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Primary state prefixes. ZIP Codes are numbered with the first digit representing a certain group of U.S. states, the second and third digits together representing a region in that group (or perhaps a large city) and the fourth and fifth digits representing a group of delivery addresses within that region.

To identify delivery points individually, the USPS gives each one a unique 11-digit number. The number is composed of the delivery point's nine-digit ZIP+4 Code plus an extra two digits that narrow the designation to the delivery point itself.

In 1963 the Post Office Department introduced the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) Code as a means to allow mail sorting methods to become faster and eventually be automated, but the innovation also created unimagined socio-economic benefits as an organizing and enabling device.

In 1943, a system of postal districts was formed for major cities. Each district was assigned a one- or two-digit code that senders would place in between the city name and the state name. This helped, but the increased volume of mail soon created a need for mechanization.

The four extra numbers are added after a hyphen to complete the ZIP+4. So what do the extra numbers mean? These last 4 digits represent specific delivery routes within delivery areas. This extra detail means an even more precise matching to a more granular level.

Actually, zip code 99999 doesn't even exist. In fact, the highest real zip code is 99950, for Ketchikan, Alaska. Still, if you scour your database, there's a good chance you'll find more than a few 99999 zip codes. Most organizations find that it's been entered as a placeholder in their shipment database.

The current postal codes in the United States range from 00001 ? 99950. The lowest and highest of these postal codes are both specific to areas in Alaska; The 00001 code is for the N Dillingham area, and the postal code 99950 is for Ketchikan, AK.