Chelsea ZIP Codes — Tama County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Chelsea, Iowa and it is 52215. Area code: 641.

ZIP codes

79.80

sq mi land

0.14

sq mi water

641

area code

Chelsea, IA ZIP code map

About Chelsea, IA

Chelsea, Iowa, is a small but vibrant city located in Tama County. Known for its quiet charm and friendly atmosphere, this community is marked by its rural character and close-knit relationships among residents. With a rich local history and a commitment to maintaining its traditions, Chelsea offers a unique glimpse into life in small-town Iowa.

Location & geography

Chelsea is situated in central Iowa, surrounded by the natural beauty of Tama County. The city is approximately 18 miles from the larger cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls, making it a peaceful haven not far from urban amenities. Covering a total area of 79.80 square miles, with a minor water area of 0.14 square miles, Chelsea boasts a predominantly land-based landscape with minimal water features.

Community & economy

The character of Chelsea is defined by its close community ties and rural lifestyle. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, with various farms and agricultural businesses contributing to the community's livelihood. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, with many outdoor activities and local events that foster a strong sense of community.

Transportation

Chelsea is accessible via U.S. Highway 63, which plays a crucial role in connecting the town to larger metropolitan areas in Iowa. The nearest named airport is the Waterloo Regional Airport, located about 20 miles to the east, providing essential air travel options. Public transportation options may be limited, so personal vehicles are the main mode of transport in this area.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Chelsea has developed a rich history centered around agriculture and small-town living. Key industries have historically included farming and local services that cater to the agricultural community. The town has celebrated various local events over the years that highlight its cultural heritage and community spirit.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Chelsea is that it is home to several historical buildings, some of which date back to the town's founding. Additionally, the city has seen a resurgence in community events, drawing visitors from surrounding areas to discover its unique offerings.

ZIP codes for Chelsea, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
52215	Chelsea	Tama	View map

Demographics & statistics

986

Population

35.3

Median age

$57,308

Median household income

$30,249

Per capita income

$145,800

Median home value

$485

Median monthly rent

90.8%

Home ownership

25.7%

Poverty rate

2.4%

Unemployment

376

Housing units

9.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	327	33.2%
18 and over	659	66.8%
65 and over	148	15.0%
Median age	35.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 89.7%

Two or more races 5.9%

Hispanic or Latino 4.1%

Other race 0.2%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	922	89.7%
Two or more races	61	5.9%
Hispanic or Latino	42	4.1%
Other race	2	0.2%
American Indian / Alaska Native	1	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 4.5%

$10k–$15k 2.6%

$15k–$25k 15.4%

$25k–$35k 6.5%

$35k–$50k 9.4%

$50k–$75k 17.5%

$75k–$100k 7.9%

$100k–$150k 28.3%

$150k–$200k 2.6%

$200k+ 5.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.5%
$10k–$15k	2.6%
$15k–$25k	15.4%
$25k–$35k	6.5%
$35k–$50k	9.4%
$50k–$75k	17.5%
$75k–$100k	7.9%
$100k–$150k	28.3%
$150k–$200k	2.6%
$200k+	5.2%
Median income	$57,308

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 18.7%

$50k–$100k 13.5%

$100k–$150k 19.0%

$150k–$200k 5.8%

$200k–$300k 27.1%

$300k–$500k 6.3%

$500k–$1M 6.1%

$1M+ 3.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$145,800
Median rent / month	$485
Owner occupied	90.8%
Renter occupied	9.2%
Vacant	7.1%
Single-family detached	100.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.0%
Median rooms	6.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.61

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	5.6%
2000–2009	7.5%
1990–1999	0.0%
1980–1989	20.0%
1970–1979	3.6%
1960–1969	0.5%
1950–1959	2.9%
1940–1949	8.0%
1939 or earlier	51.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.7%
1 bedroom	0.0%
2 bedrooms	41.4%
3 bedrooms	42.6%
4 bedrooms	12.7%
5+ bedrooms	2.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	0.5%
1 vehicle	10.5%
2 vehicles	34.3%
3 or more	54.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	20.7%
Electricity	9.4%
Propane / LP gas	29.8%
Fuel oil	2.4%
Wood	37.7%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	213	55.8%
Cohabiting couple	28	7.3%
Male householder, no spouse	81	21.2%
Female householder, no spouse	60	15.7%
Households with children under 18	198	51.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	122	31.9%
Average household size	2.58

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	34.3%	17.9%
Married	54.1%	65.4%
Separated	0.0%	2.1%
Widowed	3.0%	10.4%
Divorced	8.5%	4.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.2%

Some HS, no diploma 7.4%

HS graduate 49.1%

Some college, no degree 19.9%

Associate's degree 9.9%

Bachelor's degree 5.1%

Graduate / professional 4.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	88.4%
Bachelor's or higher	9.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	5	2.1%
Kindergarten	5	2.1%
Elementary school	140	58.3%
High school	85	35.4%
College / grad school	5	2.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Construction 20.4%

Wholesale trade 20.4%

Manufacturing 19.4%

Retail trade 8.5%

Agriculture & mining 8.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.7%

Professional & management 5.1%

Education & healthcare 4.3%

Finance & real estate 3.6%

Other services 2.0%

Transportation & utilities 0.6%

Information 0.4%

Public administration 0.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	18.0%
Service	2.8%
Sales & office	27.9%
Natural resources & construction	24.9%
Production & transportation	26.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	87.0%
Government	4.3%
Self-employed	8.5%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	74.9%
Carpool	11.2%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.2%
Other means	3.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	32.2

Poverty

All people 25.7%

Under 18 years 38.5%

18 and over 19.3%

Married-couple families 16.0%

Female-led households 52.8%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	26.2%
Retirement income	14.4%
Supplemental Security	3.4%
Cash public assistance	4.2%
Food stamps / SNAP	13.4%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.9%
High cholesterol	34.5%
Heart disease	7.4%
Stroke	3.3%
Asthma	9.2%
Arthritis	26.4%
Kidney disease	3.0%
Pulmonary disease	7.5%
Cancer	7.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	21.4%
No physical activity	28.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	30.0%
Fair or poor health	14.5%
Poor mental health	13.5%
Poor physical health	10.5%
No health insurance	11.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	75.4%
Visited dentist	61.7%
Cholesterol screening	88.0%
Teeth loss	15.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	36	5.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	13.7%
Under 18	4.0%
18–64 years	11.5%
65 and over	42.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	67.4%
Public insurance	38.8%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	892	90.5%
Spanish	64	7.2%
Other Indo-European	64	7.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	912	92.5%
Born in same state	910	92.3%
Born in different state	822	83.4%
Foreign born	2	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	74	7.5%
Not a US citizen	29	39.2%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	41	4.2%
Italian	39	4%
Arab	34	3.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
French	19	1.9%
English	9	0.9%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	38.7%
Internet access	91.1%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Chelsea, IA have?

Chelsea, IA has one ZIP code: 52215. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.