List of ZIP Code prefixes

ZIP codes are a system of postal codes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) since 1963. ZIP stands for Zone Improvement Plan. ZIP codes are a five-digit number that helps the USPS to sort and deliver mail more efficiently. But did you know that the first digit of a ZIP code called a prefix, indicates a particular geographic area? Here is a list of ZIP code prefixes and what they mean: 0 - Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region: The 0 prefix covers states like Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 1 - Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region: The 1 prefix covers states like Delaware, New York (except for New York City), and Pennsylvania. 2 - Northeast/Midwest Region: The 2 prefix covers states like District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. 3 - Midwest Region: The 3 prefix covers states like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. 4 - Southeast/Midwest Region: The 4 prefix covers states like Alabama, Florida (except for the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area), Georgia, Kentucky (except for Cincinnati), Mississippi, North Carolina (Charlotte area), South Carolina, and Tennessee. 5 - Upper Midwest/Plains Region: The 5 prefix covers states like Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 6 - Southwest Region: The 6 prefix covers states like Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. 7 - Mountain/Pacific Region: The 7 prefix covers states like Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Pacific areas such as Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands. 8 - Far West Region: The 8 prefix covers states like Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. 9 - Pacific Region: The 9 prefix covers states like California (Los Angeles area), Hawaii, and Oregon (Portland area). It's important to note that these are just general geographic areas covered by the ZIP code prefixes. It's possible for a ZIP code to cross state lines or have multiple prefixes. ZIP codes have become a crucial part of our daily lives. They are not only used for mail delivery but also for marketing research, demographic analysis, and many others. The USPS also uses ZIP codes to calculate the postage cost for packages and letters. The more precise the ZIP code, the more accurate the postage cost calculation will be. In conclusion, ZIP code prefixes help to identify the geographic area of a ZIP code. It's important to know the prefix so that you can mail your letters and packages efficiently. It's fascinating to see how the USPS has streamlined its process over the years with the help of modern technology. Next time you mail a letter or package, take a moment to appreciate the system that makes it all possible.