| ZIP Code | 51242 |
|---|---|
| City | Lester |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Lyon County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,391 ft |
| Latitude | 43.432274 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -96.338057 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19119 |
| ZIP Type | PO Box |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.3 yrs ↓ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.91 |
| Below Poverty | 2.0% ▼ 80% below avg |
| College Grads | 38.8% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 0.0% ▼ 100% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 5 (2.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 103 (42.9%) |
| Some College | 8 (3.3%) |
| Associates | 31 (12.9%) |
| Bachelors | 37 (15.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 56 (23.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $86,406 ▲ 13% above avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $185,200 ▼ 34% below avg ↑ 52% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 140 |
| Vacant Units | 21 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.91 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 140 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 21 |
| Owner Occupied | 84.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 15.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.91 |
ZIP code 51242 is located in Lester, Iowa, within Lyon County. With a population of 346, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.3 years. Economically, 51242 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $86,406 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51242 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $185,200 is below the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 84.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 52% since 2019.
The population of 51242 is primarily White (88.44%). Residents are moderately educated — 38.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 2.0%. Household income has grown by 31% since 2019.
As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 73%.
Overall, ZIP code 51242 in Lester, IA is characterized as middle-income, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 346 residents, a median household income of $86,406, and a median home value of $185,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.