| ZIP Code | 51531 |
|---|---|
| City | Elk Horn |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Shelby County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,338 ft |
| Latitude | 41.5875 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.088386 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19165 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.0 yrs ↓ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.35 |
| Below Poverty | 8.8% ▼ 12% below avg |
| College Grads | 35.6% ▼ 8% below avg |
| Unemployment | 2.6% ▼ 46% below avg |
| HS Graduate | 219 (36.3%) |
| Some College | 44 (7.3%) |
| Associates | 126 (20.9%) |
| Bachelors | 72 (11.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 143 (23.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $58,929 ▼ 23% below avg ↓ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $132,300 ▼ 53% below avg ↑ 4% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $643/mo ↑ 20% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 408 |
| Vacant Units | 34 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.35 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 408 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 34 |
| Owner Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 21.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.35 |
ZIP code 51531 is located in Elk Horn, Iowa, within Shelby County. With a population of 943, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 43 years. Economically, 51531 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $58,929 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51531 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $132,300 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $643 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 78.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 4% since 2019.
The population of 51531 is primarily White (95.76%). Residents are moderately educated — 35.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.8%. Household income has declined by 4% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51531 stands at 2.6%, which is below the national average. About 13% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 75%.
Overall, ZIP code 51531 in Elk Horn, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 943 residents, a median household income of $58,929, and a median home value of $132,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.