Chinle ZIP Code List — Apache County, AZ

There is one unique ZIP code in Chinle, Arizona and it is 86503. Area code: 928.

ZIP codes

990.62

sq mi land

0.38

sq mi water

928

area code

Chinle, AZ ZIP code map

About Chinle, AZ

Chinle, Arizona, is a small yet vibrant community located in the heart of the Navajo Nation. Situated in Apache County, the city serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Chinle offers visitors a unique glimpse into Navajo traditions and history.

Location & geography

Chinle is situated in northeastern Arizona, surrounded by expansive desert landscapes and towering rock formations. The city is approximately 40 miles northeast of the larger town of Ganado and around 60 miles southwest of Farmington, New Mexico. Covering a total area of 990.62 square miles, Chinle includes 0.38 square miles of water, highlighting its predominantly arid terrain.

Community & economy

Chinle's character is deeply rooted in Navajo culture, with many residents actively participating in traditional customs and practices. The local economy is supported primarily by tourism, agriculture, and craft-making, with visitors flocking to experience its breathtaking scenery and historical significance. Daily life in Chinle often revolves around community events, local markets, and outdoor activities, making it a welcoming place for both residents and travelers.

Transportation

Chinle is accessible via Arizona State Route 191, which runs north-south through the area, offering vital connections to neighboring towns. The nearest airport is the Four Corners Regional Airport in nearby Farmington, providing regional flight options. Public transportation options may be limited, but local taxi services help residents and visitors navigate the region.

History

Chinle was established as a community in the early 20th century, thriving on its agricultural production and the nearby ranching industry. The area's significance rose with the establishment of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. Events such as the annual Navajo Nation Fair celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the region, highlighting traditional music, art, and food.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Chinle is that it is home to some of the most impressive cliff dwellings in the United States, which date back over 1,000 years. Additionally, the city serves as an important cultural hub where visitors can engage with Navajo artisans and learn about their crafts firsthand.

ZIP codes for Chinle, AZ (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
86503	Chinle	Apache	View map

Demographics & statistics

9,714

Population

35.5

Median age

$29,624

Median household income

$17,774

Per capita income

$40,000

Median home value

$539

Median monthly rent

75.4%

Home ownership

37.7%

Poverty rate

7.5%

Unemployment

3,006

Housing units

9.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

359

Under 5

359

314

5–9

314

394

10–14

394

491

15–19

491

250

20–24

250

571

25–34

571

678

35–44

678

602

45–54

602

175

55–59

175

359

60–64

359

373

65–74

373

220

75–84

220

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	2,796	28.8%
18 and over	6,918	71.2%
65 and over	1,332	13.7%
Median age	35.5 years

Race & ethnicity

American Indian / Alaska Native 92.2%

Two or more races 3%

White 1.9%

Asian 1.1%

Hispanic or Latino 0.8%

Other race 0.5%

Black or African American 0.4%

Group	Count	%
American Indian / Alaska Native	9,034	92.2%
Two or more races	295	3%
White	185	1.9%
Asian	105	1.1%
Hispanic or Latino	83	0.8%
Other race	53	0.5%
Black or African American	42	0.4%

Household income

Under $10k 20.3%

$10k–$15k 4.7%

$15k–$25k 14.8%

$25k–$35k 14.2%

$35k–$50k 11.9%

$50k–$75k 14.2%

$75k–$100k 8.5%

$100k–$150k 6.9%

$150k–$200k 2.6%

$200k+ 2.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	20.3%
$10k–$15k	4.7%
$15k–$25k	14.8%
$25k–$35k	14.2%
$35k–$50k	11.9%
$50k–$75k	14.2%
$75k–$100k	8.5%
$100k–$150k	6.9%
$150k–$200k	2.6%
$200k+	2.0%
Median income	$29,624

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 59.2%

$50k–$100k 26.0%

$100k–$150k 7.5%

$200k–$300k 5.9%

$300k–$500k 0.1%

$500k–$1M 1.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$40,000
Median rent / month	$539
Owner occupied	75.4%
Renter occupied	24.6%
Vacant	18.5%
Single-family detached	63.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	20.6%
Median rooms	4.1
Avg household size (owned)	3.17

