Chariton ZIP Code List — Lucas County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Chariton, Iowa and it is 50049. Area code: 641.

ZIP codes

208.62

sq mi land

0.90

sq mi water

641

area code

Chariton, IA ZIP code map

About Chariton, IA

Chariton, Iowa, is a charming city located in the heart of Lucas County. Known for its friendly atmosphere and rich history, Chariton serves as a focal point for the surrounding agricultural community. The city offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it an appealing place for residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Situated in south-central Iowa, Chariton is accessible via U.S. Highway 34, which runs east to west. It is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Albia, 30 miles southwest of Des Moines, 20 miles northwest of Centerville, and 25 miles east of Osceola. The city covers a land area of 208.62 square miles, with a minor water area of 0.90 square miles, featuring rolling terrain typical of the region.

Community & economy

The character of Chariton is defined by its strong sense of community, where residents take pride in local events and gatherings. The city supports various industries, primarily agriculture, with corn and soybeans being significant contributors to the local economy. Daily life in Chariton is marked by community engagement, with activities often revolving around the local parks, annual fairs, and historic sites.

Transportation

Chariton is primarily served by U.S. Highway 34, connecting it to larger cities in the region. The nearest airport for commercial flights is the Des Moines International Airport, located about 60 miles to the northwest. Public transportation options are limited, but local services are available for residents.

History

Chariton was established in the early 1850s and has since developed a rich historical background, particularly in agriculture and trade. The city's founding was marked by the construction of several key infrastructure pieces that supported surrounding farms and businesses. Notable events, such as local county fairs, have been celebrated annually for generations, contributing to the city’s sense of community.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Chariton is that it is home to the historic Lucas County Courthouse, which features beautiful architecture and a rich history. Additionally, the city boasts numerous preserved buildings that reflect its vibrant past and contribute to its unique charm.

ZIP codes for Chariton, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50049	Chariton	Lucas	View map

Demographics & statistics

6,449

Population

40.4

Median age

$59,284

Median household income

$32,499

Per capita income

$113,100

Median home value

$774

Median monthly rent

74.9%

Home ownership

18.8%

Poverty rate

4.9%

Unemployment

2,254

Housing units

15.4%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

231

Under 5

228

194

5–9

191

221

10–14

217

179

15–19

177

215

20–24

212

393

25–34

386

329

35–44

323

321

45–54

316

258

55–59

253

219

60–64

215

354

65–74

349

212

75–84

208

125

85+

123

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,497	23.2%
18 and over	4,952	76.8%
65 and over	1,371	21.3%
Median age	40.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 95.7%

Two or more races 1.7%

Hispanic or Latino 1.1%

Other race 0.6%

Asian 0.5%

Black or African American 0.5%

Group	Count	%
White	6,236	95.7%
Two or more races	113	1.7%
Hispanic or Latino	69	1.1%
Other race	38	0.6%
Asian	32	0.5%
Black or African American	30	0.5%

Household income

Under $10k 3.6%

$10k–$15k 8.1%

$15k–$25k 11.9%

$25k–$35k 8.3%

$35k–$50k 9.1%

$50k–$75k 19.7%

$75k–$100k 15.6%

$100k–$150k 16.0%

$150k–$200k 5.1%

$200k+ 2.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.6%
$10k–$15k	8.1%
$15k–$25k	11.9%
$25k–$35k	8.3%
$35k–$50k	9.1%
$50k–$75k	19.7%
$75k–$100k	15.6%
$100k–$150k	16.0%
$150k–$200k	5.1%
$200k+	2.7%
Median income	$59,284

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 17.9%

$50k–$100k 26.9%

$100k–$150k 23.3%

$150k–$200k 9.7%

$200k–$300k 11.9%

$300k–$500k 6.4%

$500k–$1M 2.8%

$1M+ 1.3%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$113,100
Median rent / month	$774
Owner occupied	74.9%
Renter occupied	25.1%
Vacant	8.7%
Single-family detached	82.2%
Large apartment buildings	8.3%
Mobile homes	3.5%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.48

