| ZIP Code | 50588 |
|---|---|
| City | Storm Lake |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Buena Vista County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,408 ft |
| Latitude | 42.654596 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.161555 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19021 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 32.0 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.66 |
| Below Poverty | 8.0% ▼ 20% below avg |
| College Grads | 37.6% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 3.3% ▼ 33% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 567 (8.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,430 (37.1%) |
| Some College | 558 (8.5%) |
| Associates | 530 (8.1%) |
| Bachelors | 734 (11.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,727 (26.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $65,475 ▼ 14% below avg ↑ 18% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $178,800 ▼ 36% below avg ↑ 34% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $836/mo ↑ 20% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 5,040 |
| Vacant Units | 347 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.66 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 5,040 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 347 |
| Owner Occupied | 67.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 33.0% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.66 |
ZIP code 50588 is located in Storm Lake, Iowa, within Buena Vista County. With a population of 13,346, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 32 years. Economically, 50588 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $65,475 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 50588 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $178,800 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $836 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 67.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 34% since 2019.
The population of 50588 is racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 41.5%. Residents are moderately educated — 37.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.0%. Household income has grown by 18% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 50588 stands at 3.3%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 64%.
Overall, ZIP code 50588 in Storm Lake, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 13,346 residents, a median household income of $65,475, and a median home value of $178,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.