Runnells ZIP Codes — Polk County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Runnells, Iowa and it is 50237. Area code: 515.

ZIP codes

48.47

sq mi land

0.52

sq mi water

515

area code

Runnells, IA ZIP code map

About Runnells, IA

Runnells, Iowa, is a quaint city nestled in Polk County, offering a small-town atmosphere with a close-knit community. As part of the Des Moines metropolitan area, it combines rural charm with accessibility to urban amenities. Runnells is recognized for its beautiful landscapes and friendly residents.

Location & geography

Located in central Iowa, Runnells is conveniently situated approximately 12 miles southeast of Des Moines, providing residents with easy access to the state's capital. The city encompasses a total land area of 48.47 square miles, complemented by a small water area of 0.52 square miles, which adds to its scenic beauty. The terrain predominantly features rolling hills and open fields, characteristic of the Iowa countryside.

Community & economy

Runnells boasts a welcoming community characterized by its active residents and local events that foster strong connections. The local economy primarily revolves around agriculture and small businesses, contributing to the city's vibrant daily life. Families in Runnells enjoy a peaceful setting with recreational activities and community gatherings that enhance the sense of togetherness.

Transportation

Transportation in Runnells is facilitated by several highways, including Iowa Highway 163, which provides easy access to nearby cities. The nearest airport is the Des Moines International Airport, located about 15 miles to the northwest, allowing residents to travel conveniently. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary means of transportation for locals.

History

Founded in the late 1800s, Runnells began as a small agricultural community that contributed significantly to the development of Polk County. Over the years, it has maintained its rural roots while witnessing gradual growth and modernization. Notable events in its history include the establishment of the local school system that has served generations of families.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Runnells is that it is part of the Greater Des Moines area, which allows residents to enjoy both the tranquility of small-town life and the excitement of city amenities. Additionally, Runnells has a strong tradition of community service, with many citizens actively participating in local governance and volunteer opportunities.

ZIP codes for Runnells, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50237	Runnells	Polk	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,085

Population

47.1

Median age

$91,500

Median household income

$47,659

Per capita income

$340,400

Median home value

$715

Median monthly rent

93.3%

Home ownership

2.1%

Poverty rate

3.3%

Unemployment

1,244

Housing units

30.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

110

5–9

113

146

10–14

150

15–19

20–24

120

25–34

123

258

35–44

264

218

45–54

222

121

55–59

123

105

60–64

107

127

65–74

129

157

75–84

160

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	588	19.1%
18 and over	2,497	80.9%
65 and over	711	23.0%
Median age	47.1 years

Race & ethnicity

White 92%

Two or more races 4.5%

Hispanic or Latino 2.5%

Asian 0.5%

Other race 0.5%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	2,909	92%
Two or more races	141	4.5%
Hispanic or Latino	78	2.5%
Asian	16	0.5%
Other race	15	0.5%
American Indian / Alaska Native	4	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 0.1%

$10k–$15k 0.4%

$15k–$25k 10.0%

$25k–$35k 1.2%

$35k–$50k 14.6%

$50k–$75k 18.8%

$75k–$100k 10.8%

$100k–$150k 19.0%

$150k–$200k 13.0%

$200k+ 12.1%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	0.1%
$10k–$15k	0.4%
$15k–$25k	10.0%
$25k–$35k	1.2%
$35k–$50k	14.6%
$50k–$75k	18.8%
$75k–$100k	10.8%
$100k–$150k	19.0%
$150k–$200k	13.0%
$200k+	12.1%
Median income	$91,500

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 0.6%

$50k–$100k 0.5%

$100k–$150k 13.5%

$150k–$200k 8.0%

$200k–$300k 12.3%

$300k–$500k 55.4%

$500k–$1M 9.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$340,400
Median rent / month	$715
Owner occupied	93.3%
Renter occupied	6.7%
Vacant	0.2%
Single-family detached	98.5%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.0%
Median rooms	6.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.33

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	13.7%
2000–2009	11.9%
1990–1999	17.3%
1980–1989	7.4%
1970–1979	17.7%
1960–1969	4.7%
1950–1959	5.6%
1940–1949	0.0%
1939 or earlier	21.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	12.5%
2 bedrooms	12.0%
3 bedrooms	40.2%
4 bedrooms	27.8%
5+ bedrooms	7.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	9.8%
1 vehicle	11.3%
2 vehicles	37.1%
3 or more	41.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	30.4%
Electricity	14.6%
Propane / LP gas	49.4%
Wood	1.3%
No fuel used	3.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	967	72.7%
Cohabiting couple	21	1.6%
Male householder, no spouse	102	7.7%
Female householder, no spouse	240	18.0%
Households with children under 18	355	26.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	475	35.7%
Average household size	2.32

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	9.1%	8.9%
Married	80.4%	71.3%
Separated	0.1%	0.2%
Widowed	2.5%	12.1%
Divorced	7.9%	7.4%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.2%

Some HS, no diploma 2.4%

HS graduate 41.5%

Some college, no degree 17.8%

Associate's degree 7.4%

Bachelor's degree 21.8%

Graduate / professional 8.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	97.4%
Bachelor's or higher	30.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	60	9.4%
Kindergarten	41	6.4%
Elementary school	413	64.8%
High school	42	6.6%
College / grad school	81	12.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 21.7%

Finance & real estate 12.5%

Construction 10.3%

Other services 9.9%

Agriculture & mining 8.8%

Professional & management 8.6%

Transportation & utilities 8.4%

Retail trade 6.5%

Manufacturing 5.9%

Public administration 2.8%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.2%

Wholesale trade 1.2%

Information 1.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	38.7%
Service	10.0%
Sales & office	21.6%
Natural resources & construction	18.9%
Production & transportation	10.9%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	82.0%
Government	10.6%
Self-employed	7.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	81.6%
Carpool	5.4%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.1%
Other means	3.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	26.9

Poverty

All people 2.1%

Under 18 years 5.3%

18 and over 1.3%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 45.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	34.8%
Retirement income	31.4%
Supplemental Security	4.3%
Cash public assistance	0.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	4.6%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	30.3%
High cholesterol	33.9%
Heart disease	5.8%
Stroke	2.5%
Asthma	8.8%
Arthritis	22.9%
Kidney disease	2.5%
Pulmonary disease	5.9%
Cancer	6.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	23.8%
No physical activity	20.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.7%
Fair or poor health	11.8%
Poor mental health	13.4%
Poor physical health	8.6%
No health insurance	8.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	75.3%
Visited dentist	71.2%
Cholesterol screening	90.0%
Teeth loss	10.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	255	10.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	13.9%
Under 18	6.8%
18–64 years	6.2%
65 and over	39.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	81.3%
Public insurance	38.3%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,046	98.7%
Spanish	2	0.1%
Other Indo-European	2	0.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,058	99.1%
Born in same state	3,030	98.2%
Born in different state	2,542	82.4%
Foreign born	28	0.9%
Naturalized citizen	27	0.9%
Not a US citizen	21	77.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	412	13.4%
Arab	393	12.7%
French	300	9.7%
Polish	203	6.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	148	4.8%
Dutch	78	2.5%
German	3	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.1%
Internet access	87.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Runnells, IA have?

Runnells, IA has one ZIP code: 50237. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.