Ethel ZIP Code List — Macon County, MO

There is one unique ZIP code in Ethel, Missouri and it is 63539. Area code: 660.

ZIP codes

59.43

sq mi land

0.19

sq mi water

660

area code

Ethel, MO ZIP code map

About Ethel, MO

Ethel, Missouri, is a small yet charming community located in the heart of Macon County. This quaint town embodies the rural charm that is characteristic of the Midwest. With its serene landscape and close-knit community, Ethel provides a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Ethel is situated in north-central Missouri and is surrounded by picturesque countryside. The nearest cities include La Plata, located approximately 13 miles to the west, Macon, which is about 17 miles to the south, and Brookfield, roughly 22 miles to the northeast. The city encompasses a total land area of 59.43 square miles, with a small water area of 0.19 square miles, contributing to its predominantly rural terrain.

Community & economy

The character of Ethel is defined by its friendly residents and a strong sense of community. The local economy typically comprises agriculture and small businesses that serve the needs of the community. Daily life in Ethel revolves around local events and gatherings, fostering connections among neighbors and creating a supportive atmosphere.

Transportation

Ethel is accessible via major highways, including Route 36, which runs east-west and connects travelers to larger cities in the region. The nearest significant airport is Kirksville Regional Airport, located approximately 35 miles to the northeast, providing essential air travel options. Public transportation options are limited, encouraging residents to rely on personal vehicles for commuting.

History

Ethel was founded in the late 19th century, during a period of economic growth in rural Missouri. Key industries historically included agriculture, particularly corn and soybeans, which remain vital to the local economy today. Over the years, Ethel has maintained its small-town charm while adapting to the changes of modern times.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Ethel is that it has only one ZIP code, 63539, making it unique in its simplicity. The town's remote location contributes to its peaceful environment, allowing residents to enjoy a tranquil lifestyle away from urban bustle.

ZIP codes for Ethel, MO (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
63539	Ethel	Macon	View map

Demographics & statistics

244

Population

39.3

Median age

Median household income

$19,705

Per capita income

Median home value

Median monthly rent

88.8%

Home ownership

21.8%

Poverty rate

6.8%

Unemployment

145

Housing units

23.5%

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	73	29.9%
18 and over	171	70.1%
65 and over	73	29.9%
Median age	39.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 100%

Group	Count	%
White	244	100%

Household income

Under $10k 43.8%

$15k–$25k 5.6%

$25k–$35k 6.7%

$35k–$50k 6.7%

$50k–$75k 16.9%

$75k–$100k 9.0%

$100k–$150k 7.9%

$150k–$200k 1.1%

$200k+ 2.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	43.8%
$15k–$25k	5.6%
$25k–$35k	6.7%
$35k–$50k	6.7%
$50k–$75k	16.9%
$75k–$100k	9.0%
$100k–$150k	7.9%
$150k–$200k	1.1%
$200k+	2.2%
Median income	$0

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 48.1%

$50k–$100k 19.0%

$100k–$150k 12.7%

$150k–$200k 1.3%

$200k–$300k 8.9%

$300k–$500k 2.5%

$500k–$1M 5.1%

$1M+ 2.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$0
Median rent / month	$0
Owner occupied	88.8%
Renter occupied	11.2%
Vacant	42.6%
Single-family detached	83.2%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	14.8%
Median rooms	5.8
Avg household size (owned)	2.28

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.6%
2000–2009	7.7%
1990–1999	17.4%
1980–1989	8.4%
1970–1979	7.7%
1960–1969	21.3%
1950–1959	2.6%
1940–1949	4.5%
1939 or earlier	27.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	10.3%
1 bedroom	1.3%
2 bedrooms	41.9%
3 bedrooms	36.8%
4 bedrooms	7.7%
5+ bedrooms	1.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	16.9%
1 vehicle	40.4%
2 vehicles	25.8%
3 or more	16.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Electricity	25.8%
Propane / LP gas	64.0%
Wood	7.9%
No fuel used	2.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	32	36.0%
Cohabiting couple	3	3.4%
Male householder, no spouse	15	16.9%
Female householder, no spouse	39	43.8%
Households with children under 18	17	19.1%
Households with seniors (65+)	60	67.4%
Average household size	2.74

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	34.0%	41.1%
Married	60.8%	34.7%
Separated	0.0%	3.2%
Widowed	1.0%	9.5%
Divorced	4.1%	11.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.0%

Some HS, no diploma 11.4%

HS graduate 41.6%

Some college, no degree 14.8%

Associate's degree 6.7%

Bachelor's degree 12.8%

Graduate / professional 10.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	86.6%
Bachelor's or higher	23.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	3	4.3%
Elementary school	36	51.4%
High school	17	24.3%
College / grad school	14	20.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Agriculture & mining 17.6%

Professional & management 16.2%

Manufacturing 14.7%

Education & healthcare 10.3%

Transportation & utilities 8.8%

Arts, food & hospitality 8.8%

Other services 8.8%

Construction 4.4%

Retail trade 4.4%

Finance & real estate 2.9%

Information 1.5%

Public administration 1.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	26.5%
Service	13.2%
Sales & office	25.0%
Natural resources & construction	22.1%
Production & transportation	13.2%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.5%
Government	8.8%
Self-employed	11.8%
Unpaid family workers	2.9%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	64.1%
Carpool	3.1%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	6.3%
Other means	18.8%
Avg commute (minutes)	22.5

Poverty

All people 21.8%

Under 18 years 2.9%

18 and over 29.2%

Married-couple families 3.1%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	46.1%
Retirement income	15.7%
Supplemental Security	36.0%
Cash public assistance	5.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	6.7%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	44.1%
High cholesterol	43.9%
Heart disease	12.1%
Stroke	5.2%
Asthma	9.3%
Arthritis	39.9%
Kidney disease	4.4%
Pulmonary disease	13.0%
Cancer	10.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	12.9%
No physical activity	31.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.3%
Fair or poor health	22.0%
Poor mental health	13.9%
Poor physical health	15.4%
No health insurance	16.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	79.2%
Visited dentist	54.7%
Cholesterol screening	92.3%
Teeth loss	20.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	9	5.3%

Disability	%
Any disability	21.3%
Under 18	27.4%
18–64 years	21.4%
65 and over	15.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	59.0%
Public insurance	49.6%
Uninsured under 19	24.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	232	95.1%
Spanish	16	6.9%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	16	6.9%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	243	99.6%
Born in same state	243	99.6%
Born in different state	93	38.1%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	1	0.4%
Not a US citizen	1	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	43	17.6%
Italian	19	7.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	3	1.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	36.5%
Internet access	51.7%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Ethel, MO?

Ethel, MO has one ZIP code: 63539.

What is the main ZIP code for Ethel, MO?

The primary ZIP code for Ethel, MO is 63539. The city uses area code 660 for phone service.

What county is Ethel, MO in?

Ethel is located in Macon County, Missouri.

How many ZIP codes are in Ethel, MO?

Ethel, MO has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for downtown Ethel in Macon County?

Downtown Ethel, located in Macon County, uses the ZIP code 63539.

If I'm mailing a package to a resident in Ethel, Missouri, which single ZIP code should I use?

All mail to Ethel, Missouri should be addressed to ZIP code 63539, as this is the only ZIP code serving the city.