Van Meter ZIP Codes — Dallas County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Van Meter, Iowa and it is 50261. Area code: 515.

ZIP codes

64.93

sq mi land

0.61

sq mi water

515

area code

Van Meter, IA ZIP code map

About Van Meter, IA

Van Meter, Iowa is a charming city located in Dallas County. Known for its friendly atmosphere and tight-knit community, it attracts residents looking for a peaceful suburban lifestyle. With its picturesque landscapes and small-town vibe, Van Meter embodies the essence of rural Iowa living.

Location & geography

Van Meter is situated in central Iowa, making it easily accessible from various nearby cities. It is located approximately 20 miles west of Des Moines, the state capital, and is bordered by the cities of Dallas Center, Waukee, and West Des Moines within a short driving distance. The city's land area covers 64.93 square miles, while its water area is 0.61 square miles, featuring a blend of rolling terrain and scenic rural views.

Community & economy

The character of Van Meter is defined by its strong sense of community and the welcoming nature of its residents. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture and small businesses, contributing to a vibrant yet tranquil daily life. Community events and gatherings foster relationships among neighbors, making it a great place for families and individuals alike.

Transportation

Transportation in Van Meter is facilitated by major roadways, including access to Interstate 80, which connects the city to the greater Iowa area. The nearest airport is the Des Moines International Airport, located approximately 25 miles to the east. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation for residents.

History

Van Meter was founded in the late 19th century as a railroad town, with the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad playing a crucial role in its development. The city has historically been associated with agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, and it has witnessed various growth spurts over the decades. Notable events in the city's history include the establishment of local schools and community institutions that continue to serve its residents today.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Van Meter is that it has one of the largest land areas in Dallas County at 64.93 square miles. Additionally, it is home to the historic Van Meter Town Hall, which serves as a central hub for community activities.

ZIP codes for Van Meter, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50261	Van Meter	Dallas	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,866

Population

40.4

Median age

$140,257

Median household income

$49,659

Per capita income

$269,300

Median home value

$882

Median monthly rent

85.3%

Home ownership

1.6%

Poverty rate

0.4%

Unemployment

844

Housing units

39.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

133

5–9

144

124

10–14

133

100

15–19

107

20–24

25–34

242

35–44

261

191

45–54

207

106

55–59

115

60–64

103

101

65–74

110

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	861	30.0%
18 and over	2,005	70.0%
65 and over	317	11.1%
Median age	40.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 97.4%

Black or African American 0.9%

Two or more races 0.7%

Asian 0.6%

Hispanic or Latino 0.4%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	2,803	97.4%
Black or African American	25	0.9%
Two or more races	19	0.7%
Asian	16	0.6%
Hispanic or Latino	11	0.4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	3	0.1%

Household income

$10k–$15k 0.3%

$15k–$25k 2.3%

$25k–$35k 2.2%

$35k–$50k 5.6%

$50k–$75k 11.7%

$75k–$100k 13.1%

$100k–$150k 25.1%

$150k–$200k 22.4%

$200k+ 17.1%

Range	% of households
$10k–$15k	0.3%
$15k–$25k	2.3%
$25k–$35k	2.2%
$35k–$50k	5.6%
$50k–$75k	11.7%
$75k–$100k	13.1%
$100k–$150k	25.1%
$150k–$200k	22.4%
$200k+	17.1%
Median income	$140,257

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 2.4%

$50k–$100k 2.4%

$100k–$150k 6.7%

$150k–$200k 17.6%

$200k–$300k 29.3%

$300k–$500k 23.6%

$500k–$1M 17.5%

$1M+ 0.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$269,300
Median rent / month	$882
Owner occupied	85.3%
Renter occupied	14.7%
Vacant	3.9%
Single-family detached	94.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.8%
Median rooms	6.8
Avg household size (owned)	3.07

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	13.3%
2000–2009	18.2%
1990–1999	12.3%
1980–1989	2.1%
1970–1979	21.2%
1960–1969	7.5%
1950–1959	7.7%
1940–1949	1.7%
1939 or earlier	15.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	3.6%
1 bedroom	0.9%
2 bedrooms	12.6%
3 bedrooms	48.3%
4 bedrooms	24.1%
5+ bedrooms	10.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.0%
1 vehicle	8.3%
2 vehicles	34.8%
3 or more	54.0%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	39.9%
Electricity	21.8%
Propane / LP gas	33.8%
Fuel oil	1.8%
Wood	0.3%
No fuel used	0.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	688	72.8%
Cohabiting couple	53	5.6%
Male householder, no spouse	118	12.5%
Female householder, no spouse	86	9.1%
Households with children under 18	363	38.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	209	22.1%
Average household size	3.03

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	18.3%	26.5%
Married	69.6%	61.2%
Separated	0.3%	0.5%
Widowed	0.8%	3.1%
Divorced	11.1%	8.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.1%

Some HS, no diploma 0.8%

HS graduate 24.7%

Some college, no degree 21.9%

Associate's degree 13.2%

Bachelor's degree 27.6%

Graduate / professional 11.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	99.1%
Bachelor's or higher	39.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	30	3.4%
Kindergarten	45	5.1%
Elementary school	457	51.4%
High school	199	22.4%
College / grad school	158	17.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 23.9%

Finance & real estate 19.7%

Retail trade 11.3%

Professional & management 8.8%

Construction 7.9%

Wholesale trade 7.2%

Manufacturing 4.9%

Other services 4.9%

Transportation & utilities 4.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.0%

Public administration 2.0%

Agriculture & mining 1.8%

Information 1.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	51.3%
Service	11.4%
Sales & office	21.3%
Natural resources & construction	5.6%
Production & transportation	10.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	83.4%
Government	10.7%
Self-employed	5.7%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	81.7%
Carpool	2.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.8%
Other means	1.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.1

Poverty

All people 1.6%

Under 18 years 0.8%

18 and over 1.9%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 6.9%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	23.2%
Retirement income	17.4%
Supplemental Security	0.6%
Cash public assistance	2.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	1.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	27.8%
High cholesterol	30.8%
Heart disease	4.9%
Stroke	2.2%
Asthma	8.7%
Arthritis	22.2%
Kidney disease	2.2%
Pulmonary disease	4.9%
Cancer	6.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	23.4%
No physical activity	20.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	27.0%
Fair or poor health	9.2%
Poor mental health	12.6%
Poor physical health	7.7%
No health insurance	7.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.0%
Visited dentist	73.2%
Cholesterol screening	89.9%
Teeth loss	9.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	96	4.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	5.5%
Under 18	0.7%
18–64 years	3.5%
65 and over	29.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	85.2%
Public insurance	15.8%
Uninsured under 19	14.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,697	94.1%
Spanish	11	0.4%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	11	0.4%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,840	99.1%
Born in same state	2,831	98.8%
Born in different state	2,445	85.3%
Foreign born	9	0.3%
Naturalized citizen	26	0.9%
Not a US citizen	26	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	377	13.2%
French	279	9.7%
Arab	246	8.6%
Polish	135	4.7%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	96	3.3%
Dutch	34	1.2%
Irish	2	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	33.0%
Internet access	98.4%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Van Meter, IA have?

Van Meter, IA has one ZIP code: 50261. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.