| ZIP Code | 52501 |
|---|---|
| City | Ottumwa |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Wapello County |
| Area Code | 641 |
| Elevation | 800 ft |
| Latitude | 41.044369 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -92.42906 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 19179 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 39.4 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.43 |
| Below Poverty | 17.1% ▲ 71% above avg |
| College Grads | 34.1% ▼ 12% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.8% ▼ 22% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 345 (1.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 6,887 (36.7%) |
| Some College | 2,821 (15%) |
| Associates | 2,318 (12.4%) |
| Bachelors | 2,332 (12.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 4,059 (21.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $59,091 ▼ 23% below avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $109,600 ▼ 61% below avg ↑ 37% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $955/mo ↑ 32% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 13,654 |
| Vacant Units | 1,508 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 13,654 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,508 |
| Owner Occupied | 65.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 34.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
ZIP code 52501 is located in Ottumwa, Iowa, within Wapello County. With a population of 30,341, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 39.4 years. Economically, 52501 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $59,091 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 52501 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $109,600 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $955 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 65.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 37% since 2019.
The population of 52501 is primarily White (74.34%). Residents are moderately educated — 34.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.1%. Household income has grown by 31% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 52501 stands at 3.8%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.
Overall, ZIP code 52501 in Ottumwa, IA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 30,341 residents, a median household income of $59,091, and a median home value of $109,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Iowa.