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I have often wondered how ZIP codes were laid out across the US — what’s the logic behind my Portland, Oregon address having a ZIP starting in 9, while New York addresses start with 1?
Well, the web has tons of resources to help you figure out ZIP codes. First is Ben Fry’s zipdecode, an interactive web site that lets you type in a ZIP code and watch the map narrow down as it searches for that code. (Try it — it’s neat and educational.) You can also use this interactive map to see the logic in the nationwide layout of ZIP codes — start by typing a 0, then backspace, and type 1, and so on…up through 9, you’ll see the ZIP codes laid out from northeast to the west. Also check out Robert Kosara’s US ZIPScribble Map, which connects the various numbered zones via colored scribbles. (Thanks to Geo Lounge for these pointers.)
Wikipedia has a great page on ZIP codes, detailing the history and logic behind the system. Be sure to consult the awesome pop culture section for some serious ZIP code trivia.
And finally, here are some ZIP codes I found interesting:
| ZIP Code | City |
|---|---|
| 12345 | Schenectady, NY (aka General Electric headquarters) |
| 10001 | New York, NY (aka Empire State, NY) |
| 01776 | Sudbury, MA |
| 01010 | Brimfield, MA |
| 10101 | New York, NY |
| 55555 | Young America, MN |
| 44444 | Newton Falls, OH |
| 22222 | Arlington, VA |
| 48151 (start of the Lost Numbers) | Livonia, MI |
| 31415 (Pi) | Savannah, GA |
| 90909 | Fictional – featured on TV’s Veronica Mars |
And that little guy pictured above, encouraging us to use ZIP codes? He’s Mr. ZIP! For a bit of fun, check out this All Things Considered story (an April Fools’ joke) on ‘Vanity’ ZIP codes.
Comments (18)
Comment
Ohio State’s campus zip code is 43210.
posted by Cassandra on 8-20-2007 at 11:32 am
I once lived in zip code 01002 (Amherst, MA) while going to college. When I went to graduate school in Washington DC, I lived in zip code 20010, the exact reverse of the Amherst zip code.
posted by Jenny on 8-20-2007 at 11:48 am
You guys forgot one of my favorite zipcodes… from Zoom. Sing it with me now:
oh-two-one-three-four!
posted by Chris P. on 8-20-2007 at 12:56 pm
I used to work at General Electric in Schenectady and always “enjoyed” the 12345 zip. It made ordering things over the phone very pleasant – I think it kind of gave one a false aura of importance, though. :-)
posted by Sid Morrison on 8-20-2007 at 1:07 pm
The lowest zip code in use is Amherst’s neighbor Agawam (01001), probably best known for Six Flags New England (I’ll always know it as Riverside though). The postmaster who assigned the initial codes lived there (other Massachusetts towns precede it alphabetically).
posted by Trivia Why's Guy on 8-20-2007 at 1:26 pm
Newton Falls has a giant billboard at the entrance to town, proclaiming it
The Home of the 44444 Zip Code.
posted by chris on 8-20-2007 at 2:42 pm
I tried toi fake out the system and get 97211.
It gets you in the Kennedy school pool for free…
posted by Mark on 8-20-2007 at 2:51 pm
My hometown, Huntsville TX had 77340. Type it in your calculator and turn it upside down.
posted by denny bob on 8-20-2007 at 3:27 pm
Yeah. Ohio State’s zip is 43210… when I go home to NH and stores ask me for my zip code I give them that one. They always look at me like I’m giving them a fake one. They’re just jealous.
posted by Amy on 8-20-2007 at 4:51 pm
The zip code of my hometown, Wayne, New Jersey (07470), is a palindrome. John Stamos actually pointed it out in an episode of Full House, which was probably the coolest thing that happened to me in fourth grade.
posted by Liz on 8-20-2007 at 6:41 pm
Ben Fry neglected Alaska and Hawaii … maybe we should shut off the oil pipeline to remind everyone we’re up here.
posted by Griff on 8-20-2007 at 7:50 pm
Wait, why was Uncle Jesse talking about Wayne, NJ?
Had Balki made even a passing reference to my hometown of Denville, NJ, during my childhood – or any TGIF star, for that matter – I’d be a different person today.
posted by Jason on 8-20-2007 at 8:47 pm
This is cool! Thanks for sharing.
Apparently the only ZIP in descending numerical order is Killeen, TX – 76543.
And Topeka, KS has the demonic 666 SCF code. I’d be surprised if they haven’t complained.
posted by Jeff on 8-21-2007 at 8:07 am
About the fake vanity zip code article. The shoe department at Sak’s in NYC had been given permission to use SHOE as the four extra digits in the zip code. the departments zip will be 10022-SHOE. The USPS is thinking about expanding the idea as a way to make money. Thought that was interesting.
posted by Ron on 8-21-2007 at 12:54 pm
How could you do an article like this and not mention David Rosdeitcher, the ZIP Code man (zipcodeman.com)? He’s memorized every US ZIP Code, and knows codes from other countries, as well!
posted by ScottC on 8-21-2007 at 1:43 pm
As a long-time stamp collector, I was made aware of the COMING of zip codes back in 1958 or 59. I was living in Toledo, a mere pre-adolescent attending stamp club! There we had a presentation on the AUTOMATED POST OFFICE OF THE FUTURE — which would sort our mail using the coming zip codes. (They weren’t called that yet, as I remember.) I still have the booklet that was handed out with my collection.
Next, or has it been done — how about an article on the Interstate system?
Even # = E-W roads
Odd # = N-S roads
Lower numbers in the west and south (which is the opposite of zip codes!)
2 digits = main interstate highways
3 digits = bypass interstates (around cities)
Its in your court, Higgins.
posted by WizardBoy on 8-21-2007 at 1:48 pm
Hear Hear, Griff. Alaska’s codes start with 99… What’s in Hawaii, anyone?
posted by Courtney on 8-21-2007 at 4:46 pm
I used to live in 11001 (Queens-Long Island Border, New York)! Binaaaaaaaaaaary.
posted by Sabrina on 8-21-2007 at 8:47 pm