| ZIP Code | 51501 |
|---|---|
| City | Council Bluffs |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Pottawattamie County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 979 ft |
| Latitude | 41.227277 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.878439 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19155 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.4 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.41 |
| Below Poverty | 13.5% ▲ 35% above avg |
| College Grads | 29.8% ▼ 23% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.0% ▼ 17% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 215 (1%) |
| HS Graduate | 8,163 (37.8%) |
| Some College | 3,554 (16.4%) |
| Associates | 3,252 (15%) |
| Bachelors | 2,546 (11.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 3,892 (18%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $59,314 ▼ 22% below avg ↑ 21% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $140,400 ▼ 50% below avg ↑ 39% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $997/mo ↑ 18% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 15,217 |
| Vacant Units | 948 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.41 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 15,217 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 948 |
| Owner Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 33.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.41 |
ZIP code 51501 is located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, within Pottawattamie County. With a population of 34,928, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.4 years. Economically, 51501 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $59,314 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51501 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $140,400 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $997 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 66.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 39% since 2019.
The population of 51501 is primarily White (78.82%). Residents are moderately educated — 29.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 13.5%. Household income has grown by 21% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51501 stands at 4.0%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.
Overall, ZIP code 51501 in Council Bluffs, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 34,928 residents, a median household income of $59,314, and a median home value of $140,400, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.