ZIP code
51044
in Oto, IowaPopulation 165
53.31/ 100
Ranked #11,613 of 32,066 US ZIPs (top 36%)
Ranked #386 of 922 Iowa ZIPs (top 42%)
Ranked #13 of 30 Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ZIPs (top 43%)
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.
Radon
4 pCi/L
in the top 1.8% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST79thUS98thDefinition & 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 ›Unemployment rate
24.3%
in the top 1.4% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST99thUS99thDefinition & source ›
The share of the civilian labor force that is unemployed.
Full methodology ›Transportation noise
0.00%
at the national minimum
Lower is healthier
ST1stUS1stDefinition & 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 ›Fiber broadband
99.7%
in the top 2.8% nationally
Higher is healthier
ST89thUS97thDefinition & source ›
The share of homes where fiber-optic internet service is available.
Full methodology ›Arsenic in groundwater
25.1%
in the top 4.4% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST88thUS96thDefinition & 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 ›Short sleep
28.5%
in the bottom 4.3% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST5thUS4thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who usually sleep less than seven hours in a 24-hour period.
Full methodology ›Distance to a community health center
24.2 mi
in the top 6.1% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST83rdUS94thDefinition & 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 ›Distance to an emergency room
18.7 mi
in the top 6.5% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST99thUS94thDefinition & source ›
The distance in miles from this ZIP’s edge to the nearest Medicare-certified hospital with an emergency room.
Full methodology ›Home broadband subscription
71.4%
in the bottom 7.0% nationally
Higher is healthier
ST4thUS7thDefinition & source ›
The share of households with a broadband internet subscription.
Full methodology ›Nitrate in drinking water
0.38%
in the top 7.5% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST88thUS93rdDefinition & 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 ›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
Overall, Oto, Iowa (ZIP 51044) lands in the top 36% healthiest ZIPs nationally (11,613th) and the top 42% of Iowa (386th).
The signals balance out across the profile, strengths against concerns: modeled transportation noise lands at the national minimum, and fiber broadband sits in the top 2.8% nationally. Modeled short sleep is in the bottom 4.3% nationally. Set against that, modeled radon settles in the top 1.8% nationally, unemployment resides in the top 1.4% nationally, and modeled arsenic registers in the top 4.4% nationally. Distance to a community health center rests in the top 6.1% nationally, distance to an emergency room stands in the top 6.5% nationally, and home broadband subscription lies in the bottom 7.0% nationally. Modeled nitrate lands in the top 7.5% nationally.
A note on the terms: 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. Nitrate is a groundwater compound from fertilizer, manure, and sewage, here a modeled estimate of the chance private-well levels exceed a benchmark. For a healthier nearby comparison, ZIP 51056, just across the boundary, ranks better overall.
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.
Lifting this score
Preventive Care
healthier than 87%
13%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 67%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 81%
8%
Disability
healthier than 62%
7%
About typical
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 51%
21%
Holding it back
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 36%
16%
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 20%
14%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 35%
5%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 5%
5%
Lifting this score
Preventive Care
healthier than 88%
13%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 93%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 78%
8%
About typical
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 50%
21%
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 43%
16%
Disability
healthier than 53%
7%
Holding it back
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 25%
14%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 14%
5%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 12%
5%
Lifting this score
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 90%
14%
Preventive Care
in the top 0.00%
13%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 93%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 76%
8%
About typical
Disability
healthier than 48%
7%
Holding it back
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 28%
21%
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 28%
16%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 31%
5%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 3%
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
