ZIP code
51049
in Quimby, IowaPopulation 448
55.92/ 100
Ranked #8,366 of 32,066 US ZIPs (top 26%)
Ranked #200 of 922 Iowa ZIPs (top 22%)
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
4.1 pCi/L
in the top 1.6% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST81stUS98thDefinition & 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
31.6%
in the top 2.8% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST93rdUS97thDefinition & 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
8.7%
in the top 3.3% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST97thUS97thDefinition & 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 ›Housing insecurity
6.6%
in the bottom 4.9% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST4thUS5thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who experienced housing insecurity in the past 12 months.
Full methodology ›Fiber broadband
98.7%
in the top 5.5% nationally
Higher is healthier
ST83rdUS95thDefinition & source ›
The share of homes where fiber-optic internet service is available.
Full methodology ›Colon-cancer screening
74.8%
in the top 3.4% nationally
Higher is healthier
ST98thUS97thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults aged 45–75 who are up to date on colorectal-cancer screening.
Full methodology ›Short sleep
28.9%
in the bottom 5.5% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST7thUS5thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who usually sleep less than seven hours in a 24-hour period.
Full methodology ›Utility shut-off threat
4.4%
in the bottom 6.6% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST3rdUS7thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults whose household was threatened with a utility shut-off in the past 12 months.
Full methodology ›Lack of transportation
5.0%
in the bottom 7.6% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST6thUS8thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults who lacked reliable transportation in the past 12 months.
Full methodology ›Fine-particle (PM2.5) exceedance
1.1%
in the top 9.1% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST94thUS91stDefinition & 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
By the composite health measure, Quimby, Iowa (ZIP 51049) ranks in the top 26% healthiest ZIPs nationally (8,366th) and the top 22% of Iowa (200th).
A number of measures pull each way for this area: modeled housing insecurity lies in the bottom 4.9% nationally, and fiber broadband lands in the top 5.5% nationally. Modeled colon screening sits in the top 3.4% nationally, and short sleep is in the bottom 5.5% nationally. Modeled utility shutoff settles in the bottom 6.6% nationally. Unemployment resides at the national minimum, shared with about 15% of ZIPs. Modeled transportation registers in the bottom 7.6% nationally. Set against that, modeled radon rests in the top 1.6% nationally, arsenic stands in the top 2.8% nationally, and nitrate lies in the top 3.3% nationally.
To spell things out, 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. Close by, ZIP 51005, about 1.0 miles away, ranks healthier 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.
Compared with the ZIP codes measured across all nine scoring domains — not with all US ZIP codes.
Lifting this score
Preventive Care
healthier than 91%
13%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 69%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 87%
8%
Disability
healthier than 75%
7%
About typical
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 52%
21%
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 56%
16%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 58%
5%
Holding it back
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 10%
14%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 11%
5%
Lifting this score
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 70%
16%
Preventive Care
healthier than 94%
13%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 94%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 94%
8%
Disability
healthier than 77%
7%
About typical
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 52%
21%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 59%
5%
Holding it back
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 8%
14%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 31%
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
51012
Iowashares a border
Score 45.29
Closest healthier
51005
Iowaabout 1.0 mi away
Score 56.93
Similar health profile
58009
North Dakota98% similar profile
Score 60.70
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 | 30.3% | 26.7–34.0 |
