ZIP Code 51248 in Sanborn, IA

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Sanborn, Iowa
County:Obrien County
Timezone:Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:7:20:21 PM
Population:1,828 [See All]
Area Code:712
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:43.2005, -95.6538
Land Area:79.153 sq mi
Quick Link:
https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/51248/zip-code-51248.asp

Download this data |

Download ZIP Boundaries |

Interactive charts load automatically as you scroll. Hover for data, click to explore trends, and use the menu to export.

Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 51248 has 1,828 residents and 721 households (average 2.44 persons per household). The median age is 42.3 years, older than the state (38.6) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.4% male and 50.6% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.7%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (92.0%, much higher than the state average of 84.5% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.8%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.8%, 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:1,828Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:1,643Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:1,439Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:23.1 people per sq mile
Average Income:$60,809Source: Census ACS
Households:721Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$154,400Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.44Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.92Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--1,4781,4951,4991,5761,6911,7821,8781,9302,0301,6891,6361,7121,643
Decennial Census1,857------------------1,828------
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: 42.3

Male Median Age: 39.2

Female Median Age: 45.2

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male606967564346655944414757814829332038
Female445774553340496048393460646633394585
Total1041261411117686114119928081117145114627265123
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:1,68191.01%
Black:301.62%
Hispanic:*874.71%
Asian:100.54%
American Indian:180.97%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:211.14%
Total:1,847100%
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:90349.40%39.2 years
Females:92550.60%45.2 years
Total:1,828100%42.3 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:1,61298.11%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:60.37%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:80.49%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:171.52%
Total Population:1,643100%
Total Native Population:1,61898.48%
Total Foreign-born Population:251.52%
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 $60,809, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $19,751 (48.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,559. Family households earn a median of $78,250 versus $31,771 for nonfamily households (a difference of $46,479). By gender, male median income is $59,741 and female is $37,946, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $21,795 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 57.2%, which is much lower than the state rate (66.5%). The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (33.5%).

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$41,058$39,830$42,621$49,063$51,979$54,000$63,684$62,083$59,250$55,385$58,750$56,691$60,809
Median Family Income$53,421$48,839$58,523$62,011$66,250$64,423$77,083$77,583$74,643$66,875$73,750$71,818$78,250
Median NonFamily Income$26,369$23,929$24,722$26,184$24,091$22,857$24,922$30,278$31,641$32,500$34,875$35,469$31,771
Median Male Income$40,781$38,636$39,375$46,181$0$47,670$51,182$51,823$51,202$51,192$55,234$58,333$59,741
Median Female Income$24,934$29,167$28,750$29,938$0$30,948$30,729$30,625$28,854$31,065$33,750$37,438$37,946
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:73556.02%
Unemployed:161.22%
Not In Labor Force:56142.76%
Total:1,312100%
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:24633.47%
Service:15320.82%
Sales and Office:8611.70%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:11014.97%
Production, transportation, and material moving:14019.05%
Total Civilian Employed Population:735100%
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 $154,400, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $73,600 (91.09%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $46,300. The median gross rent is $869, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $362 (71.40%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $280. Of occupied housing, owners make up 77.37% (42.23% with a mortgage, 57.77% free-and-clear) and renters 22.63% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 2.88%, which is much 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$80,800$90,700$98,600$105,400$99,200$100,600$107,800$107,300$108,100$111,300$119,200$130,000$154,400
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:2314.38%
$500 to $999:10565.63%
$1,000 to $1,499:2213.75%
$1,500 to $1,999:74.38%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:31.88%
Total:160100%
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$507$532$548$517$543$540$577$561$589$650$765$852$869
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):23132.67%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):31644.70%
Renter Occupied:16022.63%
Total Occupied Housing Units:707100%

Occupied Housing Units:70797.12%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):212.88%
Total Housing Units:728100%
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:63687.36%
Multi-Family Units:8611.81%
Other Units:60.82%
Total Housing Units:728100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 21.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 95.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 0.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 58.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 14.40%, which is on par with the state rate (6.90%), up 8.00 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 9.60 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (59.34%). College enrollment is 17.17%, 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:221.99%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:252.26%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):45541.14%
Some college, no degree:24121.79%
Associate's degree:12110.94%
Bachelor's degree:20418.44%
Graduate or professional degree:383.44%
Total:1,106100%
High school or higher:1,05995.75%
Bachelor's degree or higher:24221.88%
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:1,03652.83%
Public Insurance:91646.71%
No Insurance:90.46%
Total:1,961100%
Has Health Insurance:1,95299.54%
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 Poverty6.4%8.2%10.1%7.0%4.5%4.5%1.9%0.6%4.8%8.7%11.1%13.4%14.4%
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:72.11%
Kindergarten:144.22%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):19759.34%
High school (grades 9-12):5717.17%
College or graduate school:5717.17%
Total:332100%
Early Childhood:216.33%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):26880.72%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 51248 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 54 business establishments, employing about 530 people with an annual payroll of $21,918,000. USPS data shows 590 residential mailboxes and 24 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:590Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:24Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:1,271Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:526Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:21Source: USPS
# of Businesses:54Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$4,981,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$21,918,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:530Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 51248 is located in Obrien County, Iowa, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Iowa's 4th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 51248. It covers 79.153 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.

CBSA Name:--Source: Census
CBSA Number:--Source: Census
CBSA Type:--Source: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:0Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:79.153 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:--Source: Census
Congressional District:04Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:22756.75 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:1970410Source: Census
Place Name:Sanborn city; IowaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


51249 | | 51247

Schools in ZIP Code 51248


ZIP Code 51248 is in the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School 509 Main St.
Sanborn, IA 51248
District: Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District
Sanborn Christian School 405 W 2nd St
Sanborn, IA 51248
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 51248


Northwest Iowa Community College 603 W Park St
Sheldon, IA 51201
Type: Post Secondary
Northwestern College 101 Seventh St Sw
Orange City, IA 51041
Type: Post Secondary
Dordt University 700 7th St Se
Sioux Center, IA 51250-1606
Type: Post Secondary
Avalon School Of Cosmetology 1428 N Mcmillan St
Worthington, MN 56187
Type: Post Secondary
Faust Institute Of Cosmetology-Spirit Lake 1543 18th Street
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Type: Post Secondary
Iowa Lakes Community College 19 S 7th St
Estherville, IA 51334-2295
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 October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], 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: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov