ZIP code
50134
in Kelley, IowaPopulation 770
62.06/ 100
Ranked #3,489 of 32,066 US ZIPs (top 10.9%)
Ranked #37 of 922 Iowa ZIPs (top 4.1%)
Ranked #6 of 19 Ames, IA ZIPs (top 32%)
Ranks are modeled estimates — ZIPs a few hundred places apart are effectively tied.
What defines this ZIP
Metrics where this ZIP sits in the tails of the national distribution — the ones that most set it apart. Select any tile for its definition and methodology.
Binge drinking
23.3%
in the top 1.1% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST98thUS99thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who report binge drinking — five or more drinks on one occasion for men, four or more for women.
Full methodology ›Short sleep
27.3%
in the bottom 1.9% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST2ndUS2ndDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who usually sleep less than seven hours in a 24-hour period.
Full methodology ›Radon
3.4 pCi/L
in the top 5.4% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST51stUS95thDefinition & source ›
The modeled typical indoor radon level for this area, in picocuries per liter — the EPA recommends fixing a home at 4 pCi/L or above.
Modeled from indoor-radon measurements. In Alaska and Hawaii, where those measurements are not published, a US Geological Survey geologic radon-potential category stands in — a coarser input, disclosed rather than hidden.
Full methodology ›Arsenic in groundwater
24.9%
in the top 4.5% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST87thUS96thDefinition & source ›
The modeled probability that untreated groundwater in this area — the source private wells draw on — exceeds the federal arsenic limit of 10 micrograms per liter.
A modeled likelihood for untreated groundwater, the source drawn on by private wells, which are federally unregulated. It is not a measurement of treated water delivered by a public system, and it is not a test of any individual well.
Full methodology ›PFAS in drinking water
8.4%
in the bottom 5.6% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST15thUS6thDefinition & source ›
The modeled probability that PFAS “forever chemicals” would be detected in untreated groundwater in this area, the source private wells draw on.
A modeled likelihood for untreated groundwater, the source drawn on by private wells, which are federally unregulated. It is not a measurement of treated water delivered by a public system, and it is not a test of any individual well.
Full methodology ›Food insecurity
8.0%
in the bottom 7.3% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST5thUS7thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months.
Full methodology ›Housing insecurity
7.0%
in the bottom 7.4% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST8thUS7thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who experienced housing insecurity in the past 12 months.
Full methodology ›Home broadband subscription
97.8%
in the top 8.0% nationally
Higher is healthier
ST96thUS92ndDefinition & source ›
The share of households with a broadband internet subscription.
Full methodology ›Lack of transportation
5.1%
in the bottom 8.7% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST8thUS9thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who lacked reliable transportation in the past 12 months.
Full methodology ›Colon-cancer screening
73.4%
in the top 6.2% nationally
Higher is healthier
ST96thUS94thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults aged 45–75 who are up to date on colorectal-cancer screening.
Full methodology ›Cross-source signals
Combined exposures in this ZIP
More than one environmental exposure stands out in this ZIP. Each is established independently and shown on its own above; they are grouped here for context — not because one causes the other.
This area ranks among the highest 10% of US ZIP codes for both modeled radon and modeled groundwater arsenic.
See the full radon & arsenic analysis →
The read
Judged by its overall standing, Kelley, Iowa (ZIP 50134) sits in the top 10.9% healthiest ZIPs nationally (3,489th) and the top 4.1% of Iowa (37th).
An even profile, with readings pulling both ways: modeled short sleep rests in the bottom 1.9% nationally, pfas settles in the bottom 5.6% nationally, and food insecurity lands in the bottom 7.3% nationally. Modeled housing insecurity rests in the bottom 7.4% nationally, home broadband subscription settles in the top 8.0% nationally, and modeled transportation lands in the bottom 8.7% nationally. Modeled colon screening rests in the top 6.2% nationally. Against that, modeled binge drinking settles in the top 1.1% nationally, and radon lands in the top 5.4% nationally. Modeled arsenic rests in the top 4.5% nationally.
Placed beside its immediate neighbors, park land runs far lower than the surrounding ZIPs on this measure. Put plainly, radon is a radioactive soil gas the EPA identifies as the top cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Arsenic is a natural groundwater contaminant, here a modeled estimate of the chance private-well levels exceed a benchmark. Pfas is the man-made "forever chemicals" that build up in the body and environment instead of breaking down; here a modeled estimate of the chance a private well contains them. A healthier nearby ZIP overall is ZIP 50124, just across the boundary.
