Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.8 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
| Below Poverty | 10.9% ▲ 9% above avg |
| College Grads | 36.9% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 2.5% ▼ 49% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 34 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,791 (29.7%) |
| Some College | 918 (15.2%) |
| Associates | 1,085 (18%) |
| Bachelors | 920 (15.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,289 (21.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $70,387 ▼ 8% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $126,583 ▼ 55% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $629/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 4,788 |
| Vacant Units | 863 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Palo Alto County is located in Iowa and encompasses 8 ZIP codes spanning 8 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 9,320 residents. With a median age of 42.76, it is a middle-aged county.
Palo Alto County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $70,386 is near the national average. Unemployment stands at 2.5%, below the national average. The poverty rate of 10.9% is near the national average.
Housing in Palo Alto County is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country, with a median home value of $126,583 — well below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $628. Homeownership rates are high at 75.7%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Palo Alto County are primarily White (91.83%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 36.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Palo Alto County, IA is a solidly middle-class area in Iowa. The 8 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50515 | Ayrshire | 248 | $60,179 | $26,700 | $1,188 | 0.0% | 28.1% |
| 50527 | Curlew | 85 | $65,000 | $83,800 | — | 0.0% | 24.3% |
| 50528 | Cylinder | 365 | $87,500 | — | $666 | 7.9% | 47.4% |
| 50536 | Emmetsburg | 4,287 | $62,404 | $121,300 | $599 | 2.8% | 36.0% |
| 51342 | Graettinger | 1,349 | $77,708 | $101,500 | $480 | 0.3% | 30.7% |
| 50562 | Mallard | 346 | $63,750 | $75,500 | $1,146 | 7.6% | 26.4% |
| 51358 | Ruthven | 1,277 | $70,921 | $146,900 | $652 | 1.7% | 41.6% |
| 50597 | West Bend | 1,363 | $87,042 | $182,800 | $604 | 2.3% | 43.4% |