West Bend ZIP Codes — Palo Alto County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in West Bend, Iowa and it is 50597. Area code: 515.

ZIP codes

83.05

sq mi land

0.22

sq mi water

515

area code

West Bend, IA ZIP code map

About West Bend, IA

West Bend is a small yet vibrant city located in Palo Alto County, Iowa. Known for its friendly community and scenic landscapes, West Bend offers a charming slice of Midwestern life. It's an ideal spot for those looking to experience both rural tranquility and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Location & geography

Geographically, West Bend spans an area of 83.05 square miles, with a minor water area of 0.22 square miles. It is positioned in the north-central part of Iowa, with neighboring cities such as Emmetsburg located approximately 15 miles to the southeast, and Algona about 20 miles to the southwest. The land primarily consists of flat agricultural terrain, complemented by small water features that dot the landscape.

Community & economy

The character of West Bend is defined by its strong sense of community and local pride. The economy is primarily supported by agriculture and small businesses, with residents often engaging in farming and retail endeavors. Daily life in West Bend revolves around community events, family gatherings, and local traditions that bring neighbors together.

Transportation

Transportation in West Bend is facilitated by several key roadways, including Highway 4 and Highway 15, which connect it to larger regional hubs. The nearest major airport is the Fort Dodge Regional Airport, located about 30 miles to the southwest. Public transit options are limited, emphasizing the need for personal vehicles in the area.

History

West Bend was established in the late 19th century and has a rich agricultural heritage that continues to shape its identity. Over the years, it has seen key industries revolve around farming and local trade, playing a vital role in the economic development of Palo Alto County. Notable events in its history include the establishment of community festivals that celebrate local culture and heritage.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about West Bend is that it is home to the Grotto of the Redemption, which is recognized as one of the largest man-made grottoes in the world. This unique landmark attracts tourists from various regions who come to admire its intricate sculptures and religious significance.

ZIP codes for West Bend, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50597	West Bend	Palo Alto	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,312

Population

34.3

Median age

$82,500

Median household income

$35,278

Per capita income

$160,300

Median home value

$583

Median monthly rent

79.7%

Home ownership

3.5%

Poverty rate

2.5%

Unemployment

425

Housing units

21.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	390	29.7%
18 and over	922	70.3%
65 and over	283	21.6%
Median age	34.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 84.4%

Hispanic or Latino 6.7%

Two or more races 5.1%

Other race 3.1%

Black or African American 0.7%

Group	Count	%
White	1,186	84.4%
Hispanic or Latino	94	6.7%
Two or more races	72	5.1%
Other race	44	3.1%
Black or African American	10	0.7%

Household income

Under $10k 2.5%

$10k–$15k 3.2%

$15k–$25k 6.8%

$25k–$35k 7.4%

$35k–$50k 8.1%

$50k–$75k 13.1%

$75k–$100k 22.7%

$100k–$150k 25.9%

$150k–$200k 5.9%

$200k+ 4.5%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.5%
$10k–$15k	3.2%
$15k–$25k	6.8%
$25k–$35k	7.4%
$35k–$50k	8.1%
$50k–$75k	13.1%
$75k–$100k	22.7%
$100k–$150k	25.9%
$150k–$200k	5.9%
$200k+	4.5%
Median income	$82,500

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 7.6%

$50k–$100k 18.4%

$100k–$150k 20.1%

$150k–$200k 16.1%

$200k–$300k 17.2%

$300k–$500k 14.4%

$500k–$1M 6.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$160,300
Median rent / month	$583
Owner occupied	79.7%
Renter occupied	20.3%
Vacant	13.8%
Single-family detached	86.2%
Large apartment buildings	0.6%
Mobile homes	0.6%
Median rooms	6.9
Avg household size (owned)	2.97

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.9%
2000–2009	9.1%
1990–1999	10.1%
1980–1989	8.2%
1970–1979	11.1%
1960–1969	11.3%
1950–1959	12.4%
1940–1949	2.9%
1939 or earlier	32.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	10.3%
2 bedrooms	26.4%
3 bedrooms	28.2%
4 bedrooms	23.5%
5+ bedrooms	11.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.0%
1 vehicle	23.9%
2 vehicles	33.6%
3 or more	40.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	59.9%
Electricity	16.0%
Propane / LP gas	21.8%
Fuel oil	0.9%
Wood	0.9%
No fuel used	0.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	287	64.6%
Cohabiting couple	26	5.9%
Male householder, no spouse	53	11.9%
Female householder, no spouse	78	17.6%
Households with children under 18	136	30.6%
Households with seniors (65+)	169	38.1%
Average household size	2.86

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	33.8%	20.5%
Married	60.6%	55.9%
Separated	0.2%	0.0%
Widowed	2.1%	19.1%
Divorced	3.3%	4.5%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.6%

Some HS, no diploma 3.9%

HS graduate 26.3%

Some college, no degree 28.0%

Associate's degree 15.7%

Bachelor's degree 18.3%

Graduate / professional 3.3%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.5%
Bachelor's or higher	21.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	33	9.2%
Kindergarten	29	8.1%
Elementary school	134	37.3%
High school	123	34.3%
College / grad school	40	11.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 22.8%

Agriculture & mining 19.9%

Retail trade 11.8%

Manufacturing 10.8%

Transportation & utilities 7.0%

Wholesale trade 6.8%

Other services 5.2%

Professional & management 4.6%

Construction 3.3%

Finance & real estate 3.3%

Public administration 3.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 0.8%

Information 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	31.7%
Service	16.4%
Sales & office	18.2%
Natural resources & construction	14.1%
Production & transportation	19.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	77.2%
Government	9.0%
Self-employed	13.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	76.0%
Carpool	12.1%
Public transit	0.3%
Walk	6.0%
Other means	0.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	15.2

Poverty

All people 3.5%

Under 18 years 1.3%

18 and over 4.4%

Married-couple families 2.1%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	33.1%
Retirement income	20.7%
Supplemental Security	2.0%
Cash public assistance	3.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	6.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.2%
High cholesterol	35.4%
Heart disease	7.7%
Stroke	3.3%
Asthma	8.7%
Arthritis	28.2%
Kidney disease	3.2%
Pulmonary disease	6.7%
Cancer	9.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.2%
No physical activity	23.5%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	27.8%
Fair or poor health	11.6%
Poor mental health	11.6%
Poor physical health	9.1%
No health insurance	7.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.8%
Visited dentist	72.4%
Cholesterol screening	91.0%
Teeth loss	10.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	52	5.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	9.2%
Under 18	1.5%
18–64 years	6.3%
65 and over	29.2%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	69.8%
Public insurance	34.9%
Uninsured under 19	9.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,212	92.4%
Spanish	76	6.3%
Other Indo-European	62	5.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,264	96.3%
Born in same state	1,259	96.0%
Born in different state	1,026	78.2%
Foreign born	5	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	48	3.7%
Not a US citizen	3	6.3%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	200	15.2%
French	81	6.2%
English	71	5.4%
Polish	65	5%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	40	3%
Dutch	25	1.9%
German	5	0.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	33.8%
Internet access	92.3%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does West Bend, IA have?

West Bend, IA has one ZIP code: 50597. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.