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ZIP Code · IA

ZIP 51501

Pop. 34,618·Pottawattamie County·15th most expensive ZIP in Iowa
Median rent (all units)
$1,375/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.4%
Month-over-Month
+0.9%
vs US Median
-$590
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 51501 · $1,375
More affordable than 82% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$960
1 BR
$1,020
2 BR
$1,210
3 BR
$1,600
4 BR+
$1,810
Research median
$1,210/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,500/yr
At $1,375/mo median
Location
StateIA
CountyPottawattamie County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.4% YoY, +0.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 51501 (Council Bluffs, IA) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 16% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
34,618
Median income
$59,843
Median age
38
Renters
36.2%
Age distribution
22.7%
23.2%
24.6%
13.3%
16.2%
Under 1822.7%
18–3423.2%
35–5424.6%
55–6413.3%
65+16.2%
Gender
49.1%
50.9%
Male49.1%
Female50.9%
Race & ethnicity
82.8%
16%
White82.8%
Black1.7%
Hispanic16%
Asian1.7%
Education (25+)
14.8%
38.9%
30.3%
16%
No HS diploma14.8%
HS diploma38.9%
Some college30.3%
Bachelor's+16%
Housing tenure
63.8%
36.2%
Owner63.8%
Renter36.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 51501 in Council Bluffs, IA has changed in 5 years

Income
$53,238 → $59,843
up 12.4%
Population
35,051 → 34,618
down 1.2%
Renter share
35.5% → 36.2%
+0.7 pts
Bachelor's+
14.2% → 16%
+1.8 pts

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $53,238 in 2021 to $59,843 more recently. Headcount in the area went from 35,051 to 34,618 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.2% change.

Community

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 51501

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 51501 covers Council Bluffs, IA. The median rent here is $1,375/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,020/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,210/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($59,843/yr), ZIP 51501 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 51501?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 51501 (Council Bluffs, IA) is $1,375. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 51501 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 51501's median rent of $1,375/mo is $590 (30%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 51501 compare to other ZIPs in Iowa?

ZIP 51501 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Iowa, ranking #15 out of 55 ZIPs tracked at $1,375/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 51501?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,375/mo in ZIP 51501. The local median household income is $59,843/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 51501?

Rent in ZIP 51501 has increased 13.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 51501 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 51501 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,375/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($59,843/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 51501 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 51501 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 36.2% of ZIP 51501 households are renters, while 63.8% are owner-occupied. ZIP 51501 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 51501 compare to the rest of Council Bluffs?

ZIP 51501 is pricier than Council Bluffs as a whole. At $1,375/mo, it's $27 above the Council Bluffs citywide median of $1,348/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 51501 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 51501 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,375/mo, rent takes ~28% of ZIP 51501's median household income ($59,843/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 51501 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.8%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 51501 (Council Bluffs, IA)

Recent submissions

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