Emmetsburg ZIP Codes — Palo Alto County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Emmetsburg, Iowa and it is 50536. Area code: 712.

ZIP codes

142.28

sq mi land

1.54

sq mi water

712

area code

Emmetsburg, IA ZIP code map

About Emmetsburg, IA

Emmetsburg, Iowa, is a charming city nestled in Palo Alto County. Known for its welcoming community and rich history, Emmetsburg offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. With a single ZIP code of 50536, it serves as a hub for residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Emmetsburg is located in north-central Iowa, approximately 40 miles northeast of the city of Sioux City and around 60 miles west of Fort Dodge. The city covers a land area of 142.28 square miles, complemented by a water area of 1.54 square miles, featuring a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and natural waterways. Nearby towns, such as Graettinger, West Bend, and Ruthven, add to the rural beauty of the area.

Community & economy

The community of Emmetsburg is known for its friendly residents and active local organizations, which play a vital role in fostering a sense of togetherness. The economy is supported by various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and small businesses, contributing to the city's vibrant character. Daily life in Emmetsburg often revolves around local events, outdoor activities, and camaraderie among community members.

Transportation

Emmetsburg is accessible via key highways, including Iowa Highway 4 and U.S. Highway 18, which connect it to larger cities and regions. The nearest airport is the Iowa City Municipal Airport, approximately 30 miles away, providing additional transportation options for residents and visitors. Public transit options in the area may be limited, but the community’s walkability and small-town atmosphere facilitate easy navigation.

History

Founded in the mid-1800s, Emmetsburg was settled by Irish immigrants drawn to the fertile land for farming. Over the years, the city has developed around significant industries such as agriculture and healthcare, which remain central to its economy today. Notable events, including the annual Emmetsburg Midsummer Festival, celebrate the city’s heritage and attract visitors from surrounding regions.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Emmetsburg is that it is home to the annual Puckerbrush Primitivist Arts Festival, which showcases local crafts and art. This festival has garnered attention for its unique blend of culture and tradition, reflecting the city's artistic spirit.

ZIP codes for Emmetsburg, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50536	Emmetsburg	Palo Alto	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,304

Population

41.8

Median age

$60,000

Median household income

$31,763

Per capita income

$123,800

Median home value

$657

Median monthly rent

71.8%

Home ownership

15.1%

Poverty rate

3.5%

Unemployment

1,640

Housing units

20.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

122

Under 5

113

167

5–9

154

127

10–14

117

126

15–19

116

177

20–24

164

204

25–34

189

264

35–44

244

193

45–54

179

202

55–59

186

128

60–64

119

244

65–74

225

143

75–84

133

139

85+

129

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	918	21.3%
18 and over	3,386	78.7%
65 and over	1,013	23.5%
Median age	41.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96.2%

Two or more races 1.9%

Asian 0.9%

Hispanic or Latino 0.9%

Group	Count	%
White	4,180	96.2%
Two or more races	81	1.9%
Asian	41	0.9%
Hispanic or Latino	39	0.9%

Household income

Under $10k 3.2%

$10k–$15k 7.0%

$15k–$25k 9.5%

$25k–$35k 12.0%

$35k–$50k 8.6%

$50k–$75k 19.7%

$75k–$100k 14.0%

$100k–$150k 19.5%

$150k–$200k 2.1%

$200k+ 4.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.2%
$10k–$15k	7.0%
$15k–$25k	9.5%
$25k–$35k	12.0%
$35k–$50k	8.6%
$50k–$75k	19.7%
$75k–$100k	14.0%
$100k–$150k	19.5%
$150k–$200k	2.1%
$200k+	4.2%
Median income	$60,000

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 11.4%

$50k–$100k 24.7%

$100k–$150k 24.5%

$150k–$200k 9.6%

$200k–$300k 15.4%

$300k–$500k 8.9%

$500k–$1M 5.0%

$1M+ 0.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$123,800
Median rent / month	$657
Owner occupied	71.8%
Renter occupied	28.2%
Vacant	16.5%
Single-family detached	78.8%
Large apartment buildings	3.8%
Mobile homes	2.0%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.46

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	3.4%
2000–2009	4.5%
1990–1999	6.2%
1980–1989	7.4%
1970–1979	15.3%
1960–1969	15.8%
1950–1959	10.7%
1940–1949	5.7%
1939 or earlier	30.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.2%
1 bedroom	10.7%
2 bedrooms	26.7%
3 bedrooms	37.8%
4 bedrooms	14.8%
5+ bedrooms	8.8%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.2%
1 vehicle	30.6%
2 vehicles	36.8%
3 or more	28.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	64.5%
Electricity	19.5%
Propane / LP gas	15.6%
No fuel used	0.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	760	42.4%
Cohabiting couple	179	10.0%
Male householder, no spouse	448	25.0%
Female householder, no spouse	405	22.6%
Households with children under 18	504	28.1%
Households with seniors (65+)	712	39.7%
Average household size	2.26

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	31.5%	23.7%
Married	43.2%	49.5%
Separated	0.0%	1.3%
Widowed	6.1%	15.7%
Divorced	19.2%	9.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.9%

Some HS, no diploma 5.5%

HS graduate 29.4%

Some college, no degree 28.8%

Associate's degree 14.1%

Bachelor's degree 13.4%

Graduate / professional 6.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.6%
Bachelor's or higher	20.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	113	11.5%
Kindergarten	61	6.2%
Elementary school	438	44.5%
High school	151	15.3%
College / grad school	222	22.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 23.8%

Manufacturing 16.0%

Retail trade 11.1%

Agriculture & mining 9.7%

Construction 7.8%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.3%

Transportation & utilities 5.4%

Finance & real estate 4.9%

Professional & management 4.8%

Wholesale trade 3.7%

Other services 2.5%

Public administration 2.2%

Information 1.8%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.9%
Service	10.3%
Sales & office	20.3%
Natural resources & construction	9.9%
Production & transportation	26.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	78.4%
Government	15.4%
Self-employed	6.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	79.6%
Carpool	7.2%
Public transit	1.1%
Walk	2.4%
Other means	3.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	14.3

Poverty

All people 15.1%

Under 18 years 31.8%

18 and over 10.4%

Married-couple families 9.7%

Female-led households 17.1%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	46.7%
Retirement income	20.9%
Supplemental Security	6.2%
Cash public assistance	3.5%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	33.2%
High cholesterol	33.7%
Heart disease	6.8%
Stroke	3.0%
Asthma	9.1%
Arthritis	25.7%
Kidney disease	2.9%
Pulmonary disease	6.3%
Cancer	8.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	21.4%
No physical activity	23.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.2%
Fair or poor health	11.5%
Poor mental health	12.6%
Poor physical health	8.9%
No health insurance	8.6%
Visited doctor (checkup)	75.4%
Visited dentist	71.3%
Cholesterol screening	88.6%
Teeth loss	11.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	301	8.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	15.6%
Under 18	7.5%
18–64 years	11.8%
65 and over	33.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	69.4%
Public insurance	44.9%
Uninsured under 19	3.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	4,069	94.5%
Spanish	4	0.1%
Other Indo-European	4	0.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	4,251	98.8%
Born in same state	4,251	98.8%
Born in different state	3,674	85.4%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	53	1.2%
Not a US citizen	47	88.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	823	19.1%
Polish	436	10.1%
French	337	7.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	194	4.5%
Dutch	122	2.8%
English	89	2.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	41.6%
Internet access	90.2%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Emmetsburg, IA have?

Emmetsburg, IA has one ZIP code: 50536. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.