ZIP code 51242 covers Lester, Iowa in Lyon County. This area is served by 22 utility providers across 4 categories. The average residential electricity rate here is 17.9¢/kWh. 3.4% of households use bottled/lp gas as their primary heating fuel.
Estimated monthly utility costs
$510/month
Cost estimates from U.S. Census ACS 5-year data · Shorter bar = lower cost
Electric
Water
Sewer
Internet
Nearby ZIP codes
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up utilities when moving to 51242?
Contact each provider separately before your move-in date. Start with electric (Interstate Power and Light Co) since those typically need a few business days to activate. Water and sewer are often handled with one call to your local utility. Set up internet last since it may require an installation visit.
How much do utilities cost per month in 51242?
Total estimated monthly costs are around $509, which is about $126 more than the national average. Electricity is the biggest expense at roughly $225/month. Natural gas runs about $225. Water and sewer combined are around $60. Costs vary by home size, usage, and season. Estimates from U.S. Census ACS data.
Is electricity expensive in 51242?
Electricity in Lester, IA costs about 19% more than the national average. Compared to Iowa overall, rates here are about 26% higher. Based on 2023 NREL residential electricity rate data.
What internet providers are available in 51242?
Lester, IA has strong broadband coverage. Providers include AT&T (Fixed Wireless up to 100 Mbps), Alliance Communications Cooperative Inc (Fiber up to 1,000 Mbps), Fenton Coop Tel. Co. (Fiber up to 100 Mbps), T-Mobile (Fixed Wireless up to 100 Mbps), UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION (Fixed Wireless up to 10 Mbps). Availability varies by street address. Based on FCC Broadband Data Collection filings.
What county is 51242 in?
ZIP code 51242 is in Lyon County, Iowa.
Disclaimer: Provider information is sourced from federal databases including HIFLD, EPA SDWIS, FCC Broadband Data, and EIA-861. Utility cost estimates are from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Electric rates are based on 2023 NREL data. Coverage areas are approximate and may not reflect recent changes. Please verify directly with your provider.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, NREL, EIA-861, HIFLD, EPA, FCC. Last updated: April 2026.