ZIP code 51242
Where is ZIP code 51242?
Lester, Iowa
Lyon County · PO Box only ZIP code
ZIP code 51242 belongs to Lester, Iowa in Lyon County. 51242 is a PO Box only ZIP code: it is used for post office boxes at the Lester post office, not for street addresses. It is in the Central Time zone and uses area code 712. About 379 people live in the 51242 area, where the median household income is $95,625. The closest ZIP codes are 51241 (Larchwood, 4.5 mi west), 56138 (Hills, 6.3 mi north) and 56173 (Steen, 7.6 mi northeast).
| ZIP code | 51242 |
|---|---|
| Type | PO Box only (no street delivery) |
| Status | Active |
| City | Lester |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Lyon County |
| Time zone | Central Time · now |
| Area code | 712 |
| Coordinates | 43.4443, -96.3361 map |
| 3-digit prefix | 512 |
Population and income in 51242
| Population | 379 · lower than 77% of Iowa ZIP codes |
|---|---|
| People per square mile | 70 · higher than 76% of Iowa ZIP codes |
| Median age | 38.1 years · lower than 76% of Iowa ZIP codes |
| Men / women | 46% / 54% |
| Median household income | $95,625 · higher than 85% of Iowa ZIP codes |
| Income per person | $39,556 |
| Below the poverty line | 1.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 21% of adults 25+ |
| Median home value | $190,900 · higher than 66% of Iowa ZIP codes |
| Housing units | 132 |
| Households | 127 (2.98 people on average) |
| Owners / renters | 87% / 13% |
| Land area | 5.45 sq mi |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2020–2024) for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 51242. Census ZIP areas are close to, but not exactly the same as, USPS delivery areas.
ZIP codes near 51242
| ZIP code | City | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51241 | Larchwood, IA | 4.5 mi W | Standard |
| 56138 | Hills, MN | 6.3 mi N | Standard |
| 56173 | Steen, MN | 7.6 mi NE | Standard |
| 51246 | Rock Rapids, IA | 8 mi E | Standard |
| 51230 | Alvord, IA | 8.9 mi S | Standard |
| 51240 | Inwood, IA | 10.9 mi SW | Standard |
| 57068 | Valley Springs, SD | 12.2 mi NW | Standard |
| 56116 | Beaver Creek, MN | 12.4 mi N | Standard |
| 51235 | Doon, IA | 12.8 mi SE | Standard |
| 56146 | Kanaranzi, MN | 15.1 mi NE | Standard |
| 56156 | Luverne, MN | 16.1 mi N | Standard |
| 57013 | Canton, SD | 16.2 mi SW | Standard |
Straight-line distance between ZIP code center points. Find every ZIP code within 10 miles of 51242 or measure the distance to another ZIP code.
How to address mail to 51242
PO BOX 123
LESTER IA 51242
Put the city, the two-letter state code and the ZIP code on the last line. Adding the 4-digit ZIP+4 code (51242-XXXX) helps mail sort faster but isn’t required.
Questions
- What city is ZIP code 51242?
- 51242 is a Lester, Iowa ZIP code.
- What county is 51242 in?
- ZIP code 51242 is in Lyon County, Iowa.
- What time zone is ZIP code 51242 in?
- 51242 is in the Central Time zone (America/Chicago).
- What area code is 51242?
- Phone numbers in ZIP code 51242 use area code 712.
- What is the population of ZIP code 51242?
- About 379 people live in ZIP code 51242, according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2020–2024).
- What is the median income in 51242?
- The median household income in 51242 is $95,625 a year, higher than 85% of Iowa ZIP codes.
- Can I use 51242 for a street address?
- No. 51242 is only for PO Boxes. Street addresses in Lester use another ZIP code.
- What ZIP codes are near 51242?
- The nearest ZIP codes to 51242 are 51241 (Larchwood, 4.5 miles), 56138 (Hills, 6.3 miles), 56173 (Steen, 7.6 miles) and 51246 (Rock Rapids, 8 miles).