| ZIP Code | 56296 |
|---|---|
| City | Wheaton |
| State | Minnesota (MN) |
| County | Traverse County |
| Area Code | 320 |
| Elevation | 1,013 ft |
| Latitude | 45.82561 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -96.477229 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 27155 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 46.6 yrs ↓ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.05 |
| Below Poverty | 10.3% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 36.6% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 6.2% ▲ 27% above avg |
| HS Graduate | 397 (31.9%) |
| Some College | 193 (15.5%) |
| Associates | 199 (16%) |
| Bachelors | 205 (16.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 250 (20.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $57,051 ▼ 25% below avg ↑ 20% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $98,600 ▼ 65% below avg ↑ 25% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $583/mo ↑ 2% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,043 |
| Vacant Units | 171 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.05 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,043 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 171 |
| Owner Occupied | 80.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 19.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.05 |
ZIP code 56296 is located in Wheaton, Minnesota, within Traverse County. With a population of 1,861, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 46.6 years. Economically, 56296 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $57,051 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 56296 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $98,600 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $583 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 25% since 2019.
The population of 56296 is primarily White (85.44%). Residents are moderately educated — 36.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 10.3%. Household income has grown by 20% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 56296 stands at 6.2%, which is above the national average. About 12% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 74%.
Overall, ZIP code 56296 in Wheaton, MN is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,861 residents, a median household income of $57,051, and a median home value of $98,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Minnesota.