| ZIP Code | 56540 |
|---|---|
| City | Fertile |
| State | Minnesota (MN) |
| County | Polk County |
| Area Code | 218 |
| Elevation | 1,149 ft |
| Latitude | 47.540347 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -96.274227 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 27119 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 44.8 yrs ↑ 13% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.38 |
| Below Poverty | 9.4% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 43.3% ▲ 12% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.6% ≈ Avg |
| HS Graduate | 372 (31.3%) |
| Some College | 120 (10.1%) |
| Associates | 182 (15.3%) |
| Bachelors | 178 (15%) |
| Graduate Degree | 337 (28.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $77,500 ≈ Avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $185,600 ▼ 33% below avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $774/mo ↑ 18% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 829 |
| Vacant Units | 77 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.38 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 829 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 77 |
| Owner Occupied | 85.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 14.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.38 |
ZIP code 56540 is located in Fertile, Minnesota, within Polk County. With a population of 1,838, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 44.8 years. Economically, 56540 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $77,500 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 56540 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $185,600 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $774 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 85.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 36% since 2019.
The population of 56540 is primarily White (95.59%). Residents are well-educated — 43.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 9.4%. Household income has grown by 31% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 56540 stands at 4.6%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 74%.
Overall, ZIP code 56540 in Fertile, MN is characterized as middle-income, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,838 residents, a median household income of $77,500, and a median home value of $185,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Minnesota.