| ZIP Code | 56542 |
|---|---|
| City | Fosston |
| State | Minnesota (MN) |
| County | Polk County |
| Area Code | 218 |
| Elevation | 1,296 ft |
| Latitude | 47.568077 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -95.727783 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 27119 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 45.0 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.26 |
| Below Poverty | 15.9% ▲ 59% above avg |
| College Grads | 40.2% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 7.3% ▲ 50% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 14 (0.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 525 (33.8%) |
| Some College | 144 (9.3%) |
| Associates | 245 (15.8%) |
| Bachelors | 206 (13.3%) |
| Graduate Degree | 418 (26.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $57,750 ▼ 24% below avg ↑ 16% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $176,800 ▼ 37% below avg ↑ 29% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $800/mo ↓ 2% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,181 |
| Vacant Units | 172 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.26 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,181 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 172 |
| Owner Occupied | 69.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 30.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.26 |
ZIP code 56542 is located in Fosston, Minnesota, within Polk County. With a population of 2,435, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 45 years. Economically, 56542 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $57,750 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 56542 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $176,800 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $800 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 69.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 29% since 2019.
The population of 56542 is primarily White (92.61%). Residents are well-educated — 40.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 15.9%. Household income has grown by 16% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 56542 stands at 7.3%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 75%.
Overall, ZIP code 56542 in Fosston, MN is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,435 residents, a median household income of $57,750, and a median home value of $176,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Minnesota.