96145 Tahoe City, CA - Lake Tahoe's Northwest Shore

ZIP Code 96145, Tahoe City

Ski Resort

LocationPlacer County, CA

Area98.4 sq mi

Population3,189

Households1,464

PO Boxes2,330 Regional Hub (159%)

Median Age46.2 years

Seasonal Housing66%

ZIP CreatedBefore Oct 2004

Key Facts

With 2,330 PO Boxes serving 1,464 households, the post office serves 59% more boxes than local homes due to second homeowners and businesses
66% of housing units (3,199 of 4,872) are vacant for seasonal use, indicating this is primarily a vacation community
Median home values of $980,500 and household income of $121,875 place Tahoe City among California's most affluent mountain communities
27% of workers work from home, double the national average, enabling professionals to live in this resort setting year-round
Despite PO Box classification, the ZIP has 2 rural carrier routes serving scattered mountain properties across 98 square miles
Street names include European ski resorts (Courchevel, Zermatt, Gstaad) alongside local features (Lake Boulevard, Alpine Meadows Road)

A Year-Round Mountain Resort

Tahoe City sits on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe at 6,200 feet elevation, where the Truckee River begins its journey out of the lake. This isn't just a ski town. It's a year-round mountain resort that transforms with the seasons. With 3,189 permanent residents and 4,872 total housing units, the numbers tell the story: 66% of homes (3,199 units) are vacant for seasonal use. Summer brings boaters and beach-goers, winter brings skiers heading to nearby Alpine Meadows (now Palisades Tahoe).

Why PO Boxes Dominate

The Tahoe City post office maintains 2,330 PO Boxes for 1,464 occupied households. That's a 1.59x adoption rate. Second homeowners keep boxes year-round for property management, packages, and bills even when they're not in town. Street names hint at the dual character: Alpine Meadows Road serves the ski area, while Lake Boulevard handles the lakefront commerce. European ski resort names dot the map (Courchevel, Zermatt, Gstaad, Chamonix), a nod to Tahoe's international skiing reputation.

Mountain Geography and Mail Delivery

This is California's high country, spread across 98 square miles of Sierra Nevada terrain. Mail delivery uses 2 rural carrier routes, not city carriers. Properties are scattered from lake level to mountain ridges. Median home value: $980,500. Median household income: $121,875. These aren't struggling ski bums, they're professionals who can afford Tahoe real estate. The median age of 46 skews older than typical resort towns, with only 52 residents under 18. This is a place people buy into after establishing careers.

The Remote Work Economy

27% of workers work from home. That's double the national average and explains how people afford to live here. Technology, consulting, and creative work that can be done remotely from a mountain setting. Another 306 work in public administration (many for Placer County or regional agencies), while 248 work in education and healthcare. The 2,292 jobs at 325 business establishments serve both residents and the constant flow of tourists.

Practical Mail Information

This isn't a PO Box Only Zone. Limited street delivery exists via rural routes to some properties. But for most residents and nearly all second homeowners, the PO Box at the post office on North Lake Boulevard is where mail lands. It's practical: consistent delivery regardless of snow conditions, secure for packages when you're away, and a reason to stop by town center where you might run into neighbors at the market or coffee shop.

Street Name Patterns

Lake References Ski Resort Names Alpine Geography European Ski Resorts

Street names blend Lake Tahoe geography (Lake Boulevard, River Road) with ski culture (Alpine Meadows) and European resort references (Courchevel, Zermatt, Gstaad, Chamonix).

Nearby Areas

Dollar Point Lake Forest Northshore Chinquapin Lake Forest Shores

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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 96145 has 3,189 residents and 1,464 households (average 2.17 persons per household). The median age is 46.2 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.8% male and 49.2% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (87.9%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (7.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 7.0%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	3,189Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:	3,441Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:	0Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	180.1 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$112,875Source: Census ACS

Households:	1,464Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$962,600Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.17Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.08Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 96145 population estimates from 2011-2024, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	3,017	3,283	2,997	3,215	2,872	2,399	2,406	2,151	2,147	2,664	2,671	3,081	3,291	3,441
Decennial Census	3,161	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	3,189	--	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 46.2

Male Median Age: 45.5

Female Median Age: 46.9

Line chart for ZIP 96145 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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	52	42	102	92	59	93	131	136	92	121	120	116	121	119	108	55	26	35
Female	52	73	76	66	62	96	129	113	80	118	118	148	115	112	96	50	34	31
Total	104	115	178	158	121	189	260	249	172	239	238	264	236	231	204	105	60	66

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 96145. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	2,802	87.51%
Black:	7	0.22%
Hispanic:*	224	7.00%
Asian:	53	1.66%
American Indian:	7	0.22%
Hawaiian:	10	0.31%
Other:	99	3.09%
Total:	3,202	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 96145. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	1,620	50.80%	45.5 years
Females:	1,569	49.20%	46.9 years
Total:	3,189	100%	46.2 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 96145. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	3,177	92.33%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	14	0.41%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	86	2.50%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	164	7.27%
Total Population:	3,441	100%
Total Native Population:	3,191	92.73%
Total Foreign-born Population:	250	7.27%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment

