HousingHandbookReference data

U.S. ZIP Code · IA50278

Story County · Ames, IA

Typical home value

$257,388[1]

Zillow Home Value Index, as of April 2026

Appreciation

1-year
+5.0%
5-year / yr
+5.5%
10-year / yr
+6.1%

Relative price

vs U.S.
-9.4%
vs metro
-6.7%
vs state
+25.8%
ZIP 50278 location in IA
Location of ZIP 50278 in IA

Price history

Zillow Home Value Index — monthly, smoothed and seasonally adjusted.

The typical home in 50278 is worth $257,388 — 6.7% below the Ames, IA median. Over the past year, values have risen 5.0%. The effective property tax rate is 1.2%.

#Rent & investment

Typical asking rent, and the returns it implies at the current home value.

Monthly rent
[2]
Gross yield
[2]
Cap rate
[2]

#Property tax

Effective rate — total real estate taxes paid relative to total home value.

Effective tax rate
1.2%[3]
Typical annual tax
$3,071[3]

#Climate risk

FEMA National Risk Index ratings for Story County. "Not Applicable" means the hazard does not threaten the county.

Overall risk
Relatively Low[4]
Riverine flood
Relatively Low
Coastal flood
Not Applicable
Wildfire
Very Low
Drought
Relatively High
Heat wave
Very Low
Hurricane
Very Low
Tornado
Relatively High
Earthquake
Very Low
Winter weather
Relatively High

#Who lives here

Population
891[3]
Median household income
$74,306[3]

#Migration

Household moves in and out of Story County over a year, from IRS tax-return data.

Net migration
-444[5]
Moved in
3,311
Moved out
3,755

Schools

Open public schools in this ZIP, from the NCES Common Core of Data.

Public schools
1
Elementary
1
Middle
0
High
0
  • Colo-Nesco Elementary School

    Elementary · Grades PK–4 · Colo-NESCO Comm School District

    164 students

Run the numbers

Interactive calculators pre-filled with this ZIP's typical home value, rent, and property-tax rate. Edit any field to recompute.

Gross yield
Net yield (after ~40% expenses)
Annual rent

Gross and net yield are estimates based on the inputs and the selected expense ratio. Actual income and expenses will vary by property and market. Not investment advice.

Monthly payment$1,301
Loan principal$205,910
Down payment$51,478
Total interest paid$262,627

Estimated monthly payments include principal and interest only. Actual costs will include property tax, insurance, possibly PMI, and HOA fees not modeled here. Loan terms shown are estimates; consult a licensed lender for current rates and qualification.

Own : rent ratio
Monthly cost to own$1,771
Monthly rent

This calculator projects multi-year scenarios based on assumptions about appreciation, rent growth, and investment returns — none of which are guaranteed. Actual outcomes depend on variables this tool cannot know. Not financial or real estate advice.

#Metro ranking

Where this ZIP sits among others in its metro area.

Appreciation
41st percentile[1]
Rental yield
[2]
Property tax
29th percentile[3]

Frequently asked

How much is a home worth in ZIP code 50278?
The typical home in 50278 is worth $257,388, based on the Zillow Home Value Index.
Are home values rising in 50278?
Home values in 50278 are up 5.0% over the past year, and up 5.5% a year over five years.
What is the property tax rate in 50278?
The effective property tax rate in 50278 is 1.2% — roughly $3,071 a year on a typical home.
Who lives in 50278?
ZIP code 50278 has a population of 891 and a median household income of $74,306.

#Comparable ZIPs

Same metro, nearest typical home value. Each card shows the comparable ZIP's headline numbers so you can scan at a glance.

  • Roland, IA

    Typical home
    $256,972
    Gross yield
  • Colo, IA

    Typical home
    $254,817
    Gross yield
  • Nevada, IA

    Typical home
    $246,339
    Gross yield
  • Collins, IA

    Typical home
    $269,429
    Gross yield
  • McCallsburg, IA

    Typical home
    $242,093
    Gross yield
  • Ogden, IA

    Typical home
    $239,397
    Gross yield

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