Zearing ZIP Codes — Story County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Zearing, Iowa and it is 50278. Area code: 641.

ZIP codes

46.40

sq mi land

0.02

sq mi water

641

area code

Zearing, IA ZIP code map

About Zearing, IA

Zearing is a small, vibrant city located in the heart of Iowa. As part of Story County, it offers a unique blend of rural charm and community spirit. With its friendly residents and welcoming atmosphere, Zearing makes for an inviting place to live or visit.

Location & geography

Zearing is situated in central Iowa and encompasses a land area of 46.40 square miles. The city is surrounded by several other towns, including Colo to the northwest, Gilbert to the north, and the larger city of Ames approximately 15 miles to the east. The region features primarily flat terrain with a small water area of 0.02 square miles.

Community & economy

The character of Zearing is defined by its close-knit community and commitment to local traditions. Agriculture plays a key role in the local economy, with many residents involved in farming and related industries. Daily life in Zearing revolves around community events, local businesses, and a strong sense of neighborliness.

Transportation

Zearing is accessible via several local roads that connect to US Highway 65, providing a convenient route for travel north to Story City and south to more urban areas. Additionally, the nearest commercial airport is located in Des Moines, approximately 40 miles from Zearing. Public transport options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transit.

History

Zearing was founded in the late 19th century, flourishing as a rural community focused on agriculture and farming. Over the years, it has retained its identity while developing essential services for its residents. Zearing has witnessed various local events that have brought the community together, fostering a rich local culture.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Zearing is that it has managed to maintain a small-town atmosphere while offering access to larger cities nearby. This combines the tranquility of rural living with the amenities of urban life, making it unique in the region.

ZIP codes for Zearing, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50278	Zearing	Story	View map

Demographics & statistics

851

Population

36.5

Median age

$59,286

Median household income

$29,042

Per capita income

$153,100

Median home value

$716

Median monthly rent

75.8%

Home ownership

19.0%

Poverty rate

1.9%

Unemployment

263

Housing units

27.8%

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	205	24.1%
18 and over	646	75.9%
65 and over	158	18.6%
Median age	36.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 85%

Two or more races 9.2%

Hispanic or Latino 3.1%

Black or African American 1.7%

Asian 0.8%

Other race 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	746	85%
Two or more races	81	9.2%
Hispanic or Latino	27	3.1%
Black or African American	15	1.7%
Asian	7	0.8%
Other race	2	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 2.1%

$10k–$15k 3.6%

$15k–$25k 11.2%

$25k–$35k 15.2%

$35k–$50k 8.8%

$50k–$75k 28.5%

$75k–$100k 14.8%

$100k–$150k 10.9%

$150k–$200k 0.9%

$200k+ 3.9%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.1%
$10k–$15k	3.6%
$15k–$25k	11.2%
$25k–$35k	15.2%
$35k–$50k	8.8%
$50k–$75k	28.5%
$75k–$100k	14.8%
$100k–$150k	10.9%
$150k–$200k	0.9%
$200k+	3.9%
Median income	$59,286

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 7.2%

$50k–$100k 16.4%

$100k–$150k 24.0%

$150k–$200k 32.4%

$200k–$300k 13.6%

$300k–$500k 6.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$153,100
Median rent / month	$716
Owner occupied	75.8%
Renter occupied	24.2%
Vacant	3.8%
Single-family detached	93.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.6%
Median rooms	6.4
Avg household size (owned)	2.54

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	0.9%
2000–2009	5.8%
1990–1999	1.2%
1980–1989	4.7%
1970–1979	28.0%
1960–1969	12.5%
1950–1959	4.7%
1940–1949	1.5%
1939 or earlier	40.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.5%
1 bedroom	3.8%
2 bedrooms	13.1%
3 bedrooms	56.3%
4 bedrooms	19.2%
5+ bedrooms	6.1%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	0.6%
1 vehicle	23.3%
2 vehicles	52.4%
3 or more	23.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	48.5%
Electricity	30.6%
Propane / LP gas	20.9%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	144	43.6%
Cohabiting couple	35	10.6%
Male householder, no spouse	107	32.4%
Female householder, no spouse	44	13.3%
Households with children under 18	95	28.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	110	33.3%
Average household size	2.49

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	21.2%	27.8%
Married	53.2%	54.0%
Separated	0.0%	1.0%
Widowed	6.9%	11.0%
Divorced	18.7%	6.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.0%

Some HS, no diploma 2.8%

HS graduate 35.1%

Some college, no degree 22.6%

Associate's degree 11.6%

Bachelor's degree 25.1%

Graduate / professional 2.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	97.2%
Bachelor's or higher	27.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	13	6.1%
Kindergarten	20	9.3%
Elementary school	96	44.9%
High school	34	15.9%
College / grad school	51	23.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Agriculture & mining 28.7%

Education & healthcare 16.8%

Manufacturing 15.3%

Retail trade 7.5%

Transportation & utilities 7.3%

Construction 6.1%

Wholesale trade 5.4%

Professional & management 2.9%

Public administration 2.4%

Information 2.2%

Other services 2.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 1.7%

Finance & real estate 1.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	46.5%
Service	6.3%
Sales & office	14.6%
Natural resources & construction	19.7%
Production & transportation	12.9%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	69.3%
Government	13.6%
Self-employed	15.6%
Unpaid family workers	1.5%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	69.7%
Carpool	19.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	27.1

Poverty

All people 19.0%

Under 18 years 37.4%

18 and over 13.0%

Married-couple families 13.2%

Female-led households 58.6%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	37.3%
Retirement income	29.4%
Supplemental Security	2.7%
Cash public assistance	3.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	9.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	33.3%
High cholesterol	33.9%
Heart disease	7.4%
Stroke	3.3%
Asthma	9.3%
Arthritis	26.7%
Kidney disease	3.1%
Pulmonary disease	6.8%
Cancer	8.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.5%
No physical activity	20.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	27.0%
Fair or poor health	11.9%
Poor mental health	12.3%
Poor physical health	9.3%
No health insurance	8.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.3%
Visited dentist	72.4%
Cholesterol screening	90.0%
Teeth loss	11.2%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	61	9.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	8.3%
Under 18	2.9%
18–64 years	6.4%
65 and over	23.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	66.1%
Public insurance	45.3%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	800	94.0%
Spanish	56	7.0%
Other Indo-European	56	7.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	786	92.4%
Born in same state	786	92.4%
Born in different state	617	72.5%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	65	7.6%
Not a US citizen	5	7.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	111	13%
Italian	82	9.6%
French	66	7.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	9	1.1%
Dutch	6	0.7%
Arab	4	0.5%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	38.8%
Internet access	83.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Zearing, IA have?

Zearing, IA has one ZIP code: 50278. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.