Chatham ZIP Codes — Jackson County, LA

There is one unique ZIP code in Chatham, Louisiana and it is 71226. Area code: 318.

ZIP codes

146.45

sq mi land

6.37

sq mi water

318

area code

Chatham, LA ZIP code map

About Chatham, LA

Chatham, Louisiana, is a small town located in Jackson County, known for its tranquil surroundings and a close-knit community. The town, with a ZIP code of 71226, offers a unique blend of rural charm and Southern hospitality. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities that the area provides.

Location & geography

Chatham is situated in the northern part of Louisiana, approximately 120 miles from Shreveport and around 70 miles south of Monroe. The town encompasses a land area of 146.45 square miles, with an additional 6.37 square miles of water, contributing to its scenic landscapes. The terrain is predominantly flat, featuring the lush greenery typical of the region.

Community & economy

The character of Chatham reflects its friendly and welcoming residents who value community ties and tradition. Local industries primarily revolve around agriculture and small businesses that support the town’s economy and daily life. Families in Chatham often engage in outdoor activities, foster close relationships, and participate in community events that enhance the small-town atmosphere.

Transportation

Chatham is accessible via Louisiana Highway 4, providing convenient travel to neighboring areas. The nearest regional airport is located in Monroe, which is approximately 70 miles away and offers connections to larger airports. Public transportation options may be limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transit.

History

Chatham was founded in the early 20th century as a small agricultural community. The town has always relied on farming as a crucial industry, contributing to its local economy and heritage. Over the years, Chatham has maintained its rural charm while adapting to modern changes.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Chatham is that it hosts several annual community events that celebrate local culture and bring residents together. Additionally, its proximity to the scenic Kisatchie National Forest makes it an appealing spot for nature enthusiasts.

ZIP codes for Chatham, LA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
71226	Chatham	Jackson	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,134

Population

38.8

Median age

$42,358

Median household income

$23,820

Per capita income

$65,200

Median home value

$685

Median monthly rent

70.3%

Home ownership

9.4%

Poverty rate

0.8%

Unemployment

981

Housing units

11.4%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

215

25–34

241

35–44

100

149

45–54

167

55–59

60–64

127

65–74

141

75–84

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	412	19.3%
18 and over	1,722	80.7%
65 and over	388	18.2%
Median age	38.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 67.2%

Black or African American 23.5%

Two or more races 6.1%

Hispanic or Latino 1.6%

Other race 1.6%

Group	Count	%
White	1,457	67.2%
Black or African American	510	23.5%
Two or more races	132	6.1%
Hispanic or Latino	35	1.6%
Other race	35	1.6%

Household income

Under $10k 7.1%

$10k–$15k 3.0%

$15k–$25k 8.7%

$25k–$35k 9.3%

$35k–$50k 27.2%

$50k–$75k 23.3%

$75k–$100k 10.1%

$100k–$150k 8.4%

$200k+ 3.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	7.1%
$10k–$15k	3.0%
$15k–$25k	8.7%
$25k–$35k	9.3%
$35k–$50k	27.2%
$50k–$75k	23.3%
$75k–$100k	10.1%
$100k–$150k	8.4%
$200k+	3.0%
Median income	$42,358

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 38.2%

$50k–$100k 22.9%

$100k–$150k 19.5%

$150k–$200k 6.2%

$200k–$300k 2.3%

$300k–$500k 9.3%

$500k–$1M 1.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$65,200
Median rent / month	$685
Owner occupied	70.3%
Renter occupied	29.7%
Vacant	33.8%
Single-family detached	65.9%
Large apartment buildings	0.2%
Mobile homes	30.3%
Median rooms	5.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.58

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	5.7%
2000–2009	8.4%
1990–1999	14.0%
1980–1989	27.0%
1970–1979	15.6%
1960–1969	12.9%
1950–1959	9.6%
1940–1949	1.6%
1939 or earlier	5.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.6%
1 bedroom	1.8%
2 bedrooms	31.0%
3 bedrooms	57.5%
4 bedrooms	8.0%
5+ bedrooms	0.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	12.9%
1 vehicle	48.9%
2 vehicles	15.7%
3 or more	22.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	17.3%
Electricity	62.4%
Propane / LP gas	8.5%
Wood	11.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	319	39.5%
Cohabiting couple	23	2.8%
Male householder, no spouse	246	30.4%
Female householder, no spouse	220	27.2%
Households with children under 18	172	21.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	299	37.0%
Average household size	2.64

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	42.9%	40.0%
Married	38.3%	37.9%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	1.0%	11.0%
Divorced	17.9%	11.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 11.7%

Some HS, no diploma 16.0%

HS graduate 39.5%

Some college, no degree 15.6%

Associate's degree 5.8%

Bachelor's degree 6.7%

Graduate / professional 4.6%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	72.2%
Bachelor's or higher	11.4%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	34	9.5%
Kindergarten	33	9.2%
Elementary school	142	39.8%
High school	67	18.8%
College / grad school	81	22.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 24.1%

Professional & management 12.7%

Manufacturing 11.6%

Other services 10.7%

Retail trade 8.4%

Transportation & utilities 8.4%

Agriculture & mining 8.1%

Construction 7.9%

Finance & real estate 3.3%

Public administration 2.9%

Arts, food & hospitality 1.2%

Wholesale trade 0.5%

Information 0.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	24.6%
Service	18.9%
Sales & office	13.6%
Natural resources & construction	16.6%
Production & transportation	26.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.6%
Government	17.3%
Self-employed	6.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	83.8%
Carpool	6.1%
Public transit	0.5%
Walk	7.4%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	34.2

Poverty

All people 9.4%

Under 18 years 9.7%

18 and over 9.3%

Married-couple families 0.6%

Female-led households 10.4%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	54.6%
Retirement income	36.8%
Supplemental Security	9.3%
Cash public assistance	1.2%
Food stamps / SNAP	15.6%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	46.9%
High cholesterol	40.7%
Heart disease	9.6%
Stroke	5.2%
Asthma	10.0%
Arthritis	31.9%
Kidney disease	4.3%
Pulmonary disease	10.7%
Cancer	7.7%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.5%
No physical activity	35.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	37.8%
Fair or poor health	24.2%
Poor mental health	17.2%
Poor physical health	15.3%
No health insurance	16.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	80.3%
Visited dentist	50.7%
Cholesterol screening	90.4%
Teeth loss	21.2%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	87	5.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	20.8%
Under 18	4.6%
18–64 years	18.8%
65 and over	44.8%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	44.7%
Public insurance	58.9%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,980	92.8%
Spanish	35	1.8%
Other Indo-European	35	1.8%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,099	98.4%
Born in same state	2,099	98.4%
Born in different state	1,633	76.5%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	35	1.6%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	426	20%
Italian	228	10.7%
French	34	1.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	12	0.6%
Dutch	6	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	37.9%
Internet access	85.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Chatham, LA have?

Chatham, LA has one ZIP code: 71226. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.