Brighton ZIP Codes — Washington County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Brighton, Iowa and it is 52540. Area code: 319.

ZIP codes

96.10

sq mi land

1.75

sq mi water

319

area code

Brighton, IA ZIP code map

About Brighton, IA

Brighton is a small city located in Iowa, nestled within Washington County. Known for its close-knit community, it features a rural charm that captures the essence of small-town life. The city's peaceful environment makes it an inviting place for families, retirees, and individuals seeking a slower pace of living.

Location & geography

Brighton is situated in southeastern Iowa, approximately 20 miles southeast of Iowa City and about 25 miles northwest of Burlington. The city encompasses a total land area of 96.10 square miles and has a nearby water area of 1.75 square miles. This mixture of land and water contributes to the diverse terrain that supports local agriculture and outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The character of Brighton is shaped by its friendly residents and community events that foster a strong sense of belonging. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with many residents involved in farming and related industries. Daily life in Brighton often includes school gatherings, seasonal festivals, and a commitment to supporting local businesses.

Transportation

Brighton is accessible via several highways, including U.S. Route 1, which connects to larger cities and facilitates easy travel. The nearest major airport is the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, located about 50 miles northwest. Local transit options may be limited, promoting a dependence on personal vehicles for daily commutes and errands.

History

Brighton was founded in the mid-19th century and has since developed a rich agricultural heritage that remains a key to its community identity. The city has witnessed various developments, including the establishment of schools and local businesses which have played pivotal roles in its growth. Notable events in Brighton's history include its involvement in agricultural fairs that celebrate local produce and crafts.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Brighton is that it offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience, providing a gateway for visitors exploring the scenic landscapes of Washington County. Additionally, the city holds an annual event featuring local artisans and craftspeople, showcasing the vibrant culture of the area.

ZIP codes for Brighton, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
52540	Brighton	Washington	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,230

Population

47.7

Median age

$56,908

Median household income

$34,216

Per capita income

$97,900

Median home value

$742

Median monthly rent

74.6%

Home ownership

16.7%

Poverty rate

7.6%

Unemployment

425

Housing units

18.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

112

45–54

119

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	301	24.5%
18 and over	929	75.5%
65 and over	238	19.3%
Median age	47.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 94.9%

Two or more races 3.3%

Hispanic or Latino 1.3%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.3%

Other race 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	1,183	94.9%
Two or more races	41	3.3%
Hispanic or Latino	16	1.3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	4	0.3%
Other race	2	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 6.6%

$10k–$15k 3.2%

$15k–$25k 11.1%

$25k–$35k 7.8%

$35k–$50k 14.1%

$50k–$75k 21.1%

$75k–$100k 8.5%

$100k–$150k 19.1%

$150k–$200k 3.2%

$200k+ 5.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	6.6%
$10k–$15k	3.2%
$15k–$25k	11.1%
$25k–$35k	7.8%
$35k–$50k	14.1%
$50k–$75k	21.1%
$75k–$100k	8.5%
$100k–$150k	19.1%
$150k–$200k	3.2%
$200k+	5.4%
Median income	$56,908

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 16.8%

$50k–$100k 35.2%

$100k–$150k 14.7%

$150k–$200k 8.3%

$200k–$300k 11.2%

$300k–$500k 13.9%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$97,900
Median rent / month	$742
Owner occupied	74.6%
Renter occupied	25.4%
Vacant	9.0%
Single-family detached	86.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	7.2%
Median rooms	6.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.62

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	3.6%
2000–2009	6.1%
1990–1999	6.0%
1980–1989	2.9%
1970–1979	13.0%
1960–1969	7.6%
1950–1959	2.5%
1940–1949	9.9%
1939 or earlier	48.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.4%
1 bedroom	2.0%
2 bedrooms	35.1%
3 bedrooms	36.9%
4 bedrooms	21.3%
5+ bedrooms	3.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	6.8%
1 vehicle	19.5%
2 vehicles	32.4%
3 or more	41.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	42.9%
Electricity	23.3%
Propane / LP gas	22.9%
Fuel oil	1.8%
Wood	9.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	272	54.1%
Cohabiting couple	32	6.4%
Male householder, no spouse	106	21.1%
Female householder, no spouse	93	18.5%
Households with children under 18	138	27.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	175	34.8%
Average household size	2.45

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	17.1%	11.3%
Married	57.7%	63.1%
Separated	2.8%	2.9%
Widowed	8.3%	11.3%
Divorced	14.2%	11.5%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.2%

Some HS, no diploma 14.6%

HS graduate 32.1%

Some college, no degree 18.8%

Associate's degree 14.2%

Bachelor's degree 15.8%

Graduate / professional 2.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	83.2%
Bachelor's or higher	18.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	24	10.9%
Kindergarten	20	9.0%
Elementary school	114	51.6%
High school	44	19.9%
College / grad school	19	8.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 22.9%

Manufacturing 14.1%

Finance & real estate 12.3%

Retail trade 11.6%

Transportation & utilities 7.2%

Public administration 6.2%

Professional & management 5.9%

Construction 5.0%

Agriculture & mining 4.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.7%

Wholesale trade 3.1%

Other services 2.6%

Information 1.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	45.1%
Service	10.3%
Sales & office	10.3%
Natural resources & construction	9.2%
Production & transportation	25.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	81.5%
Government	13.2%
Self-employed	5.3%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	83.5%
Carpool	6.3%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.4%
Other means	2.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	35.2

Poverty

All people 16.7%

Under 18 years 17.8%

18 and over 16.4%

Married-couple families 7.7%

Female-led households 43.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	35.4%
Retirement income	24.1%
Supplemental Security	7.2%
Cash public assistance	4.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	12.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	33.2%
High cholesterol	32.8%
Heart disease	6.8%
Stroke	3.0%
Asthma	9.2%
Arthritis	24.6%
Kidney disease	2.8%
Pulmonary disease	6.9%
Cancer	7.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	21.5%
No physical activity	23.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.5%
Fair or poor health	12.7%
Poor mental health	13.4%
Poor physical health	9.7%
No health insurance	9.3%
Visited doctor (checkup)	74.0%
Visited dentist	67.6%
Cholesterol screening	88.8%
Teeth loss	12.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	81	8.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	15.9%
Under 18	2.7%
18–64 years	10.0%
65 and over	50.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	59.7%
Public insurance	44.3%
Uninsured under 19	2.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,113	90.5%
Spanish	3	0.3%
Other Indo-European	3	0.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,222	99.3%
Born in same state	1,222	99.3%
Born in different state	1,040	84.6%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	8	0.7%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	288	23.4%
French	70	5.7%
Arab	24	2%
English	12	1%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	11	0.9%
German	8	0.7%
Irish	3	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	40.9%
Internet access	88.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Brighton, IA have?

Brighton, IA has one ZIP code: 52540. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.