Colo ZIP Codes — Story County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Colo, Iowa and it is 50056. Area code: 641.

ZIP codes

60.92

sq mi land

0.18

sq mi water

641

area code

Colo, IA ZIP code map

About Colo, IA

Colo is a charming city located in the state of Iowa. It is nestled within Story County and boasts a unique blend of rural and suburban living. With a strong sense of community, Colo offers residents and visitors a peaceful atmosphere coupled with local amenities.

Location & geography

Colo, Iowa, is strategically situated near several noteworthy locations, including the cities of Nevada, approximately 10 miles to the west, and Ames, about 12 miles to the southeast. The area is characterized by its flat terrain, predominantly composed of farmland, with a total land area of 60.92 square miles and a small water area of 0.18 square miles. This advantageous location makes it easily accessible while retaining a tranquil rural charm.

Community & economy

The character of Colo reflects a tight-knit community where residents take pride in their small-town lifestyle. The local economy is supported by agriculture and small businesses, contributing to a vibrant daily life that revolves around community events and gatherings. Many families enjoy the serene environment, making Colo a desirable place for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Transportation

Colo is conveniently accessible via U.S. Highway 30, which runs just north of the city, providing easy travel to neighboring areas. The nearest major airport is the Des Moines International Airport, located approximately 30 miles to the southeast. Public transportation options are limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for their commuting needs.

History

Colo was established in the late 19th century, with its founding dating back to 1870. Historically, it has been an agricultural hub, fostering the growth of local industries aligned with farming and livestock. Notable events in the city’s timeline include the development of its community-focused initiatives that celebrate its heritage.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Colo, Iowa, is that it was inspired by the Spanish word for 'hill', reflecting the area's natural prominence and landscape features. Additionally, it is known for its annual events that bring together community members to celebrate their local culture and history.

ZIP codes for Colo, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50056	Colo	Story	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,190

Population

39.7

Median age

$76,875

Median household income

$36,958

Per capita income

$163,600

Median home value

$1,015

Median monthly rent

85.0%

Home ownership

3.8%

Poverty rate

3.4%

Unemployment

442

Housing units

23.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

105

35–44

106

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	319	26.8%
18 and over	871	73.2%
65 and over	234	19.7%
Median age	39.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96.5%

Hispanic or Latino 1.2%

Two or more races 1%

Asian 0.7%

Other race 0.6%

Group	Count	%
White	1,162	96.5%
Hispanic or Latino	14	1.2%
Two or more races	12	1%
Asian	9	0.7%
Other race	7	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 2.2%

$10k–$15k 0.2%

$15k–$25k 5.6%

$25k–$35k 7.8%

$35k–$50k 14.4%

$50k–$75k 16.6%

$75k–$100k 17.4%

$100k–$150k 25.1%

$150k–$200k 4.0%

$200k+ 6.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.2%
$10k–$15k	0.2%
$15k–$25k	5.6%
$25k–$35k	7.8%
$35k–$50k	14.4%
$50k–$75k	16.6%
$75k–$100k	17.4%
$100k–$150k	25.1%
$150k–$200k	4.0%
$200k+	6.8%
Median income	$76,875

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.9%

$50k–$100k 13.6%

$100k–$150k 22.8%

$150k–$200k 25.8%

$200k–$300k 24.9%

$300k–$500k 6.6%

$1M+ 1.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$163,600
Median rent / month	$1,015
Owner occupied	85.0%
Renter occupied	15.0%
Vacant	3.1%
Single-family detached	94.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	2.5%
Median rooms	7.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.48

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	1.2%
2000–2009	3.9%
1990–1999	12.2%
1980–1989	3.1%
1970–1979	20.9%
1960–1969	8.1%
1950–1959	3.7%
1940–1949	2.1%
1939 or earlier	44.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.8%
1 bedroom	1.5%
2 bedrooms	22.6%
3 bedrooms	40.6%
4 bedrooms	28.2%
5+ bedrooms	6.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.8%
1 vehicle	18.2%
2 vehicles	40.3%
3 or more	37.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	66.7%
Electricity	12.0%
Propane / LP gas	21.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	273	54.5%
Cohabiting couple	37	7.4%
Male householder, no spouse	82	16.4%
Female householder, no spouse	109	21.8%
Households with children under 18	158	31.5%
Households with seniors (65+)	180	35.9%
Average household size	2.38

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	27.6%	17.3%
Married	57.5%	61.3%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	4.2%	9.8%
Divorced	10.6%	11.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.9%

Some HS, no diploma 1.9%

HS graduate 31.6%

Some college, no degree 21.5%

Associate's degree 20.3%

Bachelor's degree 20.2%

Graduate / professional 3.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	97.3%
Bachelor's or higher	23.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	16	5.4%
Kindergarten	12	4.0%
Elementary school	182	60.9%
High school	49	16.4%
College / grad school	40	13.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 19.4%

Manufacturing 12.7%

Construction 9.9%

Wholesale trade 8.4%

Retail trade 8.4%

Professional & management 8.2%

Transportation & utilities 6.5%

Public administration 5.7%

Finance & real estate 5.4%

Arts, food & hospitality 5.0%

Other services 4.3%

Agriculture & mining 4.2%

Information 2.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	29.3%
Service	17.6%
Sales & office	21.2%
Natural resources & construction	13.7%
Production & transportation	18.2%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	74.7%
Government	19.1%
Self-employed	5.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.8%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.1%
Carpool	5.7%
Public transit	1.0%
Walk	0.5%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	27.4

Poverty

All people 3.8%

Under 18 years 3.4%

18 and over 3.9%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 15.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	34.5%
Retirement income	25.1%
Supplemental Security	2.0%
Cash public assistance	3.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	4.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	30.9%
High cholesterol	32.7%
Heart disease	6.3%
Stroke	2.8%
Asthma	9.1%
Arthritis	24.4%
Kidney disease	2.7%
Pulmonary disease	6.0%
Cancer	7.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	21.7%
No physical activity	19.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	27.4%
Fair or poor health	10.7%
Poor mental health	12.2%
Poor physical health	8.6%
No health insurance	7.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	72.0%
Visited dentist	73.8%
Cholesterol screening	90.1%
Teeth loss	10.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	77	8.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.5%
Under 18	5.0%
18–64 years	10.2%
65 and over	23.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	73.5%
Public insurance	35.6%
Uninsured under 19	3.4%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,139	95.7%
Spanish	5	0.4%
Other Indo-European	3	0.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	2	0.2%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,184	99.5%
Born in same state	1,168	98.2%
Born in different state	1,039	87.3%
Foreign born	16	1.3%
Naturalized citizen	6	0.5%
Not a US citizen	6	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	206	17.3%
Italian	166	13.9%
French	152	12.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	48	4%
English	20	1.7%
Dutch	16	1.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	42.1%
Internet access	95.8%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Colo, IA have?

Colo, IA has one ZIP code: 50056. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.