48494

48494 is a five-digit ZIP code designation used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to identify a specific geographic area for mail delivery. ZIP codes are part of a nationwide system designed to improve sorting, routing, and delivery efficiency for mail and packages.

The five-digit structure of a ZIP code generally reflects a division of geographic regions. The first digit designates a broad area of the country, the first three digits identify a sectional center facility or a major routing region within that area, and the final two digits designate a local post office or delivery zone within that region. The exact boundaries and the communities served by 48494 are defined by the USPS and can change over time as postal logistics evolve.

Beyond mail delivery, ZIP codes such as 48494 are used in a variety of non-postal applications. Businesses rely on ZIP codes for shipping estimates, address verification, and market analysis. Government and research organizations use ZIP codes or their Census-derived approximations (ZIP Code Tabulation Areas) to summarize demographic and economic data at a localized level. While ZIP codes are useful for many purposes, they do not always align perfectly with town or city boundaries and may cross municipal lines.

History and context: ZIP codes were introduced by the USPS in 1963 as part of the Zone Improvement Plan to streamline mail processing and delivery. Since then, the system has become a standard geographic reference in commerce, planning, and statistical analysis, with individual codes like 48494 serving as practical identifiers within that framework.