| ZIP Code | 51002 |
|---|---|
| City | Alta |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Buena Vista County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,504 ft |
| Latitude | 42.702052 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.318922 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19021 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 36.6 yrs ↓ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.80 |
| Below Poverty | 6.5% ▼ 36% below avg |
| College Grads | 41.2% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 13.9% ▲ 184% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 6 (0.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 635 (37.5%) |
| Some College | 149 (8.8%) |
| Associates | 207 (12.2%) |
| Bachelors | 236 (13.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 461 (27.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $69,375 ▼ 9% below avg ↑ 10% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $145,300 ▼ 48% below avg ↑ 21% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $918/mo ↑ 23% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,113 |
| Vacant Units | 94 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.80 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,113 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 94 |
| Owner Occupied | 81.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 18.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.80 |
ZIP code 51002 is located in Alta, Iowa, within Buena Vista County. With a population of 2,866, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 36.6 years. Economically, 51002 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $69,375 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51002 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $145,300 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $918 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 81.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 21% since 2019.
The population of 51002 is majority White (60.33%). Residents are well-educated — 41.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 6.5%. Household income has grown by 10% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51002 stands at 13.9%, which is more than double the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.
Overall, ZIP code 51002 in Alta, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,866 residents, a median household income of $69,375, and a median home value of $145,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.