| ZIP Code | 56297 |
|---|---|
| City | Wood Lake |
| State | Minnesota (MN) |
| County | Yellow Medicine County |
| Area Code | 507/924 |
| Elevation | 1,057 ft |
| Latitude | 44.636795 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.553607 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 27173 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.9 yrs ↑ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.40 |
| Below Poverty | 4.6% ▼ 54% below avg |
| College Grads | 35.4% ▼ 9% below avg |
| Unemployment | 0.9% ▼ 83% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 2 (0.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 185 (33%) |
| Some College | 49 (8.8%) |
| Associates | 126 (22.5%) |
| Bachelors | 106 (18.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 92 (16.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $80,250 ≈ Avg ↑ 33% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $120,300 ▼ 57% below avg ↑ 39% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $695/mo ↑ 46% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 359 |
| Vacant Units | 16 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.40 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 359 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 16 |
| Owner Occupied | 87.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 12.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.40 |
ZIP code 56297 is located in Wood Lake, Minnesota, within Yellow Medicine County. With a population of 824, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 43.9 years. Economically, 56297 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $80,250 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 56297 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $120,300 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $695 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 87.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 39% since 2019.
The population of 56297 is primarily White (92.23%). Residents are moderately educated — 35.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 4.6%. Household income has grown by 33% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 56297 stands at 0.9%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.
Overall, ZIP code 56297 in Wood Lake, MN is characterized as middle-income, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 824 residents, a median household income of $80,250, and a median home value of $120,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Minnesota.