| City: | Westphalia, Iowa |
| County: | Shelby County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:17:01 AM |
| Population: | 116 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 712 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 41.6963, -95.3927 |
| Land Area: | 0.07 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Westphalia is a compact rural community in Shelby County, Iowa, covering just 0.07 square miles. With 116 residents and 55 households, this is one of Iowa's smallest incorporated towns. Despite its PO Box classification in USPS records, most residents receive mail via rural route delivery rather than post office boxes.
The community post office maintains only 2 PO Boxes for 55 households, producing an adoption rate of just 3.6%. This extremely low rate shows that rural carrier delivery dominates the town's postal service. One rural route (Route R) handles 28 ZIP+4 records, delivering to streets like Duren Street (8 addresses), Colony Street (4 addresses), and Weber Street (3 addresses). The numbered grid (1st through 5th Streets) indicates an established town layout, though the entire territory is less than one-tenth of a square mile.
Westphalia's 116 residents have a median age of 47.3 years and median household income of $108,646, well above the national median. This isn't a struggling rural community. Of the 55 housing units, all are occupied with no seasonal vacancies. The homeownership rate is 69% (38 owner-occupied units versus 17 rentals). With 17% of workers working from home and median home values at $94,500, Westphalia offers affordable housing for remote workers and established residents.
The town's German Catholic heritage is evident in its name. Westphalia refers to the region in Germany from which many early settlers emigrated. The street grid and community post office reflect a traditional Midwestern small town established in the late 19th century. Four business establishments employ 13 people locally, though many residents commute to surrounding areas for work. Nearly all residents (99.3%) were born in the United States, and the population is 97% White.
Most addresses in Westphalia receive rural route delivery. Standard street addressing is available for residential mail. The community post office (Facility Code C) does not offer city carrier delivery, relying instead on rural carrier service for the small geographic territory.
Street names combine numbered grid pattern (1st-5th Streets) with German surnames (Duren, Weber, Flusche) reflecting the town's immigrant heritage.
ZIP Code 51578 has 116 residents and 55 households (average 2.11 persons per household). The median age is 47.3 years, significantly older than the state (38.6) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.0% male and 50.0% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%). Largest groups are White (97.4%, much higher than the state average of 84.5% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (0.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 116Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 116Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 97Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 1,657.1 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $77,292Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 55Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $97,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.11Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.22Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 53 | 79 | 87 | 97 | 93 | 101 | 58 | 52 | 67 | 86 | 163 | 142 | 150 | 116 |
| Decennial Census | 79 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 116 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 47.3
Male Median Age: 48.5
Female Median Age: 41
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Female | 6 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 10 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 22 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| White: | 113 | 98.26% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 1 | 0.87% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 1 | 0.87% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 115 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 58 | 50.00% | 48.5 years |
| Females: | 58 | 50.00% | 41.0 years |
| Total: | 116 | 100% | 47.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 116 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 116 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 116 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $77,292, which is lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $26,292 (51.6%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,083. Family households earn a median of $96,250 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $96,250). By gender, male median income is $56,250 and female is $35,500, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $20,750 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 68.5%, which is above the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Production (50.0%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $51,000 | $52,083 | $48,750 | $52,917 | $52,917 | $61,875 | $42,083 | $42,500 | $94,375 | $91,875 | $81,667 | $103,182 | $108,646 | $77,292 |
| Median Family Income | $41,786 | $53,750 | $52,917 | $55,625 | $61,250 | $68,250 | $61,250 | $0 | $136,042 | $0 | $95,341 | $103,636 | $109,271 | $96,250 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $23,393 | $23,125 | $0 | $0 | $40,417 | $0 | $0 | $80,625 | $0 | $0 | $73,500 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $30,000 | $36,875 | $39,167 | $39,375 | $0 | $55,500 | $41,250 | $42,250 | $71,000 | $70,250 | $64,286 | $68,542 | $71,250 | $56,250 |
| Median Female Income | $22,917 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $30,833 | $0 | $31,607 | $34,000 | $33,500 | $52,813 | $54,000 | $38,125 | $42,750 | $42,813 | $35,500 |
| Employed: | 74 | 68.52% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 34 | 31.48% |
| Total: | 108 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 14 | 18.92% |
| Service: | 9 | 12.16% |
| Sales and Office: | 3 | 4.05% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 11 | 14.86% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 37 | 50.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 74 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $97,600, which is well under the national median ($332,700), is up $11,900 (13.89%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $38,600. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 72.13% (22.73% with a mortgage, 77.27% free-and-clear) and renters 27.87% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $85,700 | $103,800 | $88,300 | $83,600 | $83,100 | $87,500 | $65,800 | $65,000 | $59,000 | $100,000 | $82,500 | $93,900 | $94,500 | $97,600 |
| Less than $500: | 8 | 47.06% |
| $500 to $999: | 1 | 5.88% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 6 | 35.29% |
| No Rent: | 2 | 11.76% |
| Total: | 17 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $675 | $0 | $489 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $650 | $475 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 10 | 16.39% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 34 | 55.74% |
| Renter Occupied: | 17 | 27.87% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 61 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 61 | 87.14% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 9 | 12.86% |
| Total Housing Units: | 70 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 50 | 71.43% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 8 | 11.43% |
| Other Units: | 12 | 17.14% |
| Total Housing Units: | 70 | 100% |
In 2024, 13.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 96.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 3.40%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 4.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 2.00 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.00 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (80.00%). College enrollment is 20.00%, 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
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 4 | 3.70% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 59 | 54.63% |
| Some college, no degree: | 28 | 25.93% |
| Associate's degree: | 2 | 1.85% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 15 | 13.89% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 108 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 104 | 96.30% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 15 | 13.89% |
| Private Insurance: | 69 | 52.27% |
| Public Insurance: | 59 | 44.70% |
| No Insurance: | 4 | 3.03% |
| Total: | 132 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 128 | 96.97% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.1% | 4.2% | 2.0% | 4.5% |
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.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 8 | 80.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 2 | 20.00% |
| Total: | 10 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 8 | 80.00% |
ZIP Code 51578 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 12 people with an annual payroll of $484,000. USPS data shows 46 residential mailboxes and 5 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 46Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 5Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 48Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 2Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $105,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $484,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 12Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 51578 is located in Shelby 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 51578. It covers 0.07 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: | 0.07 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: | 1984540Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Westphalia city; IowaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 51578 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
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 February 1, 2026.