2026 Rankings

Environmental Justice Concern Areas in Iowa — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

753 ZIP codes ranked by EJ Index #1: ZIP 50112 (Grinnell, IA) - 80/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 753 ZIP codes with data in Iowa, these are the highest-ranked areas for ej index. See also: National ZIP Codes with Highest Environmental Justice Concern | All Iowa Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 753
Highest value 80/100
Median value 20/100
State Iowa

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State EJ Index Safety Score
1 50112 Grinnell IA 80/100 36/100
2 51451 Lanesboro IA 75/100 50/100
3 52401 Cedar Rapids IA 75/100 55/100
4 52556 Fairfield IA 66/100 61/100
5 52001 Dubuque IA 62/100 59/100
6 52240 Iowa City IA 62/100 46/100
7 52246 Iowa City IA 62/100 46/100
8 50144 Leon IA 60/100 60/100
9 50501 Fort Dodge IA 60/100 35/100
10 50562 Mallard IA 60/100 46/100
11 52301 Marengo IA 60/100 50/100
12 52322 Oxford IA 60/100 55/100
13 52404 Cedar Rapids IA 60/100 50/100
14 52405 Cedar Rapids IA 60/100 50/100
15 50140 Lamoni IA 58/100 65/100
16 50128 Jamaica IA 56/100 32/100
17 50213 Osceola IA 56/100 56/100
18 50009 Altoona IA 54/100 65/100
19 51440 Dedham IA 54/100 50/100
20 52761 Muscatine IA 52/100 54/100
21 50158 Marshalltown IA 50/100 47/100
22 50401 Mason City IA 50/100 55/100
23 50535 Early IA 50/100 60/100
24 50552 Knierim IA 50/100 60/100
25 50557 Lehigh IA 50/100 44/100
26 51101 Sioux City IA 50/100 70/100
27 51540 Hastings IA 50/100 47/100
28 51555 Missouri Valley IA 50/100 46/100
29 52310 Monticello IA 50/100 64/100
30 52341 Toddville IA 50/100 66/100
31 52402 Cedar Rapids IA 50/100 60/100
32 52403 Cedar Rapids IA 50/100 55/100
33 52411 Cedar Rapids IA 50/100 65/100
34 52730 Camanche IA 50/100 60/100
35 50029 Bayard IA 49/100 52/100
36 50541 Gilmore City IA 48/100 65/100
37 50853 Massena IA 48/100 60/100
38 52338 Swisher IA 48/100 65/100
39 50249 Stratford IA 46/100 59/100
40 50611 Bristow IA 46/100 55/100
41 51501 Council Bluffs IA 46/100 51/100
42 51650 Riverton IA 46/100 62/100
43 52241 Coralville IA 46/100 52/100
44 52801 Davenport IA 46/100 49/100
45 50027 Barnes City IA 45/100 54/100
46 50556 Ledyard IA 45/100 66/100
47 52544 Centerville IA 45/100 66/100
48 50111 Grimes IA 44/100 67/100
49 50322 Urbandale IA 44/100 54/100
50 50575 Pomeroy IA 44/100 65/100
51 50616 Charles City IA 44/100 52/100
52 51544 Lewis IA 44/100 65/100
53 52154 Lawler IA 44/100 64/100
54 52205 Anamosa IA 44/100 61/100
55 52242 Iowa City IA 44/100 51/100
56 52245 Iowa City IA 44/100 51/100
57 52351 Walford IA 44/100 61/100
58 52307 Middle Amana IA 43/100 64/100
59 50066 Dawson IA 42/100 45/100
60 50586 Somers IA 42/100 44/100
61 50135 Kellogg IA 40/100 70/100
62 50613 Cedar Falls IA 40/100 54/100
63 52208 Belle Plaine IA 40/100 44/100
64 52251 Ladora IA 40/100 42/100
65 50042 Brayton IA 38/100 66/100
66 50107 Grand Junction IA 38/100 65/100
67 50119 Harvey IA 38/100 70/100
68 50123 Humeston IA 38/100 61/100
69 50423 Britt IA 38/100 62/100
70 50559 Lone Rock IA 38/100 66/100
71 50641 Hazleton IA 38/100 61/100
72 50650 Lamont IA 38/100 49/100
73 50703 Waterloo IA 38/100 60/100
74 51049 Quimby IA 38/100 66/100
75 51060 Ute IA 38/100 65/100
76 51105 Sioux City IA 38/100 70/100
77 51431 Arthur IA 38/100 66/100
78 51441 Deloit IA 38/100 69/100
79 51448 Kiron IA 38/100 70/100
80 51543 Kimballton IA 38/100 40/100
81 51545 Little Sioux IA 38/100 65/100
82 51632 Clarinda IA 38/100 70/100
83 52142 Fayette IA 38/100 70/100
84 52172 Waukon IA 38/100 65/100
85 52215 Chelsea IA 38/100 54/100
86 52233 Hiawatha IA 38/100 62/100
87 52306 Mechanicsville IA 38/100 61/100

Methodology

The Environmental Justice Index combines environmental risk factors (water violations, lead, flooding) with socioeconomic vulnerability indicators. Higher values indicate communities facing disproportionate environmental burden. This metric highlights areas where infrastructure investment and policy attention are most needed.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Environmental Justice Index?

The EJ Index identifies communities that face disproportionate environmental hazards relative to their socioeconomic resilience. Areas with high violation counts, aging infrastructure, AND vulnerable populations score highest. These areas need the most infrastructure investment.

Why does environmental justice matter for homebuyers?

High EJ Index areas often have deferred infrastructure maintenance, slower violation resolution, and less access to clean water alternatives. For homebuyers, this means potential hidden costs for water filtration, flood insurance, and home remediation.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead service-line indicators and system-level action-level exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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