51004
Iowashares a border
Score 49.44
Closest healthier
51056
Iowashares a border
Score 53.53
Similar health profile
50597
Iowa99% similar profile
Score 54.98
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 | 30.1% | 27.3–33.2 |
| High blood pressure among adults | 38.8% | 35.6–42.3 |
| Cancer (non-skin) or melanoma among adults | 10.8% | 9.8–11.9 |
| Current asthma among adults | 9.5% | 8.5–10.7 |
| Coronary heart disease among adults | 8.3% | 7.4–9.2 |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults | 7.8% | 6.7–9.0 |
| Depression among adults | 19.6% | 17.1–22.3 |
| Diagnosed diabetes among adults | 12.4% | 10.9–14.2 |
| High cholesterol among adults who have ever been screened | 38.0% | 34.7–41.4 |
| Obesity among adults | 36.9% | 32.3–41.6 |
| Stroke among adults | 3.9% | 3.5–4.3 |
| All teeth lost among adults aged >=65 years | 9.9% | 8.1–12.1 |
PreventionCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Current lack of health insurance among adults aged 18-64 years | 6.2% | 4.9–7.6 |
| Taking medicine to control high blood pressure among adults with high blood pressure | 82.5% | 80.1–84.8 |
| Visits to doctor for routine checkup within the past year among adults | 80.5% | 77.8–83.1 |
| Cholesterol screening among adults | 87.4% | 85.5–89.0 |
| Colorectal cancer screening among adults aged 45–75 years | 69.7% | 66.0–73.3 |
| Visited dentist or dental clinic in the past year among adults | 68.6% | 65.8–71.4 |
| Mammography use among women aged 50-74 years | 79.0% | 73.5–84.0 |
Health Risk BehaviorsCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Binge drinking among adults | 18.2% | 15.7–21.0 |
| Current cigarette smoking among adults | 14.3% | 11.9–16.8 |
| No leisure-time physical activity among adults | 26.3% | 22.7–30.2 |
| Short sleep duration among adults | 28.5% | 25.2–32.0 |
Health StatusCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Fair or poor self-rated health status among adults | 18.2% | 15.9–20.8 |
| Frequent mental distress among adults | 15.5% | 13.7–17.4 |
| Frequent physical distress among adults | 14.0% | 12.3–15.7 |
DisabilityCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive disability among adults | 12.4% | 10.8–14.1 |
| Any disability among adults | 28.9% | 25.6–32.5 |
| Hearing disability among adults | 9.4% | 8.4–10.5 |
| Independent living disability among adults | 7.4% | 6.4–8.3 |
| Mobility disability among adults | 14.1% | 12.2–16.2 |
| Self-care disability among adults | 3.5% | 3.1–4.0 |
| Vision disability among adults | 4.3% | 3.8–4.9 |
Health-Related Social NeedsCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of social and emotional support among adults | 22.2% | 19.0–25.5 |
| Food insecurity in the past 12 months among adults | 9.3% | 7.6–11.3 |
| Received food stamps in the past 12 months among adults | 8.2% | 6.6–10.1 |
| Housing insecurity in the past 12 months among adults | 7.5% | 6.3–9.0 |
| Lack of reliable transportation in the past 12 months among adults | 5.7% | 4.9–6.6 |
| Loneliness among adults | 30.0% | 26.1–33.9 |
| Utility services shut-off threat in the past 12 months among adults | 5.3% | 4.5–6.3 |
Community & economyCensus ACS 5-Year · 2024 release · observed
| Measure | Value | US median (p10–p90) | IA median (p10–p90) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poverty rate | 7.3% | 10.6% (3.1–25.8%) n=32,364 | 8.5% (2.7–19.1%) n=931 |
| Uninsured 18–64 | 0.0% | 9.0% (1.5–24.3%) n=32,286 | 5.4% (0.7–14.7%) n=931 |
| No HS diploma (25+) | 2.8% | 7.9% (1.8–20.7%) n=32,505 | 5.1% (1.6–12.9%) n=932 |
| Bachelor's or higher (25+) | 29.7% | 23.3% (9.2–53.6%) n=32,505 | 20.9% (9.8–36.8%) n=932 |
| Unemployment rate (16+) | 24.3% | 3.9% (0.0–9.8%) n=32,274 | 2.2% (0.0–6.7%) n=932 |
| Households without a vehicle | 2.6% | 3.9% (0.0–12.5%) n=32,322 | 2.4% (0.0–7.9%) n=931 |
| Broadband subscription | 71.4% | 89.3% (75.1–97.1%) n=32,322 | 88.5% (77.9–95.1%) n=931 |
| Housing cost burden (≥30% income) | 24.7% | 23.7% (10.6–40.0%) n=32,322 | 18.2% (9.0–28.8%) n=931 |
| Homeownership rate | 94.8% | 78.7% (51.7–94.0%) n=32,322 | 82.1% (66.8–93.5%) n=931 |
| Crowded housing (>1 per room) | 0.0% | 1.3% (0.0–6.3%) n=32,322 | 0.4% (0.0–3.3%) n=931 |
| Foreign-born population | 19.4% | 2.6% (0.0–18.6%) n=32,553 | 1.0% (0.0–7.2%) n=932 |
| Single-parent households | 80.0% | 53.6% (37.3–74.1%) n=32,087 | 56.8% (43.7–75.5%) n=928 |
| Population 65+ | 72.7% | 19.4% (10.8–33.6%) n=32,553 | 20.2% (12.7–31.0%) n=932 |
| Median age | 72.7 yr | 42.2 yr (33.0–56.3) n=32,292 | 42.7 yr (34.1–54.7) n=931 |
| Median household income | $90,417 | $72,070 ($46,039–$118,707) n=30,318 | $73,848 ($55,055–$102,762) n=911 |
| Median home value | $83,800 | $222,200 ($100,300–$579,820) n=30,049 | $161,100 ($93,820–$278,170) n=892 |
| Median gross rent | — | $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 at birth | 81.5 yr ± 1.23 | 78.9 yr (74.7–82.8) n=31,308 | 80.0 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 1.23 years of 81.5, and it’s very unlikely to be off by more than twice that.
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