| ZIP Code | 51038 |
|---|---|
| City | Merrill |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Plymouth County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,233 ft |
| Latitude | 42.703191 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -96.316537 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19149 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.2 yrs ↓ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.61 |
| Below Poverty | 3.5% ▼ 65% below avg |
| College Grads | 33.8% ▼ 13% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.0% ▼ 40% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 8 (0.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 369 (37%) |
| Some College | 151 (15.2%) |
| Associates | 131 (13.2%) |
| Bachelors | 128 (12.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 209 (21%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $88,864 ▲ 16% above avg ↑ 35% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $181,800 ▼ 35% below avg ↑ 17% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 685 |
| Vacant Units | 105 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.61 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 685 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 105 |
| Owner Occupied | 84.8% |
| Renter Occupied | 15.2% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.61 |
ZIP code 51038 is located in Merrill, Iowa, within Plymouth County. With a population of 1,512, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 43.2 years. Economically, 51038 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $88,864 is above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51038 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $181,800 is below the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 84.8% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 17% since 2019.
The population of 51038 is primarily White (93.92%). Residents are moderately educated — 33.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 3.5%. Household income has grown by 35% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51038 stands at 3.0%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 82%.
Overall, ZIP code 51038 in Merrill, IA is characterized as middle-income, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,512 residents, a median household income of $88,864, and a median home value of $181,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.