| ZIP Code | 51012 |
|---|---|
| City | Cherokee |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Cherokee County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,358 ft |
| Latitude | 42.745429 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.560413 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19035 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.1 yrs ↓ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.22 |
| Below Poverty | 21.2% ▲ 112% above avg |
| College Grads | 33.2% ▼ 14% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.2% ▼ 35% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 32 (0.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,701 (41%) |
| Some College | 505 (12.2%) |
| Associates | 537 (12.9%) |
| Bachelors | 521 (12.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 855 (20.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $56,964 ▼ 25% below avg ↑ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $127,900 ▼ 54% below avg ↑ 16% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $725/mo ↑ 29% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,889 |
| Vacant Units | 199 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.22 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,889 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 199 |
| Owner Occupied | 67.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 32.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.22 |
ZIP code 51012 is located in Cherokee, Iowa, within Cherokee County. With a population of 6,313, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 43.1 years. Economically, 51012 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $56,964 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51012 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $127,900 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $725 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 67.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 16% since 2019.
The population of 51012 is primarily White (89.01%). Residents are moderately educated — 33.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 21.2%. Household income has grown by 6% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51012 stands at 3.2%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 81%.
Overall, ZIP code 51012 in Cherokee, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 6,313 residents, a median household income of $56,964, and a median home value of $127,900, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.