| ZIP Code | 51537 |
|---|---|
| City | Harlan |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Shelby County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,289 ft |
| Latitude | 41.650135 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.297189 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19165 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 44.2 yrs ↓ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.39 |
| Below Poverty | 8.5% ▼ 15% below avg |
| College Grads | 40.7% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 4.6% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 52 (1.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,373 (32%) |
| Some College | 513 (11.9%) |
| Associates | 610 (14.2%) |
| Bachelors | 716 (16.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,029 (24%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $62,353 ▼ 18% below avg ↑ 5% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $161,800 ▼ 42% below avg ↑ 30% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.6x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $854/mo ↑ 32% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,893 |
| Vacant Units | 229 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.39 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,893 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 229 |
| Owner Occupied | 73.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 26.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.39 |
ZIP code 51537 is located in Harlan, Iowa, within Shelby County. With a population of 6,480, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 44.2 years. Economically, 51537 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $62,353 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51537 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $161,800 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $854 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 73.4% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 30% since 2019.
The population of 51537 is primarily White (91.20%). Residents are well-educated — 40.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.5%. Household income has grown by 5% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51537 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 51537 in Harlan, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 6,480 residents, a median household income of $62,353, and a median home value of $161,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.