Located within Onslow County, North Carolina, Tarawa Terrace is a residential area that is most commonly associated with the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. With a name that carries historical significance, this community has served as home to thousands of military personnel and their families over the decades. The ZIP Code for Tarawa Terrace is 28543, and while this set of digits may seem like a small detail, ZIP codes play a crucial role in organizing mail delivery, defining geographic areas, and even impacting demographic research. Tarawa Terrace’s ZIP Code is not just a number it is tied to the identity, services, and infrastructure of the region.
Understanding ZIP Codes
What is a ZIP Code?
ZIP stands for Zone Improvement Plan, and ZIP Codes are used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to efficiently sort and deliver mail. Introduced in 1963, ZIP Codes are numeric codes that designate specific regions, allowing mail carriers to operate with greater accuracy and speed. Each digit in a ZIP Code has meaning and helps define the exact location within a state or city.
The Structure of a ZIP Code
ZIP Codes consist of five digits, sometimes followed by a hyphen and four more digits for more precise delivery. Here is how the numbers break down
- The first digitrepresents a group of U.S. states.
- The next two digitsspecify a central mail processing facility in that region.
- The final two digitsidentify a specific post office or delivery area.
Tarawa Terrace’s ZIP Code, 28543, follows this structure, placing it firmly within North Carolina’s postal map.
About Tarawa Terrace
Military Background and Purpose
Tarawa Terrace was developed primarily as a residential area for military families affiliated with Camp Lejeune, one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the United States. Named after the Battle of Tarawa during World War II, this community embodies both military heritage and service.
Location and Connectivity
Tarawa Terrace is located to the northeast of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and is well-connected to nearby highways and essential facilities. It is close to major military buildings, schools, healthcare services, and retail areas, making it a convenient residential location for military personnel and their families.
ZIP Code Area 28543
The ZIP Code 28543 covers Tarawa Terrace specifically. It is assigned by the USPS and used for all postal correspondence, federal services, and certain data tracking purposes. The code helps streamline delivery to base housing, administrative offices, and other locations within the designated area.
Services Associated with ZIP Code 28543
Postal Services
Mail delivery in ZIP Code 28543 is handled through regional post offices associated with Camp Lejeune and the Jacksonville area. Regular mail, packages, military correspondence, and certified deliveries are sorted and processed using this ZIP Code. Residents rely on it for both personal and official communications.
Government and Military Services
The 28543 ZIP Code is also used for identifying households for census data, veterans’ services, and federal or military assistance. It plays a part in determining eligibility for certain programs and is crucial for demographic and planning purposes.
Healthcare and Emergency Services
Within the ZIP Code area of Tarawa Terrace, residents have access to military healthcare services, clinics, and emergency medical facilities. These are vital for families and individuals stationed at Camp Lejeune, and the ZIP Code helps ensure swift and accurate response in emergencies.
Demographics and Living in 28543
Population and Housing
The population within the 28543 ZIP Code consists mainly of active-duty Marines, Navy personnel, and their dependents. Housing includes base housing units and some privately owned or rented homes. The neighborhood is designed to cater to military lifestyles, with safety and efficiency in mind.
Schools and Education
Schools within and near ZIP Code 28543 include Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools that serve children of military families. These institutions emphasize stability and support for students who may relocate frequently due to military assignments.
Community Amenities
Despite being a military-focused area, Tarawa Terrace offers several community amenities such as parks, recreational centers, fitness facilities, and playgrounds. These facilities contribute to the overall quality of life and support family wellness within the community.
ZIP Code 28543 in Broader Context
Regional and State Context
ZIP Code 28543 is part of the broader postal region covering eastern North Carolina. It lies near other ZIP codes like 28540 (Jacksonville), 28544 (Camp Lejeune), and others. These neighboring areas often interact through commerce, transportation, and regional planning.
Use in Data and Analysis
ZIP Codes like 28543 are frequently used in demographic studies, real estate listings, health statistics, and marketing strategies. Agencies and businesses rely on this information to tailor services, allocate resources, and plan community development.
Environmental and Historical Notes
Environmental Awareness
Tarawa Terrace is also historically significant in discussions about water quality and environmental concerns. Between the 1950s and 1980s, residents were exposed to contaminated drinking water, which later led to federal investigations and health studies. Today, measures have been implemented to ensure water safety and environmental health in the area.
Restoration and Remediation
Efforts to remediate environmental impacts in ZIP Code 28543 continue, and it remains a key focus for environmental safety programs. This underscores the importance of ZIP Codes in tracking and managing long-term public health initiatives.
Tarawa Terrace’s ZIP Code, 28543, is more than just a postal marker it is a reflection of a unique military community, its history, and its daily life. It connects residents to essential services, defines the area geographically and administratively, and helps provide a framework for communication, infrastructure, and community planning. Whether it’s used to deliver a package, register for school, or access healthcare, the ZIP Code 28543 is a crucial part of what keeps this distinctive neighborhood functioning. Understanding its role helps us appreciate how deeply geography and postal systems are interwoven into everyday life in areas like Tarawa Terrace.