| ZIP Code | 51533 |
|---|---|
| City | Emerson |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Mills County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,143 ft |
| Latitude | 41.039454 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.378172 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19129 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.0 yrs ↓ 5% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.31 |
| Below Poverty | 12.0% ▲ 20% above avg |
| College Grads | 34.5% ▼ 11% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.6% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1 (0.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 155 (27.5%) |
| Some College | 88 (15.6%) |
| Associates | 125 (22.2%) |
| Bachelors | 88 (15.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 106 (18.8%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $62,727 ▼ 18% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $133,500 ▼ 52% below avg ↑ 12% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,005/mo ↑ 46% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 396 |
| Vacant Units | 38 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 396 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 38 |
| Owner Occupied | 81.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 18.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
ZIP code 51533 is located in Emerson, Iowa, within Mills County. With a population of 828, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47 years. Economically, 51533 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $62,727 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51533 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $133,500 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,005 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 81.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 12% since 2019.
The population of 51533 is primarily White (94.08%). Residents are moderately educated — 34.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.0%.
The unemployment rate in 51533 stands at 4.6%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 83%.
Overall, ZIP code 51533 in Emerson, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 828 residents, a median household income of $62,727, and a median home value of $133,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.