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	6.3%
2000–2009	18.6%
1990–1999	23.8%
1980–1989	26.6%
1970–1979	16.4%
1960–1969	5.3%
1950–1959	0.8%
1940–1949	1.2%
1939 or earlier	1.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	19.4%
1 bedroom	11.8%
2 bedrooms	33.1%
3 bedrooms	22.4%
4 bedrooms	12.5%
5+ bedrooms	0.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	11.8%
1 vehicle	48.7%
2 vehicles	26.8%
3 or more	12.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	4.7%
Electricity	20.5%
Propane / LP gas	5.4%
Wood	65.9%
No fuel used	0.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,068	34.8%
Cohabiting couple	77	2.5%
Male householder, no spouse	697	22.7%
Female householder, no spouse	1,224	39.9%
Households with children under 18	981	32.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	874	28.5%
Average household size	3.11

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	58.1%	50.4%
Married	33.3%	33.1%
Separated	2.1%	2.7%
Widowed	3.2%	9.6%
Divorced	3.2%	4.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 8.6%

Some HS, no diploma 9.9%

HS graduate 37.2%

Some college, no degree 25.0%

Associate's degree 9.4%

Bachelor's degree 4.8%

Graduate / professional 5.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	81.5%
Bachelor's or higher	9.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	165	6.0%
Kindergarten	164	5.9%
Elementary school	1,147	41.5%
High school	848	30.7%
College / grad school	438	15.9%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 59.2%

Public administration 10.8%

Construction 9.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 5.5%

Retail trade 5.4%

Transportation & utilities 3.9%

Information 2.9%

Finance & real estate 1.2%

Professional & management 0.8%

Manufacturing 0.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	36.0%
Service	23.3%
Sales & office	19.2%
Natural resources & construction	12.3%
Production & transportation	9.2%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	30.0%
Government	68.9%
Self-employed	1.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	85.6%
Carpool	1.1%
Public transit	1.8%
Walk	5.9%
Other means	0.4%
Avg commute (minutes)	23.1

Poverty

All people 37.7%

Under 18 years 50.0%

18 and over 32.7%

Married-couple families 25.1%

Female-led households 37.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	26.3%
Retirement income	15.0%
Supplemental Security	17.8%
Cash public assistance	7.5%
Food stamps / SNAP	34.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	35.0%
High cholesterol	26.9%
Heart disease	8.7%
Stroke	6.2%
Asthma	14.8%
Arthritis	24.3%
Kidney disease	4.8%
Pulmonary disease	12.1%
Cancer	4.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.4%
No physical activity	29.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	40.1%
Fair or poor health	30.8%
Poor mental health	23.6%
Poor physical health	20.3%
No health insurance	19.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	69.0%
Visited dentist	41.0%
Cholesterol screening	82.7%
Teeth loss	33.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	165	2.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	6.6%
Under 18	1.8%
18–64 years	3.9%
65 and over	29.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	24.9%
Public insurance	42.4%
Uninsured under 19	34.5%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	8,997	92.6%
Spanish	2,932	32.6%
Other Indo-European	23	0.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	13	0.1%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	9,558	98.4%
Born in same state	9,558	98.4%
Born in different state	8,759	90.2%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	156	1.6%
Not a US citizen	20	12.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	73	0.8%
Polish	31	0.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	3	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	31.6%
Internet access	51.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Chinle, AZ?

Chinle, AZ has one ZIP code: 86503.

What is the main ZIP code for Chinle, AZ?

The primary ZIP code for Chinle, AZ is 86503. The city uses area code 928 for phone service.

What county is Chinle, AZ in?

Chinle is located in Apache County, Arizona.

How many ZIP codes are in Chinle, AZ?

Chinle, AZ has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code covers the Chinle townsite and the areas surrounding Canyon de Chelly National Monument?

The Chinle townsite and areas near Canyon de Chelly National Monument are located in ZIP code 86503.

What is the ZIP code for the Chinle Chapter House and central business district in Chinle, AZ?

The Chinle Chapter House and central business district are located in ZIP code 86503, which serves as the primary ZIP code for Chinle.