Story City ZIP Codes — Story County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Story City, Iowa and it is 50248. Area code: 515.

ZIP codes

82.32

sq mi land

0.04

sq mi water

515

area code

Story City, IA ZIP code map

About Story City, IA

Story City, Iowa, is a charming small town located in the heart of Story County. Known for its friendly community and unique blend of rural and small-town charm, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The town features a variety of local businesses and community events that celebrate its cultural heritage.

Location & geography

Story City is situated in central Iowa, making it easily accessible from several surrounding areas. Neighboring cities include Ames, located approximately 12 miles to the south, and Webster City, about 18 miles to the northwest. The city spans a total land area of 82.32 square miles, with a minimal water area of 0.04 square miles, consisting predominantly of flat terrain typical of the region.

Community & economy

The community of Story City embodies a close-knit and welcoming atmosphere, where residents take pride in their town's history and culture. Local industries primarily revolve around agriculture, retail, and services, providing a stable economic foundation for its residents. Daily life is enriched by numerous community events, recreational opportunities, and local recreational centers that foster engagement among citizens of all ages.

Transportation

Story City is conveniently situated near Interstate 35, offering easy travel to major cities in Iowa. The nearest named airport is the Ames Municipal Airport, located about 16 miles south, providing regional flights and services. Public transportation options may be limited, but the city's layout allows for easy navigation by car and bike.

History

Story City was founded in 1856, originally developed around the railroad that played a crucial role in its growth. Key industries evolved over the years, transitioning from agricultural roots to more diversified economic activities that support the local population. The town also hosts events celebrating its heritage, fostering a sense of pride and community spirit among its residents.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Story City is its unique Scandinavian heritage, which is celebrated through various community events. Additionally, the city is known for its classic wooden roller coaster, the 'Comet,' which attracts visitors to the local amusement park during the summer months.

ZIP codes for Story City, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50248	Story City	Story	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,048

Population

45.1

Median age

$77,019

Median household income

$41,976

Per capita income

$198,700

Median home value

$863

Median monthly rent

74.9%

Home ownership

11.6%

Poverty rate

4.0%

Unemployment

1,470

Housing units

37.8%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

122

Under 5

157

119

5–9

154

137

10–14

177

15–19

20–24

219

25–34

283

181

35–44

234

224

45–54

288

152

55–59

196

60–64

117

231

65–74

297

75–84

126

85+

128

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	993	24.5%
18 and over	3,055	75.5%
65 and over	978	24.2%
Median age	45.1 years

Race & ethnicity

White 94.3%

Two or more races 2.6%

Hispanic or Latino 2.4%

Black or African American 0.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	3,909	94.3%
Two or more races	108	2.6%
Hispanic or Latino	99	2.4%
Black or African American	23	0.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	8	0.2%

Household income

$10k–$15k 10.3%

$15k–$25k 12.6%

$25k–$35k 4.6%

$35k–$50k 7.6%

$50k–$75k 14.2%

$75k–$100k 10.4%

$100k–$150k 21.6%

$150k–$200k 8.2%

$200k+ 10.4%

Range	% of households
$10k–$15k	10.3%
$15k–$25k	12.6%
$25k–$35k	4.6%
$35k–$50k	7.6%
$50k–$75k	14.2%
$75k–$100k	10.4%
$100k–$150k	21.6%
$150k–$200k	8.2%
$200k+	10.4%
Median income	$77,019

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 1.1%

$50k–$100k 6.7%

$100k–$150k 15.6%

$150k–$200k 26.8%

$200k–$300k 24.1%

$300k–$500k 22.7%

$500k–$1M 2.6%

$1M+ 0.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$198,700
Median rent / month	$863
Owner occupied	74.9%
Renter occupied	25.1%
Vacant	7.7%
Single-family detached	64.3%
Large apartment buildings	10.4%
Mobile homes	1.5%
Median rooms	6.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.27

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.9%
2000–2009	13.7%
1990–1999	11.2%
1980–1989	12.5%
1970–1979	11.2%
1960–1969	14.8%
1950–1959	6.9%
1940–1949	3.6%
1939 or earlier	23.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.8%
1 bedroom	7.9%
2 bedrooms	38.1%
3 bedrooms	30.5%
4 bedrooms	13.9%
5+ bedrooms	8.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.2%
1 vehicle	35.6%
2 vehicles	31.1%
3 or more	29.0%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	67.5%
Electricity	19.9%
Propane / LP gas	10.8%
No fuel used	0.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	963	54.6%
Cohabiting couple	76	4.3%
Male householder, no spouse	184	10.4%
Female householder, no spouse	542	30.7%
Households with children under 18	548	31.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	682	38.6%
Average household size	2.22

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	11.0%	16.9%
Married	72.7%	52.9%
Separated	0.8%	2.0%
Widowed	3.2%	12.5%
Divorced	12.3%	15.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.8%

Some HS, no diploma 1.8%

HS graduate 23.9%

Some college, no degree 19.7%

Associate's degree 16.0%

Bachelor's degree 27.3%

Graduate / professional 10.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	97.4%
Bachelor's or higher	37.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	34	4.3%
Kindergarten	33	4.2%
Elementary school	445	56.0%
High school	220	27.7%
College / grad school	63	7.9%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 35.2%

Manufacturing 13.2%

Construction 11.6%

Retail trade 8.5%

Public administration 6.0%

Other services 5.5%

Agriculture & mining 4.6%

Transportation & utilities 4.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.0%

Wholesale trade 2.5%

Information 2.4%

Professional & management 2.0%

Finance & real estate 1.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	46.2%
Service	19.2%
Sales & office	21.4%
Natural resources & construction	7.7%
Production & transportation	5.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	71.7%
Government	25.5%
Self-employed	2.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	86.7%
Carpool	2.7%
Public transit	0.8%
Walk	2.5%
Other means	0.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	23.0

Poverty

All people 11.6%

Under 18 years 22.7%

18 and over 7.8%

Married-couple families 1.1%

Female-led households 75.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	38.8%
Retirement income	17.1%
Supplemental Security	3.5%
Cash public assistance	1.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	5.4%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	32.2%
High cholesterol	33.6%
Heart disease	6.8%
Stroke	3.0%
Asthma	8.9%
Arthritis	25.9%
Kidney disease	3.0%
Pulmonary disease	5.9%
Cancer	8.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.2%
No physical activity	19.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	26.0%
Fair or poor health	10.5%
Poor mental health	11.4%
Poor physical health	8.4%
No health insurance	7.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	74.1%
Visited dentist	75.0%
Cholesterol screening	91.1%
Teeth loss	9.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	149	4.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	9.4%
Under 18	0.8%
18–64 years	10.2%
65 and over	17.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	85.4%
Public insurance	30.9%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,769	93.1%
Spanish	42	1.1%
Other Indo-European	42	1.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,922	96.9%
Born in same state	3,909	96.6%
Born in different state	3,318	82.0%
Foreign born	13	0.3%
Naturalized citizen	126	3.1%
Not a US citizen	75	59.5%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	1,107	27.3%
French	344	8.5%
Italian	328	8.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	178	4.4%
English	83	2.1%
Dutch	80	2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.6%
Internet access	92.5%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Story City, IA have?

Story City, IA has one ZIP code: 50248. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.