Understanding California Zip Codes: A Comprehensive Guide

California, known for its diverse landscapes and bustling cities, does not have a single zip code. With over 2,657 distinct zip codes ranging from 90001 to 96162, understanding the zip code system in California can be both intriguing and informative. This guide aims to break down the complexities of California's zip code system and provide insights into how they are organized.

Understanding the Zip Code System in California

The United States Postal Service (USPS) uses a comprehensive system to organize mail delivery. In California, this system is based on the Sectional Center Facility (SCF), which groups zip codes by regions. Each SCF is responsible for handling mail for a specific area.

The SCF System in California

The numbers that begin a California zip code indicate which SCF handles the area. For example, zip codes starting with 900–904 are handled by SCF 900n Los Angeles. Here is a segmented list of zip code ranges with their respective SCFs:

900-904: LOS ANGELES CA 900 905-908: LONG BEACH CA 907 910-912: PASADENA CA 910 913-916: VAN NUYS CA 913 917, 918: INDUSTRY CA 917 919-921: SAN DIEGO CA 920 922-925: SAN BERNARDINO CA 923 926, 927: SANTA ANA CA 926 928: ANAHEIM CA 928 930: OXNARD CA 930 931-934: SANTA BARBARA CA 931 932, 933: BAKERSFIELD CA 932 935: MOJAVE CA 935 936-938: FRESNO CA 936 939: SALINAS CA 939 940, 941, 943, 944: SAN FRANCISCO CA 940 942, 956-958: SACRAMENTO CA 956 945-948: OAKLAND CA 945 949, 954: NORTH BAY CA 949 950, 951: SAN JOSE CA 950 952, 953: STOCKTON CA 952 955: EUREKA CA 955 959: MARYSVILLE CA 959 960: REDDING CA 960

It's important to note that this list covers only the California region. Beyond this, the lists extend to include zip codes in Hawaii, Guam, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, with Alaska having the highest range from 995-999.

Zip Code Ranges in California

California boasts an extensive range of zip codes, with over 2,657 distinct codes serving various cities and regions within the state. This range includes codes from 90001 to 96162, covering all major and minor areas.

Search for Zip Codes by City

If you're looking for the zip code specifically for a city or area within California, it's crucial to know the exact location. You can find detailed zip codes for each city by visiting official USPS resources or specialized websites. These resources usually provide a comprehensive list with zip codes for each city, making the process more straightforward.

Conclusion

Understanding the intricate zip code system in California can be complex but highly beneficial. Whether you're a resident, a business owner, or simply interested in the logistics of mail delivery, knowing the SCF and zip code ranges can simplify communication and ensure accurate mail delivery.

To learn more about specific zip codes or for detailed information on cities and regions, visit the official USPS website or consult specialized resources that provide comprehensive zip code information for California.