Oklahoma Town Seeks Its Own ZIP Code
- mike33692
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
Hochatown Petitions Congress for Separate ZIP Code
A small southeastern Oklahoma community is asking Congress for something many towns take for granted — its own ZIP code.
Officials in Hochatown, a town of about 240 residents near Broken Bow, say sharing a ZIP code with neighboring communities is causing serious problems that go far beyond delayed mail.
Emergency Response and Mail Problems Cited
Hochatown’s mayor says the lack of a dedicated ZIP code has led to:
Ambulances being sent to the wrong address
Delayed emergency response times
Mail and package delivery errors
Tourism tax and funding complications
Because Hochatown shares a ZIP code with other nearby areas, computer-based systems often misroute services — an issue officials say puts residents and visitors at risk.
Not Just an Oklahoma Problem
Hochatown is not alone. More than 70 communities nationwide are currently petitioning Congress for their own ZIP codes.
Federal law requires congressional approval for the creation of a new ZIP code, and legislation addressing the issue is currently stalled in the U.S. Senate.
Why ZIP Codes Matter for Rural Communities
ZIP codes affect far more than mail delivery. They are used by:
Emergency dispatch systems
Tourism and sales-tax tracking
Federal and state funding formulas
Business and economic development tools
Hochatown leaders say the town’s rapid tourism growth has only amplified the problems caused by sharing a ZIP code.
What Happens Next
Until Congress acts, Hochatown will continue operating under its current ZIP code. Town leaders say they will keep pushing lawmakers to move the legislation forward and bring attention to the issue.