Chatham ZIP Code List — Alger County, MI

There is one unique ZIP code in Chatham, Michigan and it is 49816. Area code: 906.

ZIP codes

57.29

sq mi land

0.98

sq mi water

906

area code

Chatham, MI ZIP code map

About Chatham, MI

Chatham, Michigan, is a quaint village nestled in the beautiful Alger County. Known for its close-knit community and natural surroundings, it offers residents and visitors a unique glimpse into rural life in the Upper Peninsula. With a population that embodies the spirit of small-town living, Chatham is a place where everyone knows their neighbor.

Location & geography

Chatham is strategically located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Nearby cities include Munising, approximately 35 miles to the west, Manistique, about 25 miles to the south, and Newberry, roughly 30 miles to the northwest. The village spans a land area of 57.29 square miles, with an additional 0.98 square miles designated as water, showcasing a mixture of wooded terrain and serene waterways.

Community & economy

The character of Chatham is defined by its friendly and welcoming residents who actively participate in local events and community initiatives. The economy primarily relies on industries such as forestry and tourism, which thrive on the area's natural beauty. Daily life in Chatham is characterized by outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and winter sports, drawing in visitors looking to experience the tranquility of the Upper Peninsula.

Transportation

Chatham is accessible via U.S. Route 41, which connects the village to larger towns and cities in the region. The nearest commercial airport is located in Escanaba, approximately 45 miles to the south, providing air travel options for residents and visitors alike. Public transportation options are limited, emphasizing the rural charm of this Michigan village.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Chatham was originally a hub for the lumber industry that played a crucial role in its early development. Over the years, key industries have shifted towards tourism, capitalizing on the natural resources and scenic landscapes of the area. Significant events in the village's history reflect its transformation and adaptation over time, as well as its resilience in changing economic conditions.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Chatham is that it serves as a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the nearby Hiawatha National Forest. This national forest encompasses numerous recreational opportunities and is a significant draw for tourists seeking adventure in the great outdoors.

ZIP codes for Chatham, MI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
49816	Chatham	Alger	View map

Demographics & statistics

768

Population

48.0

Median age

$67,303

Median household income

$29,994

Per capita income

$171,500

Median home value

$656

Median monthly rent

94.8%

Home ownership

4.2%

Poverty rate

1.9%

Unemployment

417

Housing units

23.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	155	20.2%
18 and over	613	79.8%
65 and over	227	29.6%
Median age	48.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 82.9%

Two or more races 8.5%

Asian 7.9%

Hispanic or Latino 0.6%

Group	Count	%
White	641	82.9%
Two or more races	66	8.5%
Asian	61	7.9%
Hispanic or Latino	5	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 4.6%

$10k–$15k 3.9%

$15k–$25k 2.6%

$25k–$35k 8.9%

$35k–$50k 6.6%

$50k–$75k 31.1%

$75k–$100k 20.3%

$100k–$150k 16.4%

$150k–$200k 3.9%

$200k+ 1.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.6%
$10k–$15k	3.9%
$15k–$25k	2.6%
$25k–$35k	8.9%
$35k–$50k	6.6%
$50k–$75k	31.1%
$75k–$100k	20.3%
$100k–$150k	16.4%
$150k–$200k	3.9%
$200k+	1.6%
Median income	$67,303

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.2%

$50k–$100k 19.4%

$100k–$150k 17.0%

$150k–$200k 19.7%

$200k–$300k 23.9%

$300k–$500k 12.1%

$500k–$1M 3.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$171,500
Median rent / month	$656
Owner occupied	94.8%
Renter occupied	5.2%
Vacant	29.6%
Single-family detached	91.0%
Large apartment buildings	1.2%
Mobile homes	5.8%
Median rooms	5.3
Avg household size (owned)	2.57

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	0.5%
2000–2009	9.2%
1990–1999	12.9%
1980–1989	4.6%
1970–1979	22.2%
1960–1969	10.6%
1950–1959	7.6%
1940–1949	10.6%
1939 or earlier	21.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	4.4%
1 bedroom	17.1%
2 bedrooms	26.8%
3 bedrooms	37.4%
4 bedrooms	11.8%
5+ bedrooms	2.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.3%
1 vehicle	15.4%
2 vehicles	49.8%
3 or more	32.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	12.5%
Electricity	5.9%
Propane / LP gas	42.6%
Fuel oil	10.5%
Wood	28.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	201	65.9%
Cohabiting couple	35	11.5%
Male householder, no spouse	40	13.1%
Female householder, no spouse	29	9.5%
Households with children under 18	72	23.6%
Households with seniors (65+)	150	49.2%
Average household size	2.50

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	24.7%	24.5%
Married	64.8%	63.3%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	3.3%	9.9%
Divorced	7.2%	2.4%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.4%

Some HS, no diploma 4.4%

HS graduate 40.4%

Some college, no degree 18.9%

Associate's degree 13.0%

Bachelor's degree 18.7%

Graduate / professional 4.3%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	95.2%
Bachelor's or higher	23.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	27	18.2%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	68	45.9%
High school	43	29.1%
College / grad school	10	6.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 27.7%

Agriculture & mining 15.4%

Education & healthcare 13.5%

Finance & real estate 11.9%

Other services 10.0%

Public administration 6.1%

Professional & management 3.9%

Construction 2.6%

Information 2.6%

Wholesale trade 1.9%

Transportation & utilities 1.9%

Retail trade 1.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 1.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	23.2%
Service	10.3%
Sales & office	21.9%
Natural resources & construction	18.6%
Production & transportation	26.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	77.8%
Government	15.1%
Self-employed	7.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	76.2%
Carpool	3.9%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.8%
Other means	1.4%
Avg commute (minutes)	27.6

Poverty

All people 4.2%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 5.2%

Married-couple families 0.5%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	53.4%
Retirement income	44.3%
Supplemental Security	2.6%
Cash public assistance	1.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	3.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.9%
High cholesterol	37.5%
Heart disease	7.7%
Stroke	3.5%
Asthma	10.9%
Arthritis	33.1%
Kidney disease	3.2%
Pulmonary disease	9.0%
Cancer	7.7%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.1%
No physical activity	22.1%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.3%
Fair or poor health	15.9%
Poor mental health	15.9%
Poor physical health	12.1%
No health insurance	9.3%
Visited doctor (checkup)	74.5%
Visited dentist	68.6%
Cholesterol screening	92.6%
Teeth loss	13.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	58	9.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	24.9%
Under 18	39.4%
18–64 years	9.3%
65 and over	41.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	85.2%
Public insurance	44.5%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	734	95.6%
Spanish	2	0.3%
Other Indo-European	2	0.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	701	91.3%
Born in same state	701	91.3%
Born in different state	560	72.9%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	67	8.7%
Not a US citizen	67	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	86	11.2%
French	52	6.8%
Arab	51	6.6%
Irish	17	2.2%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	8	1%
German	7	0.9%
English	6	0.8%
Norwegian	3	0.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.7%
Internet access	93.1%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Chatham, MI?

Chatham, MI has one ZIP code: 49816.

What is the main ZIP code for Chatham, MI?

The primary ZIP code for Chatham, MI is 49816. The city uses area code 906 for phone service.

What county is Chatham, MI in?

Chatham is located in Alger County, Michigan.

How many ZIP codes are in Chatham, MI?

Chatham, MI has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for the Chatham area in Alger County, Michigan?

The ZIP code for Chatham, Michigan is 49816.

If I'm mailing a package to a business in Chatham, MI near the downtown area, which ZIP code should I use?

You should use ZIP code 49816 for all mail addressed to Chatham, Michigan.