47%, which is far higher than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 43 | 22.51% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 31 | 16.23% |
| Some college, no degree: | 116 | 60.73% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 1 | 0.52% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 191 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 148 | 77.49% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 1 | 0.52% |
| Private Insurance: | 32 | 8.40% |
| Public Insurance: | 148 | 38.85% |
| No Insurance: | 201 | 52.76% |
| Total: | 381 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 180 | 47.24% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 64.3% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 69.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 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 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 29 | 30.53% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 66 | 69.47% |
| Total: | 95 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 29 | 30.53% |
ZIP Code 96126 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 12 business establishments, employing about 40 people with an annual payroll of $1,882,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 163Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 12Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $389,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,882,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 40Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 96126 is located in Sierra County, California, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and California's 3rd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 96126. It covers 28.725 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.023 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: | 28.725 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.023 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: | 0671848Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Sierraville CDP; CaliforniaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 96126 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. 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 March 1, 2026.