ZIP code 51638 covers Essex, Iowa in Page County. This area is served by 19 utility providers across 5 categories. The average residential electricity rate here is 11.0¢/kWh. 47.7% of households use natural gas as their primary heating fuel.
Estimated monthly utility costs
$360/month
Cost estimates from U.S. Census ACS 5-year data · Shorter bar = lower cost
Electric
Natural Gas
Water
Sewer
Internet
Nearby ZIP codes
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up utilities when moving to 51638?
Contact each provider separately before your move-in date. Start with electric (MidAmerican Energy Co) and gas (Black Hills Energy, (888) 890-5554) 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 51638?
Total estimated monthly costs are around $359, which is about $24 less than the national average. Electricity is the biggest expense at roughly $175/month. Natural gas runs about $125. 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 51638?
No — electricity in Essex, IA costs about 27% less than the national average. Compared to Iowa overall, rates here are about 23% lower. Based on 2023 NREL residential electricity rate data.
What internet providers are available in 51638?
Essex, IA has strong broadband coverage. Providers include CenturyLink (DSL up to 10 Mbps), FMTC of Stanton Iowa (Fiber up to 1,000 Mbps), Farmers Telephone Company (Fiber up to 1,000 Mbps), Mediacom Xtream (Cable up to 1,000 Mbps), Nextlink (Fixed Wireless up to 500 Mbps). Availability varies by street address. Based on FCC Broadband Data Collection filings.
What county is 51638 in?
ZIP code 51638 is in Page 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.