Veterinary Practices Market: ZIP 50173
Opportunity Score
36
/ 100
Challenging
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 50173 is an rural area. with a population of 640 and household incomes above the national median ($82,188).
Area Profile
640
Population
$82,188
Median Income
+10% vs. national
Rural
Area Type
Median Age: 49.0 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 19.2% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,150
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,104
Median Gross Rent
$210 K
Median Home Value
Tips for Starting a Veterinary Business in Iowa
- A veterinary practice costs $500K-$1.5M to start from scratch. Most new vets buy into existing practices or start mobile to reduce overhead.
- DEA registration, state veterinary license, and controlled substance permits all take time. Start applications 6 months before your target opening.
- Pet ownership rates vary by ZIP. Suburban areas with single-family homes consistently outperform dense urban cores for vet visit volume.
- Emergency and after-hours services command 2-3x standard pricing. Even offering limited emergency hours gives you a revenue edge in most markets.
- This is a rural ZIP. Your customer radius is wider, marketing costs are lower, but you'll work harder for each lead.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Rural
vs. National Average
Median Income
+10% vs. $74,580
Nearby Markets
Check Another Market
Or estimate costs with the VetCostCalc calculator.
About This Data
Data sources
U.S. Census Bureau (ACS, ZBP) · HUD Fair Market Rents · EPA Walkability Index · USDA RUCA · IRS SOI · FDIC Summary of Deposits