| City: | Christmas Valley, Oregon |
| City Alias: | Christmas Vly |
| County: | Lake County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:11:47 AM |
| Population: | 1,313 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 541 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 43.2516, -120.5960 |
| Land Area: | 664.704 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Christmas Valley sits in Oregon's high desert, covering 1,119 square miles of Lake County territory. This isn't a tourist gateway to natural attractions but rather a remote rural community whose name and street patterns tell the story of optimistic land development. The ZIP serves 1,313 residents scattered across a vast landscape of ancient lake beds, volcanic formations, and high desert terrain.
The post office maintains 653 PO Boxes for 596 occupied households, a 1.10 adoption rate that shows nearly universal reliance on PO Box mail. Rural delivery does exist via one rural route and one highway contract route serving 537 delivery points, but many residents still prefer the certainty of picking up mail at the post office. With 105 distinct street names spread across 1,119 square miles, rural carrier routes can't efficiently reach every remote property.
Street names form a complete Christmas lexicon: Christmas Valley Highway, Christmas Tree Road, Jingle Bell Road, Snowflake Road, Holiday Road, Mistletoe Lane, Noel Road, Snowman Road, Tinsel Road, Glitter Lane, and Wonderland Lane. These names don't come from holiday tourism but from 1960s subdivision platting when developers marketed this high desert land as "Christmas Valley," hoping the festive name would attract buyers to remote properties. Other streets reference the stark landscape: Fossil Lake Road leads to an ancient playa, Lost Forest Lane winds toward a stand of ponderosa pines that shouldn't exist in this arid climate, and Crack in the Ground Road points to a volcanic fissure stretching two miles.
The population skews older, with a median age of 52.2 years. Of 821 total housing units, 596 are occupied year-round and 102 sit vacant for seasonal or recreational use (12.4%). The community is 84% white, with 201 Hispanic residents (15%). This is working-class rural Oregon: median household income of $32,887, well below state averages. Educational attainment is low, with only 13.2% holding bachelor's degrees. Homeownership dominates at 78% (464 owner-occupied vs 132 renter-occupied units).
Christmas Valley operates as a Community Post Office, meaning limited hours and services compared to full post offices. The facility serves not just the immediate settlement but surrounding ranches, off-grid homesteads, and recreational properties scattered across the high desert. Economic data shows 65 workers in agriculture and 248 in transportation and warehousing, indicating a mix of ranching and long-haul trucking through this remote corridor.
Streets split between whimsical Christmas names from 1960s marketing and geographic features like Fossil Lake and Crack in the Ground.
ZIP Code 97641 has 1,313 residents and 596 households (average 2.20 persons per household). The median age is 52.2 years, significantly older than the state (39.9) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 54.3% male and 45.7% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (84.1%, much higher than the state average of 74.8% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.4%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,313Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,319Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 2.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $33,125Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 596Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.20Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.03Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 906 | 1,045 | 1,045 | 1,073 | 1,065 | 1,107 | 1,171 | 1,286 | 1,196 | 1,440 | 1,527 | 1,410 | 1,250 | 1,319 |
| Decennial Census | 1,313 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,313 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 52.2
Male Median Age: 52
Female Median Age: 52.8
| 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 | 48 | 23 | 36 | 42 | 21 | 44 | 32 | 21 | 33 | 29 | 57 | 47 | 68 | 69 | 56 | 53 | 18 | 16 |
| Female | 21 | 26 | 33 | 50 | 22 | 32 | 12 | 23 | 42 | 28 | 36 | 57 | 42 | 64 | 50 | 20 | 22 | 20 |
| Total | 69 | 49 | 69 | 92 | 43 | 76 | 44 | 44 | 75 | 57 | 93 | 104 | 110 | 133 | 106 | 73 | 40 | 36 |
| White: | 1,104 | 90.42% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 58 | 4.75% |
| Asian: | 4 | 0.33% |
| American Indian: | 17 | 1.39% |
| Hawaiian: | 4 | 0.33% |
| Other: | 34 | 2.78% |
| Total: | 1,221 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 713 | 54.30% | 52.0 years |
| Females: | 600 | 45.70% | 52.8 years |
| Total: | 1,313 | 100% | 52.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,319 | 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: | 1,319 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,319 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $33,125, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $8,919 (36.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $3,646. Family households earn a median of $52,500 versus $23,125 for nonfamily households (a difference of $29,375). By gender, male median income is $52,705 and female is $50,870, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $1,835 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 38.3%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 14.5%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (30.0%).
