ZIP Code 50261 in Van Meter, IA

Data Last Updated: November 1, 2025
City:Van Meter, Iowa
Counties:Dallas County[Primary]
Madison County
Timezone:Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:7:03:25 PM
Population:3,019 [See All]
Area Code:515
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:41.4672, -93.9376
Land Area:64.931 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 50261 has 3,019 residents and 1,006 households (average 3.00 persons per household). The median age is 36.6 years, slightly younger than the state (38.6) and slightly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.5% male and 49.5% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%). Largest groups are White (92.7%, much higher than the state average of 84.5% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.1%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:3,019Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:3,105Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:3,312Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:46.5 people per sq mile
Average Income:$150,341Source: Census ACS
Households:1,006Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$318,600Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:3.00Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.69Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--2,3962,5652,2972,3852,5262,4872,6262,6212,6222,6062,9352,8663,105
Decennial Census2,211------------------3,019------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 36.6

Male Median Age: 36

Female Median Age: 37.3

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male114169143107714688108113781109889854929918
Female10714113287577392128104927596998261242619
Total221310275194128119180236217170185194188167110533537
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:2,79994.75%
Black:170.58%
Hispanic:*642.17%
Asian:230.78%
American Indian:120.41%
Hawaiian:40.14%
Other:351.18%
Total:2,954100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:1,52450.48%36.0 years
Females:1,49549.52%37.3 years
Total:3,019100%36.6 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:3,04998.20%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:70.23%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:491.58%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:01.58%
Total Population:3,105100%
Total Native Population:3,05698.42%
Total Foreign-born Population:491.58%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $150,341, which is considerably higher than the state median ($73,147), is up $61,313 (68.9%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $41,130. Family households earn a median of $158,026 versus $75,000 for nonfamily households (a difference of $83,026). By gender, male median income is $90,625 and female is $65,859, which is markedly greater than the state female median ($49,410), with a current gap of $24,766 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 76.9%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.6%, which is much lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (50.5%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$89,028$91,983$84,194$85,625$87,167$95,761$106,202$106,696$109,211$123,427$128,194$140,257$150,341
Median Family Income$102,833$100,125$96,932$90,132$92,083$102,794$111,683$114,674$118,393$130,729$135,625$145,625$158,026
Median NonFamily Income$32,431$38,611$31,250$32,891$34,107$41,000$41,705$43,229$51,667$57,083$71,563$68,125$75,000
Median Male Income$52,148$54,583$54,018$53,722$54,414$55,645$56,125$57,161$61,964$71,698$80,486$88,511$90,625
Median Female Income$47,326$47,813$44,949$48,913$46,125$44,615$53,167$55,256$56,293$62,898$67,273$52,426$65,859
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:1,71176.45%
Unemployed:100.45%
Not In Labor Force:51723.10%
Total:2,238100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:86450.50%
Service:1699.88%
Sales and Office:44025.72%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:814.73%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1579.18%
Total Civilian Employed Population:1,711100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $318,600, which is considerably higher than the state median ($195,900), is up $148,400 (87.19%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $105,700. The median gross rent is $979, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $297 (43.55%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $29. Of occupied housing, owners make up 84.52% (64.96% with a mortgage, 35.04% free-and-clear) and renters 15.48% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 2.53%, which is far lower than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$170,200$178,700$175,700$170,000$174,900$176,300$184,800$196,300$212,900$239,700$238,300$269,300$318,600
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:21.24%
$500 to $999:2918.01%
$1,000 to $1,499:148.70%
$1,500 to $1,999:106.21%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:10665.84%
Total:161100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$682$711$713$648$817$959$950$994$950$1,063$873$882$979
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):57154.90%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):30829.62%
Renter Occupied:16115.48%
Total Occupied Housing Units:1,040100%

Occupied Housing Units:1,04097.47%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):272.53%
Total Housing Units:1,067100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:1,03396.81%
Multi-Family Units:262.44%
Other Units:80.75%
Total Housing Units:1,067100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 41.30% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (30.90%). High school or higher is 99.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 6.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 86.30%, which is well above the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 15.00%, which is markedly below the state rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 0.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.70%), up 0.50 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.00 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (50.77%). College enrollment is 19.34%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:70.36%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:50.26%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):43622.38%
Some college, no degree:40520.79%
Associate's degree:29114.94%
Bachelor's degree:60731.16%
Graduate or professional degree:19710.11%
Total:1,948100%
High school or higher:1,93699.38%
Bachelor's degree or higher:80441.27%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:2,68079.93%
Public Insurance:46713.93%
No Insurance:2066.14%
Total:3,353100%
Has Health Insurance:3,14793.86%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty0.3%0.6%2.3%2.2%4.4%4.0%3.0%3.6%4.8%0.8%0.6%0.5%0.8%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:353.85%
Kindergarten:424.62%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):46250.77%
High school (grades 9-12):19521.43%
College or graduate school:17619.34%
Total:910100%
Early Childhood:778.46%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):69976.81%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 50261 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 53 business establishments, employing about 312 people with an annual payroll of $16,090,000. USPS data shows 1,104 residential mailboxes and 8 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:1,104Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:8Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:1,301Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:610Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:12Source: USPS
# of Businesses:53Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$3,343,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$16,090,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:312Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 50261 is located in Dallas County, Iowa, within the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 19780) and Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 720,331 people, about 0.42% of whom live in ZIP Code 50261. It covers 64.931 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.607 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Des Moines-West Des Moines, IASource: Census
CBSA Number:19780Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:720,331Source: Census
MSA:Des Moines, IA MSASource: Census
Land Area:64.931 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.607 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:03Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:8789.62 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:--Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:1980445Source: Census
Place Name:Van Meter city; IowaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


50262 | | 50259

Schools in ZIP Code 50261


ZIP Code 50261 is in the Van Meter Community School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 3 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Van Meter Elementary School 520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
District: Van Meter Community School District
Van Meter High School 520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
District: Van Meter Community School District
Van Meter Middle School 520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
District: Van Meter Community School District
St Francis Of Assisi School 7075 Ashworth Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50266
District: Private SchoolNearby
Montessori Children's House 1505 42nd St
West Des Moines, IA 50266
District: Private SchoolNearby
Des Moines Christian School 13007 Douglas Pkwy Ste 100
Urbandale, IA 50323
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 50261


Aveda Institute-Des Moines 6905 Mills Civic Pkwy Suite 120
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Type: Post Secondary
Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School 8401 Douglas Avenue, Ste 2
Urbandale, IA 50322-2903
Type: Post Secondary
Iowa School Of Beauty-Des Moines 3305 70th St
Des Moines, IA 50322-3203
Type: Post Secondary
Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center 3200 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
Type: Post Secondary
La James International College-Johnston 8805 Chambery Blvd
Johnston, IA 50131
Type: Post Secondary
Drake University 2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on November 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 11/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov