Santa Monica is a beautiful coastal city in Los Angeles County, California. It is known for its iconic pier, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. But did you know that Santa Monica has 11 different zip codes? In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Santa Monica zip code, including its history, boundaries, demographics, and attractions.
Table of Contents
What is a Zip Code?
A zip code is a five-digit number that identifies a specific geographic area in the United States. The term zip stands for Zone Improvement Plan, which was introduced by the U.S. Postal Service in 1963 to improve mail delivery and sorting. A zip code consists of two parts: the first three digits indicate the sectional center facility (SCF), which is a regional hub where mail is processed and distributed; and the last two digits indicate the delivery area, which can be a city, town, neighborhood, or rural route.
How Many Zip Codes are in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has 11 zip codes, ranging from 90401 to 90411. Each zip code covers a different part of the city, with some overlapping areas. Here is a list of the zip codes in Santa Monica and their corresponding locations:
- 90401: Downtown Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Pier
- 90402: North of Montana Avenue, Palisades Park, Santa Monica Canyon
- 90403: Wilshire Boulevard, Montana Avenue, Brentwood
- 90404: Mid-City, Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica College
- 90405: Ocean Park, Sunset Park, Main Street
- 90406: PO Box only
- 90407: PO Box only
- 90408: PO Box only
- 90409: PO Box only
- 90410: PO Box only
- 90411: PO Box only
As you can see, most of the zip codes in Santa Monica are assigned to PO boxes, which are used by businesses and individuals who prefer to receive mail at a separate address from their physical location. The map below shows the boundaries of the zip codes in Santa Monica:
What is the History of the Santa Monica Zip Code?
The Santa Monica zip code was established in 1963, when the U.S. Postal Service implemented the Zone Improvement Plan. Before that, Santa Monica used postal zones, which were two-digit numbers that preceded the city name in mail addresses. For example, an address in downtown Santa Monica would have been written as:
John Doe 123 Main Street Santa Monica 1, California
The postal zones were based on the location of the post office that served the area. However, as the population and mail volume grew, the postal zones became insufficient and confusing. Therefore, the U.S. Postal Service decided to create a more efficient and accurate system of addressing mail using zip codes.
The first zip code assigned to Santa Monica was 90401, which covered the downtown area and the pier. The other zip codes were added later as the city expanded and developed. The last zip code added to Santa Monica was 90411 in 1991.
What are the Demographics of the Santa Monica Zip Code?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Santa Monica was 89,736 in 2020. The racial composition of the city was:
- White: 69.4%
- Hispanic or Latino: 15.6%
- Asian: 9%
- Black or African American: 3.6%
- Two or more races: 2%
- Other races: 0.4%
The median household income in Santa Monica was $97,327 in 2019. The median age was 40.8 years. The gender ratio was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
What are the Attractions of the Santa Monica Zip Code?
Santa Monica is a popular tourist destination that offers many attractions for visitors and residents alike. Some of the most famous attractions of the Santa Monica zip code are:
- Santa Monica Pier: The iconic landmark that features an amusement park, an aquarium, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel.
- Third Street Promenade: A pedestrian-only shopping and entertainment district that hosts street performers, farmers markets, and movie theaters.
- Palisades Park: A scenic park that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offers walking trails, picnic areas, and public art.
- Montana Avenue: A chic shopping street that features upscale boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
- Ocean Park Boulevard: A historic street that showcases diverse architecture styles and cultural landmarks.
- Main Street: A trendy street that offers eclectic shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues.
FAQ
Q: What is the zip code for Santa Monica Pier?
A: The zip code for Santa Monica Pier is 90401.
Q: What is the zip code for Santa Monica College?
A: The zip code for Santa Monica College is 90404.
Q: What is the zip code for Santa Monica Airport?
A: The zip code for Santa Monica Airport is 90405.
Q: What is the zip code for Santa Monica Place?
A: The zip code for Santa Monica Place is 90401.
Q: What is the zip code for Santa Monica High School?
A: The zip code for Santa Monica High School is 90405.
