| ZIP Code | 50851 |
|---|---|
| City | Lenox |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Taylor County |
| Area Code | 641 |
| Elevation | 1,252 ft |
| Latitude | 40.908584 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -94.537032 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19173 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 41.4 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.58 |
| Below Poverty | 10.4% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 29.7% ▼ 23% below avg |
| Unemployment | 1.1% ▼ 78% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 10 (0.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 529 (41.3%) |
| Some College | 218 (17%) |
| Associates | 143 (11.2%) |
| Bachelors | 128 (10%) |
| Graduate Degree | 252 (19.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $67,847 ▼ 11% below avg ↑ 52% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $115,500 ▼ 59% below avg ↑ 13% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $925/mo ↑ 96% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 955 |
| Vacant Units | 135 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.58 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 955 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 135 |
| Owner Occupied | 77.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 22.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.58 |
ZIP code 50851 is located in Lenox, Iowa, within Taylor County. With a population of 2,145, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 41.4 years. Economically, 50851 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $67,847 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 50851 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $115,500 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $925 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 77.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 13% since 2019.
The population of 50851 is primarily White (77.72%). Residents are moderately educated — 29.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 10.4%. Household income has grown by 52% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 50851 stands at 1.1%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 74%.
Overall, ZIP code 50851 in Lenox, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,145 residents, a median household income of $67,847, and a median home value of $115,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.