| High blood pressure among adults | 37.9% | 33.3–42.3 |
| Cancer (non-skin) or melanoma among adults | 11.4% | 10.2–12.6 |
| Current asthma among adults | 9.6% | 8.4–10.9 |
| Coronary heart disease among adults | 7.5% | 6.6–8.5 |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults | 7.4% | 6.2–8.7 |
| Depression among adults | 19.3% | 16.2–22.7 |
| Diagnosed diabetes among adults | 11.7% | 10.0–13.6 |
| High cholesterol among adults who have ever been screened | 40.6% | 36.0–45.2 |
| Obesity among adults | 37.1% | 29.2–45.2 |
| Stroke among adults | 3.6% | 3.2–4.1 |
| All teeth lost among adults aged >=65 years | 9.4% | 7.5–11.5 |
PreventionCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Current lack of health insurance among adults aged 18-64 years | 6.0% | 4.7–7.6 |
| Taking medicine to control high blood pressure among adults with high blood pressure | 81.7% | 78.8–84.1 |
| Visits to doctor for routine checkup within the past year among adults | 79.8% | 76.4–83.0 |
| Cholesterol screening among adults | 87.5% | 85.7–89.2 |
| Colorectal cancer screening among adults aged 45–75 years | 74.8% | 69.9–79.2 |
| Visited dentist or dental clinic in the past year among adults | 69.3% | 66.0–72.5 |
| Mammography use among women aged 50-74 years | 79.1% | 72.0–85.3 |
Health Risk BehaviorsCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Binge drinking among adults | 18.8% | 15.6–22.3 |
| Current cigarette smoking among adults | 13.3% | 10.8–16.1 |
| No leisure-time physical activity among adults | 24.6% | 20.0–29.6 |
| Short sleep duration among adults | 28.9% | 23.3–35.4 |
Health StatusCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Fair or poor self-rated health status among adults | 16.3% | 13.6–19.3 |
| Frequent mental distress among adults | 14.4% | 12.5–16.5 |
| Frequent physical distress among adults | 12.6% | 10.8–14.6 |
DisabilityCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive disability among adults | 11.7% | 10.0–13.6 |
| Any disability among adults | 27.1% | 22.8–31.7 |
| Hearing disability among adults | 8.5% | 7.4–9.5 |
| Independent living disability among adults | 6.6% | 5.6–7.7 |
| Mobility disability among adults | 13.1% | 11.0–15.5 |
| Self-care disability among adults | 3.1% | 2.7–3.6 |
| Vision disability among adults | 3.8% | 3.2–4.3 |
Health-Related Social NeedsCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of social and emotional support among adults | 22.4% | 18.8–26.3 |
| Food insecurity in the past 12 months among adults | 8.5% | 6.7–10.4 |
| Received food stamps in the past 12 months among adults | 6.5% | 5.0–8.1 |
| Housing insecurity in the past 12 months among adults | 6.6% | 5.3–7.9 |
| Lack of reliable transportation in the past 12 months among adults | 5.0% | 4.2–5.9 |
| Loneliness among adults | 30.4% | 25.4–35.6 |
| Utility services shut-off threat in the past 12 months among adults | 4.4% | 3.6–5.2 |
Community & economyCensus ACS 5-Year · 2024 release · observed
| Measure | Value | US median (p10–p90) | IA median (p10–p90) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poverty rate | 8.7% | 10.6% (3.1–25.8%) n=32,364 | 8.5% (2.7–19.1%) n=931 |
| Uninsured 18–64 | 0.8% | 9.0% (1.5–24.3%) n=32,286 | 5.4% (0.7–14.7%) n=931 |
| No HS diploma (25+) | 4.9% | 7.9% (1.8–20.7%) n=32,505 | 5.1% (1.6–12.9%) n=932 |
| Bachelor's or higher (25+) | 14.7% | 23.3% (9.2–53.6%) n=32,505 | 20.9% (9.8–36.8%) n=932 |
| Unemployment rate (16+) | 0.0% | 3.9% (0.0–9.8%) n=32,274 | 2.2% (0.0–6.7%) n=932 |
| Households without a vehicle | 0.0% | 3.9% (0.0–12.5%) n=32,322 | 2.4% (0.0–7.9%) n=931 |
| Broadband subscription | 89.7% | 89.3% (75.1–97.1%) n=32,322 | 88.5% (77.9–95.1%) n=931 |
| Housing cost burden (≥30% income) | 13.0% | 23.7% (10.6–40.0%) n=32,322 | 18.2% (9.0–28.8%) n=931 |
| Homeownership rate | 83.0% | 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 | 0.0% | 2.6% (0.0–18.6%) n=32,553 | 1.0% (0.0–7.2%) n=932 |
| Single-parent households | 81.7% | 53.6% (37.3–74.1%) n=32,087 | 56.8% (43.7–75.5%) n=928 |
| Population 65+ | 25.7% | 19.4% (10.8–33.6%) n=32,553 | 20.2% (12.7–31.0%) n=932 |
| Median age | 46.9 yr | 42.2 yr (33.0–56.3) n=32,292 | 42.7 yr (34.1–54.7) n=931 |
| Median household income | $57,120 | $72,070 ($46,039–$118,707) n=30,318 | $73,848 ($55,055–$102,762) n=911 |
| Median home value | $106,100 | $222,200 ($100,300–$579,820) n=30,049 | $161,100 ($93,820–$278,170) n=892 |
| Median gross rent | $643 | $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 | 79.8 yr ± 1.46 | 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 1.46 years of 79.8, 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