US ZIP Code
50479

Thornton, IA

Cerro Gordo County  ·  Iowa

● Active
👥 783 Population ↑ 43% since 2019
💰 $71,250 Median HH Income
≈ Avg ↑ 46% since 2019
🎂 29.6 Median Age ↓ 15% since 2019
🏠 $112,200 Median Home Value
▼ 60% below avg ↑ 50% since 2019
🎓 41.9% College Grads
▲ 8% above avg
📊 1.8% Unemployment
▼ 64% below avg ↓ 38% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code50479
CityThornton
StateIowa (IA)
CountyCerro Gordo County
Area Code641
Elevation1,213 ft
Latitude42.941186
Longitude-93.408191
TimezoneChicago (DST)
FIPS19033
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 50.8% (398) Female 49.2% (385) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 92.7%Hispanic: 5.1%Asian: 0.3%Other: 1.8%Race
White92.7%
Hispanic5.1%
Asian0.3%
Other1.8%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
15%
5–17
14%
18–24
7%
25–44
32%
45–64
14%
65+
4%

Key Indicators

Median Age29.6 yrs ↓ 15% since 2019
Avg Household Size2.43
Below Poverty5.8% ▼ 43% below avg
College Grads41.9% ▲ 8% above avg
Unemployment1.8% ▼ 64% below avg
No HS Diploma10 (2%)
HS Graduate138 (27.7%)
Some College57 (11.4%)
Associates85 (17%)
Bachelors93 (18.6%)
Graduate Degree116 (23.2%)

Education

No HS: 2%HS Grad: 27.7%Some College: 11.4%Associates: 17%Bachelors: 18.6%Graduate: 23.2%Edu
No HS2.0%
HS Grad27.7%
Some College11.4%
Associates17.0%
Bachelors18.6%
Graduate23.2%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 86%Renter: 14%Tenure
Owner86.0%
Renter14.0%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
14%
$50k–100k
28%
$100k–150k
20%
$150k–200k
20%
$200k–300k
14%
$300k–500k
4%

Financials

Median HH Income$71,250 ≈ Avg ↑ 46% since 2019
Median Home Value$112,200 ▼ 60% below avg ↑ 50% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio1.6x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$775/mo ↑ 43% since 2019
Total Units333
Vacant Units11
Avg HH Size2.43

Income Distribution

Under $25k
9%
$25k–50k
12%
$50k–75k
28%
$75k–100k
22%
$100k–150k
17%
$150k–200k
4%
Over $200k
8%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
89%
Walked
7%
Work From Home
4%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
24%
15–30 min
54%
30–45 min
17%
Over 45 min
5%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
4%
1940s–1950s
17%
1960s–1970s
8%
1980s–1990s
6%
2000+
65%

Summary

Total Units333
Vacant11
Owner Occupied86.0%
Renter Occupied14.0%
Avg HH Size2.43
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 50479 is in Thornton, IA, in Cerro Gordo County.
ZIP code 50479 is located in Iowa (IA).
ZIP code 50479 is in Cerro Gordo County, IA.
ZIP 50479 observes the Chicago timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 50479 is 783 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 50479 is $71,250 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 50479 is $112,200 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 50479

ZIP code 50479 is located in Thornton, Iowa, within Cerro Gordo County. With a population of 783, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a young community — the median age is 29.6 years. Economically, 50479 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $71,250 is near the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 50479 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $112,200 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $775 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 86.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 50% since 2019.

The population of 50479 is primarily White (92.72%). Residents are well-educated — 41.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 5.8%. Household income has grown by 46% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 50479 stands at 1.8%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.

Overall, ZIP code 50479 in Thornton, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 783 residents, a median household income of $71,250, and a median home value of $112,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.