Total ZIP Code Count
According to the most recent USPS data, the US has approximately 41,703 active ZIP codes. This number includes all active delivery zones across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and other territories.
If you include non-delivery (PO Box only) and discontinued ZIP codes, the historical total is over 46,000. But for practical purposes - addresses you'd actually mail to - the active count of ~41,700 is what matters.
ZIP Codes by State (Top 10)
| State | Approx. ZIP Codes |
|---|---|
| Texas | ~1,988 |
| California | ~1,769 |
| New York | ~1,722 |
| Pennsylvania | ~1,756 |
| Ohio | ~1,376 |
| Illinois | ~1,347 |
| Florida | ~1,289 |
| Michigan | ~1,287 |
| North Carolina | ~1,172 |
| Georgia | ~1,125 |
The smallest state by ZIP count is typically Rhode Island with around 67 ZIP codes, followed by Delaware. Alaska, despite its enormous size, has only ~365 ZIP codes due to its sparse population.
Types Counted
The 41,700+ figure counts all active ZIP code types: Standard (residential/commercial delivery), PO Box only, Unique (single-organization), and Military (APO/FPO/DPO). To understand each type, see our full ZIP code guide.
How the Count Changes
USPS publishes ZIP code updates in its Postal Bulletin, typically every 2–4 weeks. ZIP codes change when:
- New developments create enough addresses to justify a new delivery route
- Two low-volume ZIP codes are merged to improve efficiency
- A military base closes, retiring its APO/FPO ZIP
- A large organization moves or closes, retiring its unique ZIP
Between 2010 and 2025, the net count has grown by roughly 800 ZIP codes, reflecting US population growth and suburban expansion.
FAQ
Q: What is the most populated ZIP code?
A: Based on census data, ZIP code 11368 (Corona, Queens, NY) is frequently cited as having the highest population - over 100,000 residents in a dense urban area.
Q: What is the largest ZIP code by area?
A: ZIP code 99734 in Alaska covers over 30,000 square miles - larger than many US states. 24 of the 25 largest ZIPs by area are in Alaska.
Q: How do I find all ZIP codes for a state?
A: Use our free ZIP lookup tool - select any state to see all its ZIP codes, organized by county and city.