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 | $24,206 | $28,581 | $24,244 | $24,263 | $24,574 | $27,399 | $25,731 | $28,322 | $29,479 | $33,472 | $35,263 | $34,493 | $32,887 | $33,125 |
| Median Family Income | $24,946 | $33,167 | $26,250 | $29,063 | $29,946 | $32,102 | $30,938 | $32,168 | $33,732 | $34,034 | $36,414 | $38,182 | $0 | $52,500 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $14,615 | $18,571 | $16,063 | $17,162 | $16,563 | $16,292 | $14,583 | $14,250 | $15,995 | $28,409 | $31,433 | $32,829 | $25,852 | $23,125 |
| Median Male Income | $25,848 | $25,625 | $22,326 | $26,818 | $0 | $38,625 | $38,688 | $41,141 | $39,563 | $39,875 | $45,129 | $50,858 | $54,217 | $52,705 |
| Median Female Income | $28,958 | $29,167 | $22,321 | $29,338 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $31,583 | $31,023 | $36,250 | $43,155 | $48,472 | $48,182 | $50,870 |
| Employed: | 353 | 32.78% |
| Unemployed: | 60 | 5.57% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 664 | 61.65% |
| Total: | 1,077 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 106 | 30.03% |
| Service: | 59 | 16.71% |
| Sales and Office: | 85 | 24.08% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 52 | 14.73% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 51 | 14.45% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 353 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $147,500 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $154,400. The median gross rent is $837, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is up $453 (117.97%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $141. Of occupied housing, owners make up 73.99% (29.48% with a mortgage, 70.52% free-and-clear) and renters 26.01% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 24.51%, which is much higher than 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 | $147,500 | $107,700 | $84,200 | $62,600 | $55,400 | $67,900 | $83,600 | $114,600 | $154,400 | $0 | $164,300 | $157,100 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 22 | 13.66% |
| $500 to $999: | 66 | 40.99% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 14 | 8.70% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 8 | 4.97% |
| $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: | 51 | 31.68% |
| Total: | 161 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $384 | $389 | $393 | $394 | $388 | $384 | $0 | $643 | $696 | $715 | $772 | $746 | $829 | $837 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 135 | 21.81% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 323 | 52.18% |
| Renter Occupied: | 161 | 26.01% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 619 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 619 | 75.49% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 201 | 24.51% |
| Total Housing Units: | 820 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 637 | 77.68% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 183 | 22.32% |
| Total Housing Units: | 820 | 100% |
In 2024, 12.90% 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 93.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 2.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 37.50%, which is falls below the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 69.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 22.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 12.30 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 18.10 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (40.16%). 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: | 42 | 4.38% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 24 | 2.50% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 430 | 44.84% |
| Some college, no degree: | 287 | 29.93% |
| Associate's degree: | 52 | 5.42% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 124 | 12.93% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 959 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 893 | 93.12% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 124 | 12.93% |
| Private Insurance: | 494 | 34.21% |
| Public Insurance: | 915 | 63.37% |
| No Insurance: | 35 | 2.42% |
| Total: | 1,444 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,409 | 97.58% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 15.6% | 14.5% | 11.1% | 3.8% | 1.4% | 0.0% | 9.7% | 8.6% | 9.8% | 13.7% | 19.7% | 22.3% | 27.9% | 22.5% |
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 | 20.49% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 48 | 39.34% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 49 | 40.16% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 122 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 25 | 20.49% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 97 | 79.51% |
ZIP Code 97641 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 25 business establishments, employing about 119 people with an annual payroll of $3,601,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 706Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 25Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $874,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $3,601,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 119Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 97641 is located in Lake County, Oregon, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Oregon's 2nd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 97641. It covers 664.704 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.167 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: | 664.704 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.167 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 69442.78 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 97641 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are 0 public schools with a nearby mailing address, but we have located 5 public schools nearby. There are however 1 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.