| ZIP Code | 51638 |
|---|---|
| City | Essex |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Page County |
| Area Code | 712 |
| Elevation | 1,149 ft |
| Latitude | 40.837439 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.266231 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19145 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 50.5 yrs ↓ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.22 |
| Below Poverty | 9.3% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 25.6% ▼ 34% below avg |
| Unemployment | 1.9% ▼ 61% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 2 (0.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 417 (45.9%) |
| Some College | 73 (8%) |
| Associates | 184 (20.3%) |
| Bachelors | 94 (10.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 138 (15.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $61,154 ▼ 20% below avg ↑ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $115,700 ▼ 58% below avg ↑ 42% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $688/mo ↑ 16% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 634 |
| Vacant Units | 58 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.22 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 634 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 58 |
| Owner Occupied | 79.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 20.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.22 |
ZIP code 51638 is located in Essex, Iowa, within Page County. With a population of 1,278, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 50.5 years. Economically, 51638 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $61,154 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 51638 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $115,700 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $688 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 79.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 42% since 2019.
The population of 51638 is primarily White (85.60%). Residents are moderately educated — 25.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 9.3%. Household income has grown by 14% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 51638 stands at 1.9%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 84%.
Overall, ZIP code 51638 in Essex, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,278 residents, a median household income of $61,154, and a median home value of $115,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.