In 2024, the Median household income is $112,875, which is markedly greater than the national median ($80,734), is up $41,557 (58.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $39,000. Family households earn a median of $126,964 versus $79,375 for nonfamily households (a difference of $47,589). By gender, male median income is $100,000 and female is $51,910, which is lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $48,090 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 66.1%, which is edges past the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is better than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (41.2%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 96145 from 2011-2024 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Household Income	$71,318	$88,068	$66,628	$68,887	$68,091	$68,015	$71,576	$72,431	$73,875	$84,648	$117,150	$120,714	$121,875	$112,875
Median Family Income	$86,983	$96,277	$76,591	$93,250	$81,875	$96,000	$80,451	$82,409	$84,387	$110,101	$144,934	$159,900	$156,500	$126,964
Median NonFamily Income	$53,789	$59,015	$61,053	$60,469	$53,929	$53,125	$55,926	$40,313	$44,238	$61,346	$68,452	$76,364	$77,069	$79,375
Median Male Income	$60,281	$43,700	$38,790	$34,346	$32,500	$40,403	$49,886	$61,875	$64,737	$81,300	$88,233	$99,671	$107,672	$100,000
Median Female Income	$46,264	$47,901	$46,903	$56,763	$56,548	$57,301	$59,337	$65,917	$68,194	$59,375	$61,848	$67,500	$64,375	$51,910

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 96145, city of Tahoe City, Placer County, state of California, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 96145, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	1,792	63.59%
Unemployed:	72	2.56%
Not In Labor Force:	954	33.85%
Total:	2,818	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	739	41.24%
Service:	340	18.97%
Sales and Office:	533	29.74%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	141	7.87%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	39	2.18%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	1,792	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability

In 2024, the median home value is $962,600, which is far above the national median ($332,700), is up $363,200 (60.59%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $296,300. The median gross rent is $1,892, which is much higher than the national median ($1,413), is up $431 (29.50%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $838. Of occupied housing, owners make up 74.61% (66.24% with a mortgage, 33.76% free-and-clear) and renters 25.39% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 71.36%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.12%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 96145, compared with Tahoe City, Placer County, state of California, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 96145 across years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Home Value	$599,400	$572,400	$577,700	$589,300	$556,200	$603,500	$627,100	$600,400	$666,300	$702,600	$785,700	$915,300	$980,500	$962,600

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 96145, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	0	0.00%
$500 to $999:	0	0.00%
$1,000 to $1,499:	76	20.38%
$1,500 to $1,999:	141	37.80%
$2,000 to $2,499:	25	6.70%
$2,500 to $2,999:	15	4.02%
$3,000 or more:	116	31.10%
No Rent:	0	0.00%
Total:	373	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 96145 over the years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Rent	$1,461	$1,397	$1,380	$1,340	$1,327	$1,284	$1,191	$1,108	$1,054	$1,092	$1,473	$1,798	$1,768	$1,892

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 96145. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	726	49.42%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	370	25.19%
Renter Occupied:	373	25.39%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	1,469	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	1,469	28.64%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	3,660	71.36%
Total Housing Units:	5,129	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 96145. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	3,910	76.23%
Multi-Family Units:	1,203	23.45%
Other Units:	16	0.31%
Total Housing Units:	5,129	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community

In 2024, 58.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 98.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 1.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), down 2.90 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.00 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (40.20%). College enrollment is 20.61%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 96145, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	0	0.00%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	48	1.86%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	268	10.39%
Some college, no degree:	570	22.10%
Associate's degree:	196	7.60%
Bachelor's degree:	1,220	47.31%
Graduate or professional degree:	277	10.74%
Total:	2,579	100%
High school or higher:	2,531	98.14%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	1,497	58.05%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 96145. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	2,705	69.36%
Public Insurance:	1,141	29.26%
No Insurance:	54	1.38%
Total:	3,900	100%
Has Health Insurance:	3,846	98.62%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 96145 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2024. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
% of People in Poverty	2.9%	2.1%	5.6%	8.1%	7.2%	8.7%	10.5%	7.8%	3.0%	1.9%	2.5%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

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.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	41	6.93%
Kindergarten:	34	5.74%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	238	40.20%
High school (grades 9-12):	157	26.52%
College or graduate school:	122	20.61%
Total:	592	100%
Early Childhood:	75	12.67%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	429	72.47%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Tahoe City, California
City Alias:	Alpine Mdws, Alpine Meadows
County:	Placer County
Timezone:	Pacific (GMT -08:00)
Local Time:	10:03:41 AM
Population:	3,189 [See All]
Area Code:	530
Classification:	PO Box
Coordinates:	39.1412, -120.1755
Land Area:	17.71 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/96145/zip-code-96145.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	2,701Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	0Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	0Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	316Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$31,652,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$147,388,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	2,305Source: CBP

CBSA Name:	Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CASource: Census
CBSA Number:	40900Source: Census
CBSA Type:	MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:	--Source: Census
CBSA Population:	2,149,127Source: Census
MSA:	Sacramento-Yolo, CA CMSASource: Census
Land Area:	17.71 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	0.91 sq miSource: Census

Congressional District:	03Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:	6183.59 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:	Sacramento, CA PMSASource: Census
Intro Date:	< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:	0676015Source: Census
Place Name:	Sunnyside-Tahoe City CDP; CaliforniaSource: Census

ZIP Code 96145 in Tahoe City, CA

96145 Tahoe City, CA - Lake Tahoe's Northwest Shore

ZIP Code 96145, Tahoe City

Key Facts

A Year-Round Mountain Resort

Why PO Boxes Dominate

Mountain Geography and Mail Delivery

The Remote Work Economy

Practical Mail Information

Street Name Patterns

Nearby Areas

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 96145

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 96145

Sources & References