ZIP Code 99730 in Central, AK

Community Overview

Central, Alaska sits along the Steese Highway in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, 127 miles northeast of Fairbanks. This remote settlement serves 101 year-round residents across 8,193 square miles of Interior Alaska wilderness. That's roughly the size of New Jersey spread across mountains, rivers, and tundra accessible primarily by one highway.

Why PO Boxes Are Essential

This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The Central post office maintains 71 PO Boxes for 52 occupied homes, with an adoption rate of 1.36x indicating the office serves not just local residents but also seasonal miners, trappers, and recreational users scattered across the region. With only one named street (Steese Highway) in the ZIP+4 records, traditional street addressing isn't feasible here.

Seasonal Patterns

The community shows a distinct seasonal pattern. Of 243 total housing units, 175 are vacant and held for seasonal use. That's 72% seasonal vacancy, one of the highest rates in Alaska. The pattern fits Central's history as a gold mining area where many properties serve as summer mining camps, hunting cabins, or recreational retreats. Year-round population is small but stable: 52 households, 94% owner-occupied.

Population and Demographics

Demographically, Central is mixed. Of 101 residents, 39 are Native American (39%), 55 are White (54%), and 6 identify with two or more races. The median age of 54.9 years indicates an older, established population rather than young families. Only 1 person is under 18. The median household income of $19,211 is well below national levels, typical for remote Alaskan communities where subsistence activities supplement cash income.

Mail Service

The post office handles mail via a rural route (R001) for limited delivery plus general delivery service. Most residents rely on PO Boxes because physical addresses don't exist beyond the highway corridor. Packages, supplies, medications, and government documents all flow through this single postal facility serving a region larger than some states.

Mailing to Central

All mail to Central requires a PO Box number:

[Recipient Name]
PO Box [Number]
Central, AK 99730

Street addressing is not available in this ZIP code.

Street Name Patterns

Only one street appears in ZIP+4 records: Steese Highway. Traditional street addressing doesn't exist in this remote territory.