US ZIP Code
51201

Sheldon, IA

O'Brien County  ·  Iowa

● Active
👥 6,226 Population ↑ 7% since 2019
💰 $70,592 Median HH Income
≈ Avg ↑ 33% since 2019
🎂 37.5 Median Age ↓ 7% since 2019
🏠 $182,500 Median Home Value
▼ 35% below avg ↑ 33% since 2019
🎓 42.1% College Grads
▲ 9% above avg
📊 0.6% Unemployment
▼ 89% below avg ↓ 50% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code51201
CitySheldon
StateIowa (IA)
CountyO'Brien County
Area Code712
Elevation1,406 ft
Latitude43.182369
Longitude-95.865607
TimezoneChicago (DST)
FIPS19141
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 49.7% (3,093) Female 50.3% (3,133) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 80.6%Hispanic: 13.6%Black: 2%Asian: 1.1%Other: 1.7%Race
White80.6%
Hispanic13.6%
Black2.0%
Asian1.1%
Other1.7%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
7%
5–17
18%
18–24
8%
25–44
29%
45–64
23%
65+
8%

Key Indicators

Median Age37.5 yrs ↓ 7% since 2019
Avg Household Size2.46
Below Poverty15.3% ▲ 53% above avg
College Grads42.1% ▲ 9% above avg
Unemployment0.6% ▼ 89% below avg
No HS Diploma21 (0.6%)
HS Graduate1,416 (37.3%)
Some College385 (10.1%)
Associates376 (9.9%)
Bachelors714 (18.8%)
Graduate Degree886 (23.3%)

Education

No HS: 0.6%HS Grad: 37.3%Some College: 10.1%Associates: 9.9%Bachelors: 18.8%Graduate: 23.3%Edu
No HS0.6%
HS Grad37.3%
Some College10.1%
Associates9.9%
Bachelors18.8%
Graduate23.3%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 73.3%Renter: 26.7%Tenure
Owner73.3%
Renter26.7%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
4%
$50k–100k
16%
$100k–150k
15%
$150k–200k
25%
$200k–300k
22%
$300k–500k
16%
Over $500k
1%

Financials

Median HH Income$70,592 ≈ Avg ↑ 33% since 2019
Median Home Value$182,500 ▼ 35% below avg ↑ 33% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio2.6x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$842/mo ↑ 50% since 2019
Total Units2,776
Vacant Units362
Avg HH Size2.46

Income Distribution

Under $25k
12%
$25k–50k
20%
$50k–75k
20%
$75k–100k
15%
$100k–150k
24%
$150k–200k
6%
Over $200k
3%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
92%
Walked
2%
Work From Home
7%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
63%
15–30 min
22%
30–45 min
8%
Over 45 min
7%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
6%
1940s–1950s
17%
1960s–1970s
13%
1980s–1990s
9%
2000+
56%

Summary

Total Units2,776
Vacant362
Owner Occupied73.3%
Renter Occupied26.7%
Avg HH Size2.46
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 51201 is in Sheldon, IA, in O'Brien County.
ZIP code 51201 is located in Iowa (IA).
ZIP code 51201 is in O'Brien County, IA.
ZIP 51201 observes the Chicago timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 51201 is 6,226 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 51201 is $70,592 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 51201 is $182,500 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 51201

ZIP code 51201 is located in Sheldon, Iowa, within O'Brien County. With a population of 6,226, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.5 years. Economically, 51201 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $70,592 is near the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 51201 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $182,500 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $842 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 73.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 33% since 2019.

The population of 51201 is primarily White (80.58%). Residents are well-educated — 42.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 15.3%. Household income has grown by 33% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 51201 stands at 0.6%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.

Overall, ZIP code 51201 in Sheldon, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 6,226 residents, a median household income of $70,592, and a median home value of $182,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.