ZIP code
51559
in Neola, IowaPopulation 1,841
54.81/ 100
Ranked #9,684 of 32,066 US ZIPs (top 30%)
Ranked #277 of 922 Iowa ZIPs (top 30%)
Ranked #79 of 113 Omaha, NE-IA ZIPs (bottom 30%)
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
4.2 pCi/L
in the top 1.4% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST83rdUS99thDefinition & 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 ›Binge drinking
21.7%
in the top 2.1% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST90thUS98thDefinition & 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 ›Nitrate in drinking water
0.41%
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 ›Recreation access
1 per 1,000 residents
in the top 8.0% nationally
Higher is healthier
ST88thUS92ndDefinition & 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 ›PFAS in drinking water
9.6%
in the bottom 8.1% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST22ndUS8thDefinition & 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 ›Unemployment rate
10.7%
in the top 8.3% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST96thUS92ndDefinition & source ›
The share of the civilian labor force that is unemployed.
Full methodology ›Uninsured (under 65)
5.3%
in the bottom 8.3% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST8thUS8thDefinition & source ›
The estimated share of adults aged 18–64 with no current health-insurance coverage.
Full methodology ›Distance to a nursing home
7.5 mi
in the top 18% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST94thUS82ndDefinition & source ›
The distance in miles from this ZIP’s edge to the nearest Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing home.
Full methodology ›Dry extreme heat
22 days/year
in the top 21% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST93rdUS79thDefinition & source ›
The average number of days per year with a modeled daily high of at least 95 °F.
Full methodology ›Air-toxics cancer risk
20 per million
in the bottom 25% nationally
Lower is healthier
ST1stUS25thDefinition & source ›
The EPA’s modeled estimate of added lifetime cancer risk from breathing outdoor air toxics, in cases per million people exposed over a lifetime.
Full methodology ›The read
Neola, Iowa (ZIP 51559), in overall standing, comes out in the top 30% healthiest ZIPs nationally (9,684th) and the top 30% of Iowa (277th).
A few readings each way define this mixed profile: recreation sits in the top 8.0% nationally, modeled pfas stands in the bottom 8.1% nationally, and modeled housing insecurity resides in the bottom 12.3% nationally. Modeled transportation sits in the bottom 12.4% nationally. Pulling the other way, modeled radon stands in the top 1.4% nationally, and binge drinking resides in the top 2.1% nationally. Modeled nitrate sits in the top 7.5% nationally, and unemployment stands in the top 8.3% nationally. Modeled fine-particle resides in the top 14.9% nationally. Distance to a hazardous-chemical facility sits at the national minimum, shared with about 31% of ZIPs.
Defined simply, for reference, radon is a radioactive soil gas the EPA identifies as the top cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Nitrate is a groundwater compound from fertilizer, manure, and sewage, 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. The closest healthier ZIP overall is ZIP 51542, 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 Omaha, NE-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 70%
21%
Preventive Care
healthier than 79%
13%
Mental Health
healthier than 66%
8%
Disability
healthier than 81%
7%
About typical
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 41%
16%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 49%
5%
Holding it back
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 23%
14%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 35%
11%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 16%
5%
Lifting this score
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 83%
21%
Preventive Care
healthier than 64%
13%
Disability
healthier than 86%
7%
About typical
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 50%
16%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 42%
11%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 44%
5%
Holding it back
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 30%
14%
Mental Health
healthier than 26%
8%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 35%
5%
Lifting this score
Preventive Care
healthier than 76%
13%
Climate / Disaster Risk
healthier than 79%
5%
About typical
Chronic Disease Burden
healthier than 46%
21%
Environmental Hazard
healthier than 59%
14%
Disability
healthier than 54%
7%
Holding it back
Social Need / SDOH
healthier than 19%
16%
Risk Behavior
healthier than 21%
11%
Mental Health
healthier than 11%
8%
Healthcare Access
healthier than 27%