What’s driving this score
Nine domains make up the ZipVitals Score — here is how this ZIP does on each, and how much each one counts. Compare it against the US, this state and the Ames, IA metro area.
Compared with the ZIP codes measured across all nine scoring domains — not with all US ZIP codes.
Lifting this score
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 86%
21%
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 80%
16%
Preventive Care
healthier than 80%
13%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 67%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 83%
8%
Disability
healthier than 91%
7%
About typical
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 54%
5%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 50%
5%
Holding it back
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 19%
14%
Lifting this score
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 96%
21%
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 92%
16%
Preventive Care
healthier than 68%
13%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 94%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 85%
8%
Disability
healthier than 97%
7%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 83%
5%
About typical
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 48%
5%
Holding it back
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 22%
14%
Lifting this score
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 67%
21%
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 83%
16%
Preventive Care
healthier than 67%
13%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 67%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 83%
8%
Disability
healthier than 78%
7%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 78%
5%
Holding it back
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 22%
14%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 11%
5%
“Share” is how much of this ZIP’s score the domain accounts for. Percentages are rounded; higher is healthier in every domain. How the score works, and who it compares you with ›
Nearby & similar ZIPs
Editorially selected — see how this ZIP compares to nearby and similar places.
Nearby
50010
Iowashares a border
Score 59.95
Closest healthier
50124
Iowashares a border
Score 64.34
Similar health profile
07838
New Jersey99% similar profile
Score 61.09
How these were chosen: only ZIPs with a published Score appear — a nearby ZIP with too little data to score won’t. Nearby means closest by distance between ZIP boundaries, which can cross state lines. A similar health profile is a close match across the nine Score domains, not similar demographics. Distances are measured between ZIP boundaries — ZIPs that touch share a border. How distance is measured
Evidence
Every measure this page draws on, by source. Collapsed by default — the full data stays in the page for search engines either way.
Health OutcomesCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Arthritis among adults | 23.6% | 21.2–26.2 |
| High blood pressure among adults | 30.9% | 27.8–34.0 |
| Cancer (non-skin) or melanoma among adults | 8.6% | 7.8–9.4 |
| Current asthma among adults | 9.5% | 8.4–10.5 |
| Coronary heart disease among adults | 5.3% | 4.7–6.0 |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults | 5.2% | 4.4–6.0 |
| Depression among adults | 20.2% | 17.4–23.0 |
| Diagnosed diabetes among adults | 9.1% | 7.9–10.4 |
| High cholesterol among adults who have ever been screened | 35.6% | 32.0–38.9 |
| Obesity among adults | 33.5% | 28.4–38.6 |
| Stroke among adults | 2.6% | 2.4–2.9 |
| All teeth lost among adults aged >=65 years | 6.2% | 5.1–7.5 |
PreventionCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Current lack of health insurance among adults aged 18-64 years | 5.2% | 4.3–6.3 |
| Taking medicine to control high blood pressure among adults with high blood pressure | 75.0% | 72.0–77.5 |
| Visits to doctor for routine checkup within the past year among adults | 77.3% | 74.0–80.0 |
| Cholesterol screening among adults | 85.6% | 83.8–87.3 |
| Colorectal cancer screening among adults aged 45–75 years | 73.4% | 69.3–77.0 |
| Visited dentist or dental clinic in the past year among adults | 73.2% | 70.3–75.7 |
| Mammography use among women aged 50-74 years | 79.2% | 72.7–84.3 |
Health Risk BehaviorsCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Binge drinking among adults | 23.3% | 20.0–26.4 |
