| City: | Hamilton, Washington |
| County: | Skagit County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:15:08 AM |
| Population: | 213 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 360 / 564 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 48.5225, -121.9901 |
| Land Area: | 0.663 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
The high PO Box use isn't about necessity. Hamilton has two rural carrier routes handling deliveries along streets like Baker, Maple, and Ensley Road. But with a median household income around $36,000 and home values averaging $206,000, many residents prefer the reliability of a post office box. The town sits at the threshold of rugged country—vast areas to the east depend on PO Boxes exclusively, and Hamilton's post office becomes the gateway for those scattered communities.
Hamilton's street layout is minimal, centered on State Route 20 with a handful of cross streets. The presence of the highway reflects the town's role as a stopping point before the North Cascades, while simple street names like Baker and Maple suggest early 20th-century platting typical of small Washington logging towns.
ZIP Code 98255 has 213 residents and 82 households (average 2.60 persons per household). The median age is 40.9 years, slightly older than the state (38.1) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 42.7% male and 57.3% female, which is much lower than the state male share (49.9%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (82.6%, much higher than the state average of 66.6% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (15.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 15.0%, which is lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 213Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 198Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 321.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $68,194Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 82Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $217,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.60Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.28Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 390 | 369 | 360 | 196 | 180 | 137 | 118 | 236 | 164 | 182 | 262 | 312 | 201 | 198 |
| Decennial Census | 245 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 213 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 40.9
Male Median Age: 42.5
Female Median Age: 40.3
| 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 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Female | 5 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 16 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 12 | 15 | 9 | 17 | 8 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 13 | 27 | 18 | 18 | 5 | 10 | 1 | 4 |
| White: | 176 | 76.86% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 32 | 13.97% |
| Asian: | 3 | 1.31% |
| American Indian: | 6 | 2.62% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 12 | 5.24% |
| Total: | 229 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 91 | 42.72% | 42.5 years |
| Females: | 122 | 57.28% | 40.3 years |
| Total: | 213 | 100% | 40.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 180 | 90.91% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 6 | 3.03% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 12 | 9.09% |
| Total Population: | 198 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 180 | 90.91% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 18 | 9.09% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $68,194, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $30,194 (79.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $35,833. Family households earn a median of $112,321 versus $23,571 for nonfamily households (a difference of $88,750). By gender, male median income is $88,182 and female is $42,188, which is well under the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $45,994 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 55.9%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 7.1%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Natural resources (29.3%).
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 | $38,000 | $38,125 | $40,469 | $27,500 | $33,333 | $21,563 | $31,750 | $0 | $32,361 | $29,375 | $0 | $0 | $35,893 | $68,194 |
| Median Family Income | $39,000 | $40,938 | $42,500 | $36,458 | $35,417 | $0 | $60,000 | $120,833 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $120,938 | $0 | $112,321 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $23,571 | $23,393 | $22,969 | $22,679 | $0 | $0 | $24,063 | $30,694 | $30,556 | $27,500 | $25,000 | $27,500 | $24,018 | $23,571 |
| Median Male Income | $35,313 | $35,313 | $36,094 | $36,875 | $0 | $0 | $45,469 | $130,439 | $46,500 | $50,000 | $140,656 | $152,926 | $85,469 | $88,182 |
| Median Female Income | $26,250 | $27,500 | $28,750 | $35,208 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $33,750 | $38,438 | $40,250 | $42,188 |
| Employed: | 92 | 51.98% |
| Unemployed: | 7 | 3.95% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 78 | 44.07% |
| Total: | 177 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 10 | 10.87% |
| Service: | 14 | 15.22% |
| Sales and Office: | 26 | 28.26% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 27 | 29.35% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 15 | 16.30% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 92 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $217,500, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $119,600 (122.17%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $49,200. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $1,134 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 84.85% (30.95% with a mortgage, 69.05% free-and-clear) and renters 15.15% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 5.71%, which is considerably lower 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 | $97,900 | $101,800 | $93,300 | $91,700 | $87,500 | $87,500 | $109,100 | $226,700 | $168,300 | $172,200 | $250,000 | $300,000 | $206,000 | $217,500 |
| 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: | 15 | 100.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 15 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,134 | $1,088 | $1,078 | $871 | $872 | $869 | $1,219 | $963 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,021 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 26 | 26.26% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 58 | 58.59% |
| Renter Occupied: | 15 | 15.15% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 99 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 99 | 94.29% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 6 | 5.71% |
| Total Housing Units: | 105 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 69 | 65.71% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 1 | 0.95% |
| Other Units: | 35 | 33.33% |
| Total Housing Units: | 105 | 100% |
In 2024, 8.40% 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 63.90%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 2.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 23.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 10.40 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.90 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 elementary (42.42%). College enrollment is 39.39%, 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: | 5 | 3.01% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 55 | 33.13% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 50 | 30.12% |
| Some college, no degree: | 35 | 21.08% |
| Associate's degree: | 7 | 4.22% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 6 | 3.61% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 8 | 4.82% |
| Total: | 166 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 106 | 63.86% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 14 | 8.43% |
| Private Insurance: | 129 | 56.33% |
| Public Insurance: | 95 | 41.48% |
| No Insurance: | 5 | 2.18% |
| Total: | 229 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 224 | 97.82% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 16.3% | 18.8% | 21.4% | 31.1% | 33.3% | 44.8% | 17.9% | 15.4% | 32.6% | 39.6% | 21.1% | 23.4% | 26.7% | 23.1% |
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): | 14 | 42.42% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 6 | 18.18% |
| College or graduate school: | 13 | 39.39% |
| Total: | 33 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 20 | 60.61% |
ZIP Code 98255 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 5 business establishments, employing about 504 people with an annual payroll of $56,283,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 90Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 5Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $12,390,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $56,283,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 504Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 98255 is located in Skagit County, Washington, within the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 34580) and Washington's 2nd Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 116,901 people, about 0.18% of whom live in ZIP Code 98255. It covers 0.663 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 34580Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 116,901Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.663 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1015.02 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 5329255Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Hamilton town; WashingtonSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 98255 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.