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.2%
2010–2019	3.3%
2000–2009	6.0%
1990–1999	6.8%
1980–1989	8.7%
1970–1979	19.2%
1960–1969	11.8%
1950–1959	4.0%
1940–1949	6.1%
1939 or earlier	33.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	3.7%
1 bedroom	11.8%
2 bedrooms	30.4%
3 bedrooms	38.9%
4 bedrooms	12.1%
5+ bedrooms	3.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	9.4%
1 vehicle	24.6%
2 vehicles	38.9%
3 or more	27.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	46.9%
Electricity	25.1%
Propane / LP gas	19.8%
Fuel oil	0.3%
Wood	3.9%
No fuel used	1.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,433	53.7%
Cohabiting couple	182	6.8%
Male householder, no spouse	418	15.7%
Female householder, no spouse	636	23.8%
Households with children under 18	793	29.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	900	33.7%
Average household size	2.38

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	30.4%	19.3%
Married	58.5%	55.8%
Separated	1.7%	2.1%
Widowed	3.5%	13.0%
Divorced	5.8%	9.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.8%

Some HS, no diploma 3.7%

HS graduate 45.4%

Some college, no degree 21.2%

Associate's degree 10.4%

Bachelor's degree 10.4%

Graduate / professional 5.0%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.5%
Bachelor's or higher	15.4%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	166	11.7%
Kindergarten	47	3.3%
Elementary school	736	52.0%
High school	344	24.3%
College / grad school	123	8.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Retail trade 24.0%

Education & healthcare 21.9%

Manufacturing 8.5%

Construction 7.9%

Finance & real estate 6.9%

Transportation & utilities 5.8%

Agriculture & mining 5.5%

Wholesale trade 5.3%

Public administration 3.8%

Professional & management 3.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.8%

Other services 2.4%

Information 1.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	26.8%
Service	14.5%
Sales & office	23.8%
Natural resources & construction	12.8%
Production & transportation	22.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.8%
Government	16.0%
Self-employed	6.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.4%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	82.9%
Carpool	8.5%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	3.3%
Other means	1.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	19.3

Poverty

All people 18.8%

Under 18 years 28.4%

18 and over 15.8%

Married-couple families 5.9%

Female-led households 64.6%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	38.3%
Retirement income	20.6%
Supplemental Security	4.8%
Cash public assistance	2.1%
Food stamps / SNAP	13.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	37.1%
High cholesterol	36.4%
Heart disease	8.4%
Stroke	3.9%
Asthma	9.6%
Arthritis	29.8%
Kidney disease	3.5%
Pulmonary disease	8.6%
Cancer	8.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.3%
No physical activity	27.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.3%
Fair or poor health	15.7%
Poor mental health	13.6%
Poor physical health	11.4%
No health insurance	10.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	75.3%
Visited dentist	60.9%
Cholesterol screening	88.8%
Teeth loss	15.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	380	7.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	17.2%
Under 18	8.1%
18–64 years	12.1%
65 and over	41.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	62.3%
Public insurance	46.8%
Uninsured under 19	11.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	5,990	92.9%
Spanish	213	3.6%
Other Indo-European	45	0.8%
Asian & Pacific Islander	128	2.1%
Other languages	9	0.2%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	6,279	97.4%
Born in same state	6,268	97.2%
Born in different state	5,029	78.0%
Foreign born	11	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	170	2.6%
Not a US citizen	100	58.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	982	15.2%
Italian	957	14.8%
Arab	565	8.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	167	2.6%
Polish	128	2%
Dutch	29	0.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	41.4%
Internet access	86.8%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Chariton, IA?

Chariton, IA has one ZIP code: 50049.

What is the main ZIP code for Chariton, IA?

The primary ZIP code for Chariton, IA is 50049. The city uses area code 641 for phone service.

What county is Chariton, IA in?

Chariton is located in Lucas County, Iowa.

How many ZIP codes are in Chariton, IA?

Chariton, IA has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code covers the downtown Chariton area and the historic courthouse square?

Downtown Chariton, including the Lucas County Courthouse square, is located in ZIP code 50049.

What is the ZIP code for businesses and residents in Chariton's main commercial district?

All commercial and residential areas of Chariton, Iowa use the single ZIP code 50049.