Cherokee ZIP Codes — Cherokee County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Cherokee, Iowa and it is 51012. Area code: 712.

ZIP codes

147.75

sq mi land

0.06

sq mi water

712

area code

Cherokee, IA ZIP code map

About Cherokee, IA

Cherokee, Iowa, is a welcoming city located in the heart of Cherokee County. Rich in history and community spirit, it provides a hometown charm that attracts both residents and visitors alike. This city serves as a hub of activity and commerce in Northwest Iowa, offering a blend of cultural and recreational opportunities.

Location & geography

Geographically, Cherokee is situated in Northwest Iowa, making it easily accessible to various neighboring cities. Within close proximity, you can find Storm Lake approximately 20 miles to the southeast, Le Mars about 30 miles to the west, and Sheldon around 25 miles to the northwest. The city covers a land area of 147.75 square miles, with a small water area of 0.06 square miles, showcasing its primarily terrestrial landscape.

Community & economy

Cherokee's community is characterized by its friendly residents and strong local industries, including agriculture and healthcare. Daily life in Cherokee is enriched by community events, local businesses, and recreational activities offered in its parks and public spaces. The city fosters a sense of belonging that resonates through its annual events and celebrations.

Transportation

Transportation in Cherokee is facilitated by major highways, including U.S. Route 59 and Iowa Highway 3, providing convenient access to other parts of the state. The nearest named airport is the Sioux City Gateway Airport, located approximately 60 miles to the south. Public transit options may be limited, yet the well-connected roads ensure a smooth commute in and out of the city.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Cherokee quickly developed as a vital center for the surrounding agricultural community. The city's economy has evolved over the years, with significant contributions from agriculture and healthcare sectors. Notable events in Cherokee's history include the establishment of the Cherokee County Fair, which reflects the city's farming heritage.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Cherokee is that it is home to the Cherokee Depot, a historical landmark that once served as a critical railway hub. Additionally, the city features a vibrant local arts scene, with various cultural events and festivals that highlight local talent.

ZIP codes for Cherokee, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
51012	Cherokee	Cherokee	View map

Demographics & statistics

6,518

Population

43.2

Median age

$55,792

Median household income

$33,171

Per capita income

$146,700

Median home value

$650

Median monthly rent

68.5%

Home ownership

17.7%

Poverty rate

3.5%

Unemployment

2,026

Housing units

21.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

184

Under 5

181

202

5–9

198

285

10–14

279

193

15–19

190

166

20–24

162

328

25–34

322

415

35–44

406

344

45–54

337

185

55–59

181

251

60–64

246

395

65–74

387

227

75–84

222

117

85+

115

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,616	24.8%
18 and over	4,902	75.2%
65 and over	1,463	22.4%
Median age	43.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 90.9%

Two or more races 4.6%

Hispanic or Latino 3.6%

Other race 0.7%

Black or African American 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	6,143	90.9%
Two or more races	312	4.6%
Hispanic or Latino	242	3.6%
Other race	45	0.7%
Black or African American	18	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 4.4%

$10k–$15k 4.4%

$15k–$25k 11.5%

$25k–$35k 9.9%

$35k–$50k 10.5%

$50k–$75k 20.7%

$75k–$100k 10.2%

$100k–$150k 17.7%

$150k–$200k 6.2%

$200k+ 4.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.4%
$10k–$15k	4.4%
$15k–$25k	11.5%
$25k–$35k	9.9%
$35k–$50k	10.5%
$50k–$75k	20.7%
$75k–$100k	10.2%
$100k–$150k	17.7%
$150k–$200k	6.2%
$200k+	4.4%
Median income	$55,792

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 7.7%

$50k–$100k 26.4%

$100k–$150k 16.7%

$150k–$200k 12.1%

$200k–$300k 23.9%

$300k–$500k 9.3%

$500k–$1M 3.4%

$1M+ 0.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$146,700
Median rent / month	$650
Owner occupied	68.5%
Renter occupied	31.5%
Vacant	4.1%
Single-family detached	79.8%
Large apartment buildings	7.3%
Mobile homes	1.4%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.29

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	1.5%
2000–2009	2.9%
1990–1999	5.8%
1980–1989	4.0%
1970–1979	20.2%
1960–1969	19.9%
1950–1959	12.1%
1940–1949	6.4%
1939 or earlier	27.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	8.6%
2 bedrooms	30.8%
3 bedrooms	39.8%
4 bedrooms	15.9%
5+ bedrooms	4.8%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	10.0%
1 vehicle	27.6%
2 vehicles	38.5%
3 or more	23.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	64.0%
Electricity	26.8%
Propane / LP gas	7.0%
Wood	1.2%
No fuel used	0.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,274	45.7%
Cohabiting couple	182	6.5%
Male householder, no spouse	435	15.6%
Female householder, no spouse	896	32.1%
Households with children under 18	792	28.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	998	35.8%
Average household size	2.21

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	27.4%	25.5%
Married	55.9%	46.7%
Separated	1.0%	4.0%
Widowed	3.4%	14.3%
Divorced	12.3%	9.4%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.4%

Some HS, no diploma 4.7%

HS graduate 43.0%

Some college, no degree 18.8%

Associate's degree 10.5%

Bachelor's degree 13.3%

Graduate / professional 8.3%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	93.9%
Bachelor's or higher	21.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	73	5.0%
Kindergarten	105	7.2%
Elementary school	801	55.3%
High school	335	23.1%
College / grad school	135	9.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 22.4%

Retail trade 20.5%

Manufacturing 11.3%

Construction 7.0%

Other services 5.8%

Public administration 5.8%

Transportation & utilities 5.2%

Professional & management 5.1%

Wholesale trade 4.2%

Information 4.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.9%

Agriculture & mining 3.4%

Finance & real estate 1.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	28.9%
Service	16.6%
Sales & office	22.7%
Natural resources & construction	8.9%
Production & transportation	22.9%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	71.2%
Government	17.4%
Self-employed	11.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	75.2%
Carpool	11.0%
Public transit	0.4%
Walk	3.3%
Other means	0.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	15.7

Poverty

All people 17.7%

Under 18 years 26.1%

18 and over 14.9%

Married-couple families 3.1%

Female-led households 58.8%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	42.1%
Retirement income	29.3%
Supplemental Security	2.1%
Cash public assistance	5.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	5.5%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	39.5%
High cholesterol	35.7%
Heart disease	8.4%
Stroke	3.9%
Asthma	9.3%
Arthritis	28.9%
Kidney disease	3.6%
Pulmonary disease	8.3%
Cancer	8.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.5%
No physical activity	26.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.1%
Fair or poor health	15.0%
Poor mental health	13.1%
Poor physical health	11.1%
No health insurance	9.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.4%
Visited dentist	64.5%
Cholesterol screening	89.5%
Teeth loss	15.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	410	8.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	9.8%
Under 18	1.2%
18–64 years	6.8%
65 and over	28.8%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	68.5%
Public insurance	39.9%
Uninsured under 19	4.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	6,153	94.4%
Spanish	77	1.3%
Other Indo-European	72	1.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	6,437	98.8%
Born in same state	6,422	98.5%
Born in different state	5,422	83.2%
Foreign born	15	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	81	1.2%
Not a US citizen	81	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	776	11.9%
French	409	6.3%
Arab	193	3%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	161	2.5%
Dutch	117	1.8%
Polish	58	0.9%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	42.8%
Internet access	85.7%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Cherokee, IA have?

Cherokee, IA has one ZIP code: 51012. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.