Chatom ZIP Codes — Washington County, AL

There is one unique ZIP code in Chatom, Alabama and it is 36518. Area code: 251.

ZIP codes

132.69

sq mi land

0.16

sq mi water

251

area code

Chatom, AL ZIP code map

About Chatom, AL

Chatom, AL is a small town located in Washington County, Alabama. Known for its friendly community and southern charm, Chatom offers a glimpse of rural life in the Deep South. With its rich history and small-town atmosphere, Chatom is a place where residents enjoy a tight-knit community and a slower pace of life.

Location & geography

Situated in the southwestern part of Alabama, Chatom is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and is approximately 30 miles from the larger city of Mobile, AL. Neighboring cities include Thomasville, AL, about 20 miles away, and Grove Hill, AL, which is approximately 16 miles to the east. The town spans a total land area of 132.69 square miles, with a small water area of 0.16 square miles, contributing to its picturesque terrain.

Community & economy

The character of Chatom is defined by its close-knit community, where local events and gatherings bring residents together. The economy in Chatom is primarily supported by agriculture and small businesses, providing employment opportunities for many residents. Daily life in Chatom is marked by friendly interactions and a strong sense of community involvement, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

Transportation

Chatom is accessible via U.S. Highway 45, which connects the town to neighboring cities and regions in Alabama. For air travel, the nearest major airport is Mobile Regional Airport, located about 33 miles to the south. Public transit options are limited, emphasizing the need for personal vehicles for most residents.

History

Founded in the early 20th century, Chatom quickly grew as a hub for cotton and agricultural industries in the region. Notable events in the town's history include the establishment of local schools and community organizations that have played a pivotal role in its development. The town's growth has been influenced by its agricultural roots and the enduring southern traditions that characterize life in Alabama.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Chatom is that it is home to one of the few remaining authentic soda fountains in the area, a cherished spot for locals. Additionally, the town celebrates its history through annual festivals that reflect its agricultural heritage.

ZIP codes for Chatom, AL (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
36518	Chatom	Washington	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,256

Population

55.2

Median age

$65,125

Median household income

$41,223

Per capita income

$168,000

Median home value

$646

Median monthly rent

83.8%

Home ownership

14.1%

Poverty rate

7.0%

Unemployment

1,025

Housing units

16.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

130

25–34

135

111

35–44

116

105

45–54

108

118

55–59

122

163

60–64

168

147

65–74

152

117

75–84

121

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	318	14.1%
18 and over	1,938	85.9%
65 and over	563	25.0%
Median age	55.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 86.3%

Black or African American 10.7%

Two or more races 2.9%

Group	Count	%
White	1,948	86.3%
Black or African American	242	10.7%
Two or more races	66	2.9%

Household income

Under $10k 6.1%

$10k–$15k 9.3%

$15k–$25k 10.6%

$25k–$35k 4.6%

$35k–$50k 7.9%

$50k–$75k 13.9%

$75k–$100k 6.3%

$100k–$150k 19.5%

$150k–$200k 12.8%

$200k+ 8.9%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	6.1%
$10k–$15k	9.3%
$15k–$25k	10.6%
$25k–$35k	4.6%
$35k–$50k	7.9%
$50k–$75k	13.9%
$75k–$100k	6.3%
$100k–$150k	19.5%
$150k–$200k	12.8%
$200k+	8.9%
Median income	$65,125

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 11.9%

$50k–$100k 8.3%

$100k–$150k 12.2%

$150k–$200k 34.1%

$200k–$300k 18.3%

$300k–$500k 15.1%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$168,000
Median rent / month	$646
Owner occupied	83.8%
Renter occupied	16.2%
Vacant	27.7%
Single-family detached	80.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	13.4%
Median rooms	6.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.62

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.0%
2000–2009	17.0%
1990–1999	22.3%
1980–1989	21.1%
1970–1979	11.1%
1960–1969	10.9%
1950–1959	9.2%
1940–1949	4.4%
1939 or earlier	2.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.9%
1 bedroom	2.4%
2 bedrooms	12.7%
3 bedrooms	57.6%
4 bedrooms	24.0%
5+ bedrooms	2.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.7%
1 vehicle	28.1%
2 vehicles	32.1%
3 or more	37.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	7.3%
Electricity	87.8%
Propane / LP gas	2.3%
Wood	2.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	508	60.5%
Cohabiting couple	22	2.6%
Male householder, no spouse	88	10.5%
Female householder, no spouse	221	26.3%
Households with children under 18	193	23.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	309	36.8%
Average household size	2.53

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	32.4%	15.7%
Married	60.1%	51.1%
Separated	0.7%	3.1%
Widowed	1.7%	17.3%
Divorced	5.1%	12.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.0%

Some HS, no diploma 13.8%

HS graduate 33.1%

Some college, no degree 26.4%

Associate's degree 6.1%

Bachelor's degree 8.2%

Graduate / professional 8.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	82.2%
Bachelor's or higher	16.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	18	7.0%
Kindergarten	12	4.7%
Elementary school	92	35.8%
High school	60	23.3%
College / grad school	75	29.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 24.8%

Construction 14.2%

Manufacturing 12.4%

Other services 11.3%

Transportation & utilities 10.6%

Retail trade 8.7%

Agriculture & mining 6.7%

Professional & management 3.7%

Finance & real estate 2.8%

Public administration 2.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.0%

Wholesale trade 0.4%

Information 0.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	42.5%
Service	17.0%
Sales & office	8.8%
Natural resources & construction	21.1%
Production & transportation	10.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	80.6%
Government	13.7%
Self-employed	5.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.1%
Carpool	3.3%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	2.5%
Avg commute (minutes)	30.7

Poverty

All people 14.1%

Under 18 years 22.6%

18 and over 12.6%

Married-couple families 7.3%

Female-led households 34.8%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	35.0%
Retirement income	18.8%
Supplemental Security	8.9%
Cash public assistance	2.1%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.5%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	44.5%
High cholesterol	37.7%
Heart disease	9.3%
Stroke	4.8%
Asthma	10.5%
Arthritis	35.8%
Kidney disease	4.0%
Pulmonary disease	11.9%
Cancer	7.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.8%
No physical activity	32.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	40.7%
Fair or poor health	25.2%
Poor mental health	17.8%
Poor physical health	15.4%
No health insurance	18.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.2%
Visited dentist	52.1%
Cholesterol screening	89.0%
Teeth loss	22.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	117	6.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	16.2%
Under 18	0.9%
18–64 years	11.2%
65 and over	39.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	72.1%
Public insurance	37.1%
Uninsured under 19	4.7%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,112	93.6%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,256	100.0%
Born in same state	2,256	100.0%
Born in different state	1,854	82.2%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	155	6.9%
French	126	5.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	121	5.4%
Polish	24	1.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	37.2%
Internet access	85.8%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Chatom, AL have?

Chatom, AL has one ZIP code: 36518. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.