Skip to main content
ZipVitals

ZIP code

51004

in Anthon, IowaPopulation 858

49.44/ 100

Ranked #17,019 of 32,066 US ZIPs (bottom 47%)

Ranked #710 of 922 Iowa ZIPs (bottom 23%)

Ranked #21 of 30 Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ZIPs (bottom 30%)

Ranks are modeled estimates — ZIPs a few hundred places apart are effectively tied.

Robust across all 9 health domains

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.

Radon

4.4 pCi/L

in the top 1.0% nationally

Lower is healthier

ST86th
US99th
Definition & 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 ›

Pharmacy access

1 per 1,000 residents

in the top 0.9% nationally

Higher is healthier

ST99th
US99th
Definition & source ›

The number of pharmacies located inside this ZIP’s boundary, per 1,000 residents.

Counted from establishments located inside this ZIP’s boundary, so one just across the line is not counted. Where a ZIP has too few residents for the density to be reliable, no value is published rather than an unreliable one.

Full methodology ›

PFAS in drinking water

7.8%

in the bottom 4.7% nationally

Lower is healthier

ST13th
US5th
Definition & 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 ›

Arsenic in groundwater

22.9%

in the top 5.2% nationally

Lower is healthier

ST86th
US95th
Definition & 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 ›

Nitrate in drinking water

1.5%

in the top 5.9% nationally

Lower is healthier

ST92nd
US94th
Definition & source ›

The modeled share of this area’s domestic-well groundwater at or above the federal nitrate limit of 10 milligrams 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 ›

Transportation noise

0.06%

in the bottom 7.5% nationally

Lower is healthier

ST13th
US7th
Definition & source ›

The modeled share of residents exposed to average road, rail, and aviation noise at or above 55 decibels — a noticeable background presence.

Full methodology ›

Distance to a community health center

20.5 mi

in the top 7.9% nationally

Lower is healthier

ST77th
US92nd
Definition & source ›

The distance in miles from this ZIP’s edge to the nearest federally funded community health center, which serves patients regardless of ability to pay.

Full methodology ›

Recreation access

1 per 1,000 residents

in the top 8.1% nationally

Higher is healthier

ST88th
US92nd
Definition & source ›

The number of places for physical recreation — gyms, sports, and fitness venues — inside this ZIP’s boundary, per 1,000 residents.

Counted from establishments located inside this ZIP’s boundary, so one just across the line is not counted. Where a ZIP has too few residents for the density to be reliable, no value is published rather than an unreliable one.

Full methodology ›

Distance to an emergency room

16.8 mi

in the top 8.5% nationally

Lower is healthier

ST98th
US92nd
Definition & source ›

The distance in miles from this ZIP’s edge to the nearest Medicare-certified hospital with an emergency room.

Full methodology ›

Fine-particle (PM2.5) exceedance

1.1%

in the top 8.6% nationally

Lower is healthier

ST97th
US91st
Definition & source ›

The share of days in the year when modeled fine-particle (PM2.5) pollution was above the EPA’s daily limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

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.

  • USGS models a high likelihood that groundwater arsenic here exceeds 10 µg/L — the level EPA sets as the limit for public water systems — and this area's modeled radon runs above EPA's 4 pCi/L action level.

    See the full radon & arsenic analysis →

The read

On the composite measure, Anthon, Iowa (ZIP 51004) stands in the bottom 47% nationally (17,019th) and the bottom 23% of Iowa (710th).

continue reading

The weightiest signals in the profile are worth naming up front: modeled radon registers in the top 1.0% nationally, and arsenic lies in the top 5.2% nationally. Modeled nitrate is in the top 5.9% nationally, and distance to a community health center registers in the top 7.9% nationally. Distance to an emergency room lies in the top 8.5% nationally, and modeled fine-particle is in the top 8.6% nationally. More positively, pharmacy registers in the top 0.9% nationally, modeled pfas lies in the bottom 4.7% nationally, and modeled transportation noise is in the bottom 7.5% nationally. Recreation registers in the top 8.1% nationally.

Set beside the wider area around it, pharmacy runs far higher than the surrounding ZIPs on this measure. For clarity, radon is a radioactive soil gas the EPA identifies as the top cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. 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. Arsenic is a natural groundwater contaminant, here a modeled estimate of the chance private-well levels exceed a benchmark. ZIP 51026, just across the boundary, ranks better overall among the ZIPs nearby.

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 Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metro area.

Compared with the ZIP codes measured across all nine scoring domains — not with all US ZIP codes.

Compare within

Lifting this score

Preventive Care

healthier than 75%

13%

Mental Health

healthier than 68%

8%

About typical

Chronic Disease Burden

healthier than 42%

21%

Disability

healthier than 51%

7%

Climate / Disaster Risk

healthier than 43%

5%

Holding it back

Social Need / SDOH

healthier than 36%

16%

Environmental Hazard

healthier than 13%

14%

Risk Behavior

healthier than 40%

11%

Healthcare Access

healthier than 7%

5%

Nothing measured is lifting this score.

About typical

Social Need / SDOH

healthier than 42%

16%

Preventive Care

healthier than 51%

13%

Risk Behavior

healthier than 53%

11%

Holding it back

Chronic Disease Burden

healthier than 32%

21%

Environmental Hazard

healthier than 12%

14%

Mental Health

healthier than 31%

8%

Disability

healthier than 29%

7%

Climate / Disaster Risk

healthier than 25%

5%

Healthcare Access

healthier than 20%

5%

Lifting this score

Environmental Hazard

healthier than 76%

14%

Preventive Care

healthier than 72%

13%

About typical

Risk Behavior

healthier than 45%

11%

Climate / Disaster Risk

healthier than 55%

5%

Holding it back

Chronic Disease Burden

healthier than 17%

21%

Social Need / SDOH

healthier than 24%

16%

Mental Health

healthier than 28%

8%

Disability

healthier than 31%

7%

Healthcare Access

healthier than 14%

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.

