Unzipping Portland: A Fun Look at the History of Our ZIP Codes

When you think of Portland, what comes to mind? Coffee, bikes, bridges… maybe even a food cart pod or two. But have you ever stopped to wonder what those five little numbers at the end of our addresses actually mean?

Let’s take a quick trip back in time.

The Birth of the ZIP Code

The ZIP code system was introduced by the United States Postal Service in 1963 as a way to streamline mail delivery in a rapidly growing country. “ZIP” stands for Zone Improvement Plan—because let’s face it, no one wanted their mail taking the scenic route.

Before 1963, cities like Portland used postal zones, usually just one or two digits. For example, if you lived in Southeast, your mail might have been addressed to “Portland 6, Oregon.” It worked—kind of—but it wasn’t exactly built for efficiency.

Portland’s ZIP Code Personality

When the new ZIP codes rolled out, Portland’s were grouped under the 972 prefix, which covers most of northwest Oregon. That’s why nearly every Portland ZIP code starts with “972”—it ties us to our regional postal hub.

The second and third digits in our ZIPs often follow a geographic pattern. For example:

• 97201–97210 cover the inner west side.

• 97211–97230 stretch out across the east side, from North Portland down to Gresham.

• 97266? That’s deep Southeast, practically where Portland whispers hello to Happy Valley.

Fun Fact: The Quirky 97229

ZIP code 97229 covers part of northwest Portland and unincorporated Washington County—and has been one of the fastest-growing areas in the metro in recent decades. It’s a great reminder that ZIP codes don’t always play by city boundaries.

Why It Matters (Even in Real Estate!)

ZIP codes can say a lot about a neighborhood. From school zones to property taxes to lifestyle preferences, these five digits often tell a deeper story. They’re not just for mailing letters—they’re part of what shapes community identity.

So the next time you write your return address or pop something in the mailbox, take a second to appreciate those five digits. They’re a little piece of Portland history—and a big part of what keeps us connected.