| ZIP Code | 50049 |
|---|---|
| City | Chariton |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Lucas County |
| Area Code | 641 |
| Elevation | 978 ft |
| Latitude | 41.03445 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -93.295463 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19117 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.9 yrs ↓ 5% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.36 |
| Below Poverty | 17.2% ▲ 72% above avg |
| College Grads | 27.1% ▼ 30% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.5% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 7 (0.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,896 (46%) |
| Some College | 637 (15.4%) |
| Associates | 468 (11.3%) |
| Bachelors | 440 (10.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 677 (16.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $66,750 ▼ 13% below avg ↑ 25% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $123,700 ▼ 56% below avg ↑ 28% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $731/mo ↑ 11% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,869 |
| Vacant Units | 184 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.36 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,869 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 184 |
| Owner Occupied | 76.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 23.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.36 |
ZIP code 50049 is located in Chariton, Iowa, within Lucas County. With a population of 6,425, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 40.9 years. Economically, 50049 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $66,750 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 50049 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $123,700 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $731 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 76.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 28% since 2019.
The population of 50049 is primarily White (95.41%). Residents are moderately educated — 27.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.2%. Household income has grown by 25% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 50049 stands at 4.5%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 81%.
Overall, ZIP code 50049 in Chariton, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 6,425 residents, a median household income of $66,750, and a median home value of $123,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.