| City: | Mcchord AFB, Washington |
| City Alias: | Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Lewis Mcchord, Tacoma |
| Names to Avoid: | Jb Lewis Mcchord, Jblm |
| County: | Pierce County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:16:52 AM |
| Population: | 582 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 253 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 47.1269, -122.4829 |
| Land Area: | 0.962 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP code 98438 serves McChord Air Force Base, the air mobility wing component of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County, Washington. The base population of 582 residents lives primarily in barracks and institutional housing, with 531 people (91%) residing in group quarters. That's mostly young airmen. The median age of 21.6 years reflects the active-duty service member population.
Mail delivery at McChord works through a building-based system serving 92 named facilities across the 7.4 square mile installation. Air Force units receive mail at designated locations: the 62nd Airlift Wing, 446th Airlift Wing, and their subordinate squadrons all have distinct delivery points. Major streets like Col Joe Jackson Boulevard (29 delivery records) and Barnes Boulevard (28 records) connect administrative buildings, maintenance facilities, and support services. Building names in the ZIP+4 data read like an Air Force organizational chart: 62 MDG (Medical Group), 62 OSS (Operations Support Squadron), 446 AW (Airlift Wing), and dozens of other unit designations.
The base post office maintains 132 PO Boxes for 59 households, a 2.24 adoption rate that indicates regional service beyond the immediate installation. This isn't unusual for military bases. Service members deploy frequently, families live off-base, and contractors need reliable mail access. The PO Box system provides continuity when personnel rotate through assignments.
In 2010, the facility became part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord when McChord AFB merged with nearby Fort Lewis under the Base Realignment and Closure process. USPS added several mailing aliases that year: "JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD," "JBLM," and "LEWIS MCCHORD" all route to this ZIP. The original "MCCHORD AFB" remains the primary mailing name. "TACOMA" also works as an alias, connecting the base to the larger metropolitan area.
The census captures just 582 people because it counts only those living in base housing within the ZIP boundary. The actual daytime population is far larger. The base employs 172 people across 28 business establishments, but thousands more service members work here daily without residing on the installation. Most personnel live in surrounding communities like Parkland, Spanaway, and Lakewood.
Of the small residential population, 53 of 59 households rent rather than own. Only 6 households are owner-occupied, likely senior NCOs or officers in permanent base housing. The median household income of $21,023 reflects the junior enlisted pay scale, though this figure doesn't capture the full compensation package that includes housing allowances and benefits for service members living off-base.
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Streets honor Medal of Honor recipients (Col Joe Jackson, Pitsenbarger) and use military naming conventions, with functional roads like Warehouse Rd, Battery Rd, and Commissary Dr serving base operations.
ZIP Code 98438 has 582 residents and 59 households (average 0.86 persons per household). The median age is 21.6 years, significantly younger than the state (38.1) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 81.6% male and 18.4% female, which is much higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (60.3%, lower than the state average of 66.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (19.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 19.4%, which is higher than the state average (13.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than the state average (4.0%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 582Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 613Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 605.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 59Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 0.86Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 1.14Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 316 | 274 | 271 | 259 | 443 | 442 | 498 | 487 | 584 | 610 | 576 | 560 | 568 | 613 |
| Decennial Census | 366 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 582 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 21.6
Male Median Age: 21.6
Female Median Age: 21.7
| 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 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 84 | 301 | 55 | 25 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Female | 0 | 4 | 0 | 22 | 51 | 17 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 4 | 2 | 106 | 352 | 72 | 34 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| White: | 351 | 55.80% |
| Black: | 86 | 13.67% |
| Hispanic:* | 113 | 17.97% |
| Asian: | 21 | 3.34% |
| American Indian: | 3 | 0.48% |
| Hawaiian: | 7 | 1.11% |
| Other: | 48 | 7.63% |
| Total: | 629 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 475 | 81.62% | 21.6 years |
| Females: | 107 | 18.38% | 21.7 years |
| Total: | 582 | 100% | 21.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 574 | 93.64% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 24 | 3.92% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 15 | 2.45% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 2.45% |
| Total Population: | 613 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 598 | 97.55% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 15 | 2.45% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $26,425 and female is $28,281, which is well under the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $1,856 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 835.7%, which is far greater 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 (57.1%).
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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $21,023 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $21,023 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $26,065 | $22,906 | $23,125 | $23,589 | $0 | $22,760 | $24,411 | $25,480 | $24,124 | $24,375 | $24,375 | $24,815 | $25,349 | $26,425 |
| Median Female Income | $20,375 | $23,125 | $22,273 | $21,316 | $0 | $22,159 | $21,544 | $21,319 | $20,625 | $21,111 | $0 | $0 | $24,514 | $28,281 |
| Employed: | 42 | 60.00% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 28 | 40.00% |
| Total: | 70 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 6 | 14.29% |
| Service: | 24 | 57.14% |
| Sales and Office: | 12 | 28.57% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 42 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. 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 37.93% (100.00% with a mortgage, 0.00% free-and-clear) and renters 62.07% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 12 | 33.33% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 24 | 66.67% |
| Total: | 36 | 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): | 22 | 37.93% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 36 | 62.07% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 58 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 58 | 100.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 58 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 22 | 37.93% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 36 | 62.07% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 58 | 100% |
In 2024, 44.30% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is -666,666,666.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (82.50%). College enrollment is 82.50%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Some college, no degree: | 48 | 41.74% |
| Associate's degree: | 16 | 13.91% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 13 | 11.30% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 38 | 33.04% |
| Total: | 115 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 115 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 51 | 44.35% |
| Private Insurance: | 22 | 50.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 22 | 50.00% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 44 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 44 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | 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): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 14 | 17.50% |
| College or graduate school: | 66 | 82.50% |
| Total: | 80 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 14 | 17.50% |
ZIP Code 98438 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 25 business establishments, employing about 166 people with an annual payroll of $14,889,000. USPS data shows 1 residential mailboxes and 0 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 1Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 4,241Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 1Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 25Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $3,569,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $14,889,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 166Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 98438 is located in Pierce County, Washington, within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 42660) and Washington's 10th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 3,439,809 people, about 0.02% of whom live in ZIP Code 98438, and is subdivided into the Tacoma-Lakewood, WA division. It covers 0.962 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 42660Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | Tacoma-Lakewood, WA (CBSA Div 45104)Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 3,439,809Source: Census |
| MSA: | Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA CMSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.962 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 10Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 826.67 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Tacoma, WA PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 5341155Source: Census |
| Place Name: | McChord AFB CDP; WashingtonSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 98438 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.