| ZIP Code | 50243 |
|---|---|
| City | Sheldahl |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Polk County |
| Area Code | 515 |
| Elevation | 1,037 ft |
| Latitude | 41.864564 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -93.696739 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19153 |
| ZIP Type | PO Box |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 37.1 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.76 |
| Below Poverty | 11.5% ▲ 15% above avg |
| College Grads | 45.3% ▲ 17% above avg |
| Unemployment | 14.0% ▲ 187% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1 (0.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 73 (32.7%) |
| Some College | 15 (6.7%) |
| Associates | 33 (14.8%) |
| Bachelors | 45 (20.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 56 (25.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $67,500 ▼ 12% below avg ↑ 7% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $175,000 ▼ 37% below avg ↑ 63% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.6x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,200/mo ↑ 23% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 149 |
| Vacant Units | 23 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.76 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 149 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 23 |
| Owner Occupied | 90.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 9.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.76 |
ZIP code 50243 is located in Sheldahl, Iowa, within Polk County. With a population of 348, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.1 years. Economically, 50243 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $67,500 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 50243 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $175,000 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,200 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 90.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 63% since 2019.
The population of 50243 is primarily White (98.85%). Residents are well-educated — 45.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 11.5%. Household income has grown by 7% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 50243 stands at 14.0%, which is more than double the national average. About 12% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 83%.
Overall, ZIP code 50243 in Sheldahl, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 348 residents, a median household income of $67,500, and a median home value of $175,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.