Merrill ZIP Codes — Plymouth County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Merrill, Iowa and it is 51038. Area code: 712.

ZIP codes

89.32

sq mi land

0.02

sq mi water

712

area code

Merrill, IA ZIP code map

About Merrill, IA

Merrill is a small city located in Plymouth County, Iowa. Known for its welcoming community, Merrill offers a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike. This charming town is characterized by its rural landscape and close-knit atmosphere.

Location & geography

Merrill is situated in the northwestern part of Iowa, approximately 12 miles northeast of Sioux City and about 15 miles southwest of Le Mars. The city spans a land area of 89.32 square miles, with a minimal water area of just 0.02 square miles. The surrounding terrain is primarily flat and agricultural, making it ideal for farming activities.

Community & economy

The character of Merrill is defined by its friendly residents and strong community ties, making it an inviting place for families. The local economy is supported by agriculture and various small businesses, contributing to its quaint atmosphere. Daily life in Merrill tends to revolve around community events and outdoor activities that foster a sense of belonging among residents.

Transportation

Merrill is accessible via several major roads, including Iowa Highway 75, which runs north-south through the area. The nearest significant airport is Sioux City Gateway Airport, located around 11 miles to the southwest, offering regional air travel options. Local transit options are limited, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

History

Merrill was founded in the late 19th century and has maintained its agricultural roots since its establishment. Over the years, the city has been home to various key industries, primarily revolving around farming and small-scale manufacturing. Notable events in its history include the development of local schools and community organizations that have played a vital role in shaping its identity.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Merrill is that it hosts an annual community festival that celebrates local arts and culture. This event draws visitors from surrounding areas, showcasing the talents and creativity of local artisans.

ZIP codes for Merrill, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
51038	Merrill	Plymouth	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,763

Population

36.8

Median age

$90,625

Median household income

$34,036

Per capita income

$171,900

Median home value

$660

Median monthly rent

84.7%

Home ownership

4.0%

Poverty rate

2.9%

Unemployment

606

Housing units

18.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

101

25–34

132

35–44

109

110

45–54

55–59

115

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	505	28.6%
18 and over	1,258	71.4%
65 and over	210	11.9%
Median age	36.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 91.4%

Two or more races 1.9%

American Indian / Alaska Native 1.7%

Asian 1.6%

Hispanic or Latino 1.4%

Other race 1.4%

Black or African American 0.6%

Group	Count	%
White	1,635	91.4%
Two or more races	34	1.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native	30	1.7%
Asian	28	1.6%
Hispanic or Latino	25	1.4%
Other race	25	1.4%
Black or African American	11	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 0.6%

$10k–$15k 2.5%

$15k–$25k 7.6%

$25k–$35k 1.8%

$35k–$50k 12.3%

$50k–$75k 17.1%

$75k–$100k 16.6%

$100k–$150k 28.2%

$150k–$200k 9.1%

$200k+ 4.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	0.6%
$10k–$15k	2.5%
$15k–$25k	7.6%
$25k–$35k	1.8%
$35k–$50k	12.3%
$50k–$75k	17.1%
$75k–$100k	16.6%
$100k–$150k	28.2%
$150k–$200k	9.1%
$200k+	4.2%
Median income	$90,625

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 8.0%

$50k–$100k 12.2%

$100k–$150k 14.2%

$150k–$200k 24.5%

$200k–$300k 19.3%

$300k–$500k 21.1%

$500k–$1M 0.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$171,900
Median rent / month	$660
Owner occupied	84.7%
Renter occupied	15.3%
Vacant	7.9%
Single-family detached	89.2%
Large apartment buildings	0.4%
Mobile homes	4.7%
Median rooms	6.8
Avg household size (owned)	2.90

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	12.5%
2000–2009	6.5%
1990–1999	6.0%
1980–1989	2.8%
1970–1979	7.7%
1960–1969	14.3%
1950–1959	7.8%
1940–1949	7.5%
1939 or earlier	34.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	1.8%
2 bedrooms	20.7%
3 bedrooms	52.3%
4 bedrooms	18.9%
5+ bedrooms	6.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.6%
1 vehicle	8.6%
2 vehicles	48.7%
3 or more	40.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	43.0%
Electricity	28.7%
Propane / LP gas	24.0%
Wood	1.5%
No fuel used	0.3%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	455	70.1%
Cohabiting couple	53	8.2%
Male householder, no spouse	83	12.8%
Female householder, no spouse	58	8.9%
Households with children under 18	264	40.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	148	22.8%
Average household size	2.72

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	23.8%	18.1%
Married	67.4%	70.7%
Separated	0.0%	1.8%
Widowed	0.6%	5.1%
Divorced	8.2%	4.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.3%

Some HS, no diploma 5.8%

HS graduate 32.8%

Some college, no degree 21.0%

Associate's degree 19.2%

Bachelor's degree 16.2%

Graduate / professional 2.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.9%
Bachelor's or higher	18.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	37	8.0%
Kindergarten	50	10.9%
Elementary school	222	48.3%
High school	85	18.5%
College / grad school	66	14.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 22.0%

Manufacturing 21.7%

Transportation & utilities 11.0%

Retail trade 8.4%

Arts, food & hospitality 8.2%

Agriculture & mining 6.2%

Public administration 4.9%

Professional & management 4.4%

Finance & real estate 4.0%

Construction 3.4%

Information 3.4%

Other services 1.3%

Wholesale trade 1.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	35.1%
Service	19.3%
Sales & office	17.8%
Natural resources & construction	9.8%
Production & transportation	18.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	82.7%
Government	12.5%
Self-employed	4.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	89.7%
Carpool	3.8%
Public transit	1.9%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	20.8

Poverty

All people 4.0%

Under 18 years 2.2%

18 and over 4.7%

Married-couple families 1.1%

Female-led households 18.8%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	25.9%
Retirement income	19.3%
Supplemental Security	3.1%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	7.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	33.8%
High cholesterol	31.5%
Heart disease	6.7%
Stroke	3.0%
Asthma	9.1%
Arthritis	23.8%
Kidney disease	2.8%
Pulmonary disease	6.6%
Cancer	7.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.8%
No physical activity	23.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.2%
Fair or poor health	12.1%
Poor mental health	12.8%
Poor physical health	9.3%
No health insurance	8.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	74.8%
Visited dentist	69.8%
Cholesterol screening	89.2%
Teeth loss	12.2%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	59	4.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	10.2%
Under 18	4.0%
18–64 years	10.0%
65 and over	25.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	79.1%
Public insurance	27.9%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,605	91.0%
Spanish	54	3.4%
Other Indo-European	49	3.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,710	97.0%
Born in same state	1,708	96.9%
Born in different state	1,330	75.4%
Foreign born	2	0.1%
Naturalized citizen	53	3.0%
Not a US citizen	3	5.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	310	17.6%
French	121	6.9%
English	85	4.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	67	3.8%
Arab	65	3.7%
Dutch	39	2.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	36.8%
Internet access	95.4%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Merrill, IA have?

Merrill, IA has one ZIP code: 51038. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.