| ZIP Code | 51527 |
|---|---|
| City | Defiance |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Shelby County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,290 ft |
| Latitude | 41.839795 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.336539 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19165 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 59.0 yrs ↑ 10% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.18 |
| Below Poverty | 9.5% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 30.0% ▼ 22% below avg |
| Unemployment | 1.1% ▼ 77% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 5 (1.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 110 (40.3%) |
| Some College | 36 (13.2%) |
| Associates | 40 (14.7%) |
| Bachelors | 37 (13.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 45 (16.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $63,155 ▼ 17% below avg ↑ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $115,300 ▼ 59% below avg ↑ 5% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 165 |
| Vacant Units | 6 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.18 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 165 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 6 |
| Owner Occupied | 90.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 9.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.18 |
ZIP code 51527 is located in Defiance, Iowa, within Shelby County. With a population of 346, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 59 years. Economically, 51527 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $63,155 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51527 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $115,300 is well below the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 90.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 5% since 2019.
The population of 51527 is primarily White (90.46%). Residents are moderately educated — 30.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 9.5%. Household income has grown by 14% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51527 stands at 1.1%, which is well below the national average. About 15% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 69%.
Overall, ZIP code 51527 in Defiance, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 346 residents, a median household income of $63,155, and a median home value of $115,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.