| ZIP Code | 51246 |
|---|---|
| City | Rock Rapids |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Lyon County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,332 ft |
| Latitude | 43.428834 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -96.164704 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19119 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.5 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.83 |
| Below Poverty | 4.1% ▼ 59% below avg |
| College Grads | 35.5% ▼ 8% below avg |
| Unemployment | 2.4% ▼ 51% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 10 (0.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,021 (42.1%) |
| Some College | 259 (10.7%) |
| Associates | 276 (11.4%) |
| Bachelors | 336 (13.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 525 (21.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $69,320 ▼ 9% below avg ↑ 15% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $232,900 ▼ 16% below avg ↑ 47% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $773/mo ↑ 31% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,616 |
| Vacant Units | 211 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.83 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,616 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 211 |
| Owner Occupied | 80.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 19.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.83 |
ZIP code 51246 is located in Rock Rapids, Iowa, within Lyon County. With a population of 4,075, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.5 years. Economically, 51246 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $69,320 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51246 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $232,900 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $773 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 47% since 2019.
The population of 51246 is primarily White (94.01%). Residents are moderately educated — 35.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 4.1%. Household income has grown by 15% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51246 stands at 2.4%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.
Overall, ZIP code 51246 in Rock Rapids, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 4,075 residents, a median household income of $69,320, and a median home value of $232,900, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.