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
MeasureCrude prevalence95% CI
Arthritis among adults30.2%27.4–33.2
High blood pressure among adults39.4%35.8–42.7
Cancer (non-skin) or melanoma among adults10.0%9.1–11.1
Current asthma among adults9.9%8.7–11.0
Coronary heart disease among adults8.1%7.2–9.1
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults8.8%7.6–10.1
Depression among adults20.6%17.9–23.5
Diagnosed diabetes among adults13.3%11.6–15.1
High cholesterol among adults who have ever been screened38.1%34.7–41.6
Obesity among adults39.3%34.5–44.2
Stroke among adults4.0%3.6–4.5
All teeth lost among adults aged >=65 years13.3%10.9–16.0
PreventionCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
MeasureCrude prevalence95% CI
Current lack of health insurance among adults aged 18-64 years7.0%5.6–8.5
Taking medicine to control high blood pressure among adults with high blood pressure81.5%79.1–83.9
Visits to doctor for routine checkup within the past year among adults79.5%76.7–82.2
Cholesterol screening among adults85.9%84.1–87.6
Colorectal cancer screening among adults aged 45–75 years68.6%64.6–72.3
Visited dentist or dental clinic in the past year among adults64.1%61.1–67.1
Mammography use among women aged 50-74 years78.4%72.8–83.3
Health Risk BehaviorsCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
MeasureCrude prevalence95% CI
Binge drinking among adults19.0%16.4–21.8
Current cigarette smoking among adults16.8%14.1–19.5
No leisure-time physical activity among adults28.0%24.3–31.9
Short sleep duration among adults30.8%27.3–34.6
Health StatusCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
MeasureCrude prevalence95% CI
Fair or poor self-rated health status among adults20.2%17.6–22.9
Frequent mental distress among adults16.6%14.7–18.5
Frequent physical distress among adults15.0%13.2–16.8
DisabilityCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
MeasureCrude prevalence95% CI
Cognitive disability among adults13.7%12.0–15.5
Any disability among adults30.1%26.5–33.6
Hearing disability among adults8.9%7.8–9.9
Independent living disability among adults8.2%7.1–9.3
Mobility disability among adults15.1%13.0–17.3
Self-care disability among adults4.1%3.6–4.6
Vision disability among adults4.9%4.3–5.5
Health-Related Social NeedsCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
MeasureCrude prevalence95% CI
Lack of social and emotional support among adults23.0%20.0–26.2
Food insecurity in the past 12 months among adults11.5%9.4–13.7
Received food stamps in the past 12 months among adults10.6%8.6–12.8
Housing insecurity in the past 12 months among adults8.8%7.3–10.4
Lack of reliable transportation in the past 12 months among adults6.7%5.8–7.7
Loneliness among adults30.6%26.8–34.4
Utility services shut-off threat in the past 12 months among adults6.4%5.4–7.4
Community & economyCensus ACS 5-Year · 2024 release · observed
MeasureValueUS median (p10–p90)IA median (p10–p90)
Poverty rate11.9%10.6% (3.1–25.8%) n=32,3648.5% (2.7–19.1%) n=931
Uninsured 18–646.3%9.0% (1.5–24.3%) n=32,2865.4% (0.7–14.7%) n=931
No HS diploma (25+)4.1%7.9% (1.8–20.7%) n=32,5055.1% (1.6–12.9%) n=932
Bachelor's or higher (25+)22.5%23.3% (9.2–53.6%) n=32,50520.9% (9.8–36.8%) n=932
Unemployment rate (16+)0.9%3.9% (0.0–9.8%) n=32,2742.2% (0.0–6.7%) n=932
Households without a vehicle4.0%3.9% (0.0–12.5%) n=32,3222.4% (0.0–7.9%) n=931
Broadband subscription79.9%89.3% (75.1–97.1%) n=32,32288.5% (77.9–95.1%) n=931
Housing cost burden (≥30% income)17.0%23.7% (10.6–40.0%) n=32,32218.2% (9.0–28.8%) n=931
Homeownership rate76.6%78.7% (51.7–94.0%) n=32,32282.1% (66.8–93.5%) n=931
Crowded housing (>1 per room)0.2%1.3% (0.0–6.3%) n=32,3220.4% (0.0–3.3%) n=931
Foreign-born population0.0%2.6% (0.0–18.6%) n=32,5531.0% (0.0–7.2%) n=932
Single-parent households48.1%53.6% (37.3–74.1%) n=32,08756.8% (43.7–75.5%) n=928
Population 65+27.9%19.4% (10.8–33.6%) n=32,55320.2% (12.7–31.0%) n=932
Median age50.4 yr42.2 yr (33.0–56.3) n=32,29242.7 yr (34.1–54.7) n=931
Median household income$43,882$72,070 ($46,039–$118,707) n=30,318$73,848 ($55,055–$102,762) n=911
Median home value$114,600$222,200 ($100,300–$579,820) n=30,049$161,100 ($93,820–$278,170) n=892
Median gross rent$1,063$1,021 ($677–$1,912) n=25,670$825 ($614–$1,113) n=771
Life expectancyNCHS / RWJF USALEEP · model-based
MeasureValueUS median (p10–p90)IA median (p10–p90)
Life expectancy at birth80.6 yr ± 0.7378.9 yr (74.7–82.8) n=31,30880.0 yr (77.2–83.4) n=917

About the ± — it’s this estimate’s give-or-take (statisticians call it the standard error). The true life expectancy for this ZIP most likely falls within 0.73 years of 80.6, and it’s very unlikely to be off by more than twice that.

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