| Current cigarette smoking among adults | 11.8% | 9.8–14.0 |
| No leisure-time physical activity among adults | 19.2% | 16.2–22.3 |
| Short sleep duration among adults | 27.3% | 23.0–31.7 |
Health StatusCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Fair or poor self-rated health status among adults | 13.7% | 11.8–15.7 |
| Frequent mental distress among adults | 14.7% | 12.9–16.4 |
| Frequent physical distress among adults | 10.5% | 9.3–11.9 |
DisabilityCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive disability among adults | 11.4% | 9.9–13.0 |
| Any disability among adults | 23.2% | 20.2–26.4 |
| Hearing disability among adults | 6.2% | 5.5–6.9 |
| Independent living disability among adults | 5.7% | 5.0–6.5 |
| Mobility disability among adults | 9.5% | 8.3–11.0 |
| Self-care disability among adults | 2.6% | 2.2–2.9 |
| Vision disability among adults | 3.1% | 2.8–3.5 |
Health-Related Social NeedsCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of social and emotional support among adults | 20.0% | 17.3–22.9 |
| Food insecurity in the past 12 months among adults | 8.0% | 6.6–9.6 |
| Received food stamps in the past 12 months among adults | 6.0% | 4.9–7.4 |
| Housing insecurity in the past 12 months among adults | 7.0% | 5.8–8.3 |
| Lack of reliable transportation in the past 12 months among adults | 5.1% | 4.4–5.9 |
| Loneliness among adults | 30.8% | 27.2–34.9 |
| Utility services shut-off threat in the past 12 months among adults | 4.8% | 4.1–5.6 |
Community & economyCensus ACS 5-Year · 2024 release · observed
| Measure | Value | US median (p10–p90) | IA median (p10–p90) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poverty rate | 3.9% | 10.6% (3.1–25.8%) n=32,364 | 8.5% (2.7–19.1%) n=931 |
| Uninsured 18–64 | 6.5% | 9.0% (1.5–24.3%) n=32,286 | 5.4% (0.7–14.7%) n=931 |
| No HS diploma (25+) | 0.9% | 7.9% (1.8–20.7%) n=32,505 | 5.1% (1.6–12.9%) n=932 |
| Bachelor's or higher (25+) | 35.0% | 23.3% (9.2–53.6%) n=32,505 | 20.9% (9.8–36.8%) n=932 |
| Unemployment rate (16+) | 0.4% | 3.9% (0.0–9.8%) n=32,274 | 2.2% (0.0–6.7%) n=932 |
| Households without a vehicle | 1.9% | 3.9% (0.0–12.5%) n=32,322 | 2.4% (0.0–7.9%) n=931 |
| Broadband subscription | 97.8% | 89.3% (75.1–97.1%) n=32,322 | 88.5% (77.9–95.1%) n=931 |
| Housing cost burden (≥30% income) | 15.9% | 23.7% (10.6–40.0%) n=32,322 | 18.2% (9.0–28.8%) n=931 |
| Homeownership rate | 69.8% | 78.7% (51.7–94.0%) n=32,322 | 82.1% (66.8–93.5%) n=931 |
| Crowded housing (>1 per room) | 0.3% | 1.3% (0.0–6.3%) n=32,322 | 0.4% (0.0–3.3%) n=931 |
| Foreign-born population | 0.3% | 2.6% (0.0–18.6%) n=32,553 | 1.0% (0.0–7.2%) n=932 |
| Single-parent households | 55.9% | 53.6% (37.3–74.1%) n=32,087 | 56.8% (43.7–75.5%) n=928 |
| Population 65+ | 20.6% | 19.4% (10.8–33.6%) n=32,553 | 20.2% (12.7–31.0%) n=932 |
| Median age | 47.1 yr | 42.2 yr (33.0–56.3) n=32,292 | 42.7 yr (34.1–54.7) n=931 |
| Median household income | $111,250 | $72,070 ($46,039–$118,707) n=30,318 | $73,848 ($55,055–$102,762) n=911 |
| Median home value | $300,000 | $222,200 ($100,300–$579,820) n=30,049 | $161,100 ($93,820–$278,170) n=892 |
| Median gross rent | $956 | $1,021 ($677–$1,912) n=25,670 | $825 ($614–$1,113) n=771 |
Life expectancyNCHS / RWJF USALEEP · model-based
| Measure | Value | US median (p10–p90) | IA median (p10–p90) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy unavailable for this ZIP — fewer than 80% of the census tracts that make it up could be matched across the 2010→2020 tract-boundary revision, so no value is published rather than an unreliable one. See how coverage gaps are handled. | |||
More ZIPs to explore ▾More ZIPs to explore ▴
How these lists were built: they draw only from ZIPs that have a published Score, so ZIPs with too little data to score are not listed. Distance-based lists use distance between ZIP boundaries with no state filter, so an out-of-state ZIP can appear. Statistically similar means a close match across the nine Score domains, not a demographic match: the measure is the cosine similarity between two ZIPs’ domain scores, taken over the domains both ZIPs have data for and only where that overlap covers at least six of the nine — and where no ZIP clears that minimum-overlap floor, that list is left out rather than filled with a weak match. How distance is measured