| ZIP Code | 52215 |
|---|---|
| City | Chelsea |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Tama County |
| Area Code | 641 |
| Elevation | 781 ft |
| Latitude | 41.913536 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -92.405305 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19171 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 37.2 yrs ↓ 16% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.32 |
| Below Poverty | 16.9% ▲ 69% above avg |
| College Grads | 20.7% ▼ 47% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.2% ▼ 34% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 13 (2.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 285 (54.1%) |
| Some College | 101 (19.2%) |
| Associates | 19 (3.6%) |
| Bachelors | 54 (10.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 55 (10.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $56,311 ▼ 26% below avg ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $116,700 ▼ 58% below avg ↑ 5% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $681/mo ↑ 22% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 426 |
| Vacant Units | 73 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.32 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 426 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 73 |
| Owner Occupied | 98.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 2.0% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.32 |
ZIP code 52215 is located in Chelsea, Iowa, within Tama County. With a population of 819, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.2 years. Economically, 52215 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $56,311 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 52215 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $116,700 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $681 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 98.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 5% since 2019.
The population of 52215 is primarily White (84.13%). Residents are less-educated — 20.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 16.9%. Household income has grown by 2% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 52215 stands at 3.2%, which is below the national average. About 16% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 73%.
Overall, ZIP code 52215 in Chelsea, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, less-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 819 residents, a median household income of $56,311, and a median home value of $116,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.