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
51542
Iowashares a border
Score 59.02
Closest healthier
51548
Iowashares a border
Score 59.17
Similar health profile
50057
Iowa99% similar profile
Score 53.66
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 | 27.0% | 24.4–29.7 |
| High blood pressure among adults | 33.7% | 30.5–36.9 |
| Cancer (non-skin) or melanoma among adults | 9.6% | 8.7–10.4 |
| Current asthma among adults | 10.2% | 9.2–11.4 |
| Coronary heart disease among adults | 6.1% | 5.5–6.7 |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults | 6.5% | 5.7–7.3 |
| Depression among adults | 21.7% | 18.9–24.5 |
| Diagnosed diabetes among adults | 10.2% | 8.9–11.5 |
| High cholesterol among adults who have ever been screened | 36.7% | 33.4–39.9 |
| Obesity among adults | 37.0% | 32.2–41.8 |
| Stroke among adults | 3.1% | 2.8–3.4 |
| All teeth lost among adults aged >=65 years | 10.1% | 8.3–12.1 |
PreventionCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Current lack of health insurance among adults aged 18-64 years | 5.3% | 4.4–6.3 |
| Taking medicine to control high blood pressure among adults with high blood pressure | 79.2% | 76.6–81.6 |
| Visits to doctor for routine checkup within the past year among adults | 78.1% | 75.1–80.9 |
| Cholesterol screening among adults | 86.6% | 85.0–88.2 |
| Colorectal cancer screening among adults aged 45–75 years | 69.2% | 65.3–72.9 |
| Visited dentist or dental clinic in the past year among adults | 69.2% | 66.2–72.0 |
| Mammography use among women aged 50-74 years | 78.7% | 72.8–83.9 |
Health Risk BehaviorsCDC PLACES 2022 / 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Binge drinking among adults | 21.7% | 18.7–24.7 |
| Current cigarette smoking among adults | 14.7% | 12.6–17.0 |
| No leisure-time physical activity among adults | 22.8% | 19.7–26.3 |
| Short sleep duration among adults | 33.1% | 28.6–37.9 |
Health StatusCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Fair or poor self-rated health status among adults | 15.3% | 13.4–17.4 |
| Frequent mental distress among adults | 16.0% | 14.3–17.9 |
| Frequent physical distress among adults | 12.2% | 10.8–13.7 |
DisabilityCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive disability among adults | 12.4% | 11.0–14.0 |
| Any disability among adults | 27.2% | 24.0–30.5 |
| Hearing disability among adults | 7.1% | 6.3–7.8 |
| Independent living disability among adults | 6.6% | 5.9–7.4 |
| Mobility disability among adults | 12.0% | 10.5–13.6 |
| Self-care disability among adults | 3.0% | 2.7–3.3 |
| Vision disability among adults | 3.5% | 3.2–3.9 |
Health-Related Social NeedsCDC PLACES 2023 · BRFSS
| Measure | Crude prevalence | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of social and emotional support among adults | 23.3% | 20.3–26.4 |
| Food insecurity in the past 12 months among adults | 9.4% | 7.9–11.0 |
| Received food stamps in the past 12 months among adults | 7.3% | 6.0–8.6 |
| Housing insecurity in the past 12 months among adults | 7.6% | 6.5–8.8 |
| Lack of reliable transportation in the past 12 months among adults | 5.4% | 4.8–6.1 |
| Loneliness among adults | 32.9% | 29.0–36.9 |
| Utility services shut-off threat in the past 12 months among adults | 5.2% | 4.5–6.0 |
Community & economyCensus ACS 5-Year · 2024 release · observed
| Measure | Value | US median (p10–p90) | IA median (p10–p90) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poverty rate | 6.2% | 10.6% (3.1–25.8%) n=32,364 | 8.5% (2.7–19.1%) n=931 |
| Uninsured 18–64 | 5.2% | 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+) | 22.5% | 23.3% (9.2–53.6%) n=32,505 | 20.9% (9.8–36.8%) n=932 |
| Unemployment rate (16+) | 10.7% | 3.9% (0.0–9.8%) n=32,274 | 2.2% (0.0–6.7%) n=932 |
| Households without a vehicle | 5.4% | 3.9% (0.0–12.5%) n=32,322 | 2.4% (0.0–7.9%) n=931 |
| Broadband subscription | 84.5% | 89.3% (75.1–97.1%) n=32,322 | 88.5% (77.9–95.1%) n=931 |
| Housing cost burden (≥30% income) | 19.5% | 23.7% (10.6–40.0%) n=32,322 | 18.2% (9.0–28.8%) n=931 |
| Homeownership rate | 74.1% | 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 | 0.5% | 2.6% (0.0–18.6%) n=32,553 | 1.0% (0.0–7.2%) n=932 |
| Single-parent households | 44.1% | 53.6% (37.3–74.1%) n=32,087 | 56.8% (43.7–75.5%) n=928 |
| Population 65+ | 18.0% | 19.4% (10.8–33.6%) n=32,553 | 20.2% (12.7–31.0%) n=932 |
| Median age | 37.4 yr | 42.2 yr (33.0–56.3) n=32,292 | 42.7 yr (34.1–54.7) n=931 |
| Median household income | $74,761 | $72,070 ($46,039–$118,707) n=30,318 | $73,848 ($55,055–$102,762) n=911 |
| Median home value | $201,800 | $222,200 ($100,300–$579,820) n=30,049 | $161,100 ($93,820–$278,170) n=892 |
| Median gross rent | $961 | $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 | 84.8 yr ± 1.53 | 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 1.53 years of 84.8, 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