| City: | Meacham, Oregon |
| Counties: | Umatilla County[Primary] Union County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:12:37 AM |
| Population: | 170 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 541 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 45.5268, -118.4293 |
| Land Area: | 109.467 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Meacham sits in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, a small rural community spread across 157 square miles of forested terrain in Umatilla County. With just 170 residents and 90 occupied homes, this is one of Oregon's least populated places. The median age of 54.5 years indicates an older, established population.
Despite being classified as a PO Box ZIP, Meacham's community post office doesn't maintain any PO boxes. Instead, mail reaches residents through highway contract routes and rural carrier delivery across the vast territory. This unusual pattern happens when the postal classification doesn't match current delivery infrastructure.
Half the housing units here (97 of 194) are vacant and used seasonally. These are mountain properties, vacation cabins, and second homes in the forested high country along Interstate 84. Street names like Old Oregon Trail Road, Wapiti Lane, and Dark Canyon Road reflect the area's frontier history and natural setting.
Meacham's median household income of $60,417 sits near the national median, while median home values around $250,000 suggest modest rural real estate. About 26% of adults hold bachelor's degrees. Transportation and warehousing employs 23 workers, likely tied to the I-84 corridor that runs through this mountain pass.
Street names blend frontier history (Old Oregon Trail) with natural features (Dark Canyon, Wapiti) typical of mountain communities.
ZIP Code 97859 has 170 residents and 90 households (average 1.89 persons per household). The median age is 54.5 years, significantly older than the state (39.9) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 54.7% male and 45.3% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (77.1%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and American Indian & Alaska Native (12.9%, much higher than the state average of 1.5% and well above the national average of 1.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 5.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (1.5%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 170Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 95Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 217Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 1.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $61,250Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 90Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $173,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.89Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.86Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 87 | 77 | 74 | 63 | 60 | 5 | 79 | 123 | 151 | 230 | 277 | 235 | 136 | 95 |
| Decennial Census | 123 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 170 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 54.5
Male Median Age: 61.8
Female Median Age: 46.8
| 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 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 19 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 5 |
| Female | 2 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 22 | 20 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| White: | 131 | 77.06% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 10 | 5.88% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 22 | 12.94% |
| Hawaiian: | 1 | 0.59% |
| Other: | 6 | 3.53% |
| Total: | 170 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 93 | 54.71% | 61.8 years |
| Females: | 77 | 45.29% | 46.8 years |
| Total: | 170 | 100% | 54.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 90 | 94.74% |
| 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: | 5 | 5.26% |
| Total Population: | 95 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 90 | 94.74% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 5 | 5.26% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $61,250, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $30,179 (97.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $61,250. Family households earn a median of $62,031 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $62,031). By gender, male median income is $45,500 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $45,500 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 33.7%, 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 Service (38.7%).
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 | $31,071 | $31,250 | $31,181 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $103,000 | $60,417 | $61,250 |
| Median Family Income | $30,238 | $30,329 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $103,512 | $107,679 | $118,929 | $78,250 | $62,031 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $66,000 | $73,000 | $55,000 | $45,500 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 31 | 33.70% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 61 | 66.30% |
| Total: | 92 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 11 | 35.48% |
| Service: | 12 | 38.71% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 5 | 16.13% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 3 | 9.68% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 31 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $173,300, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $9,000 (5.48%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $173,300. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 100.00% (8.00% with a mortgage, 92.00% free-and-clear) and renters 0.00% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 69.88%, which is considerably 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 | $164,300 | $162,500 | $163,200 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $232,100 | $250,000 | $173,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 4 | 8.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 46 | 92.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 50 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 50 | 30.12% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 116 | 69.88% |
| Total Housing Units: | 166 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 144 | 86.75% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 22 | 13.25% |
| Total Housing Units: | 166 | 100% |
In 2024, 5.40% 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 75.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 8.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 66.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 17.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 33.30 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 29.00 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 elementary (100.00%). 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 23 | 25.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 34 | 36.96% |
| Some college, no degree: | 23 | 25.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 7 | 7.61% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 2 | 2.17% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 3 | 3.26% |
| Total: | 92 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 69 | 75.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 5 | 5.43% |
| Private Insurance: | 72 | 50.35% |
| Public Insurance: | 63 | 44.06% |
| No Insurance: | 8 | 5.59% |
| Total: | 143 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 135 | 94.41% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 44.7% | 42.4% | 43.8% | 43.8% | 45.2% | -666,666,666.0% | 51.5% | 39.5% | 40.4% | 30.6% | 30.1% | 8.0% | 11.4% | 17.1% |
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): | 3 | 100.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 3 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 3 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 97859 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available. USPS data shows 115 residential mailboxes and 5 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 115Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 5Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 116Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 97859 is located in Umatilla County, Oregon, within the Hermiston-Pendleton, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 25840) and Oregon's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 97859. It covers 109.467 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.025 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Hermiston-Pendleton, ORSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 25840Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 109.467 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.025 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: | 4146800Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Meacham CDP; OregonSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 97859 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. 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 February 1, 2026.