Atwater ZIP Codes — Kandiyohi County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Atwater, Minnesota and it is 56209. Area code: 320.

ZIP codes

101.07

sq mi land

8.20

sq mi water

320

area code

Atwater, MN ZIP code map

About Atwater, MN

Atwater is a charming city located in the state of Minnesota, specifically within Kandiyohi County. Known for its small-town feel and friendly atmosphere, Atwater boasts a rich community spirit. With its scenic landscapes and local amenities, it provides a welcoming setting for both residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Atwater is strategically situated in central Minnesota, approximately 10 miles southwest of Willmar and 14 miles north of Litchfield. The city encompasses a total area of 101.07 square miles, complemented by an 8.20 square mile water area, which adds to its picturesque beauty. With its open fields and nearby lakes, the city's landscape is characterized by a blend of rural charm and nature.

Community & economy

The community in Atwater is marked by a close-knit character, where residents often come together for local events and activities. The economy is primarily supported by agriculture and small businesses, reflecting the area's rural roots. Daily life in Atwater offers a mix of pastoral peace and community engagement, making it a great place for families and individuals alike.

Transportation

Atwater is accessible via major roadways, including U.S. Highway 12 and State Highway 104, which facilitate travel to surrounding towns and cities. The nearest regional airport is located in Willmar, providing connectivity for those seeking air travel options. Public transit may be limited due to the small-town nature of Atwater, but the main highways ensure convenient access to nearby areas.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Atwater has developed from a humble settlement into a vibrant small town, rich in history. The city has historically been supported by agriculture, which continues to be a key industry today. Over the years, Atwater has played host to numerous local events and celebrations that emphasize its community-oriented spirit.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Atwater is that it is home to the iconic Atwater Bushy Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities for families and visitors. Additionally, the city hosts an annual entertainment event, attracting attendees from neighboring communities and celebrating local culture.

ZIP codes for Atwater, MN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
56209	Atwater	Kandiyohi	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,565

Population

36.5

Median age

$80,179

Median household income

$34,536

Per capita income

$195,700

Median home value

$818

Median monthly rent

82.6%

Home ownership

4.6%

Poverty rate

6.6%

Unemployment

1,139

Housing units

23.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

103

Under 5

100

5–9

139

10–14

114

15–19

20–24

185

25–34

152

142

35–44

116

174

45–54

142

55–59

116

60–64

147

65–74

120

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	722	28.1%
18 and over	1,843	71.9%
65 and over	395	15.4%
Median age	36.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 89.6%

Two or more races 5.2%

Hispanic or Latino 3%

Other race 1.1%

Black or African American 0.7%

Asian 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	2,370	89.6%
Two or more races	138	5.2%
Hispanic or Latino	79	3%
Other race	29	1.1%
Black or African American	19	0.7%
Asian	9	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 2.7%

$10k–$15k 2.0%

$15k–$25k 4.9%

$25k–$35k 3.5%

$35k–$50k 14.3%

$50k–$75k 17.6%

$75k–$100k 22.1%

$100k–$150k 21.4%

$150k–$200k 6.7%

$200k+ 4.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.7%
$10k–$15k	2.0%
$15k–$25k	4.9%
$25k–$35k	3.5%
$35k–$50k	14.3%
$50k–$75k	17.6%
$75k–$100k	22.1%
$100k–$150k	21.4%
$150k–$200k	6.7%
$200k+	4.6%
Median income	$80,179

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 2.6%

$50k–$100k 16.3%

$100k–$150k 14.6%

$150k–$200k 18.0%

$200k–$300k 24.9%

$300k–$500k 18.9%

$500k–$1M 3.8%

$1M+ 0.9%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$195,700
Median rent / month	$818
Owner occupied	82.6%
Renter occupied	17.4%
Vacant	28.2%
Single-family detached	90.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	3.1%
Median rooms	6.6
Avg household size (owned)	2.75

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.5%
2010–2019	7.5%
2000–2009	7.7%
1990–1999	8.5%
1980–1989	8.8%
1970–1979	17.8%
1960–1969	12.4%
1950–1959	13.7%
1940–1949	3.0%
1939 or earlier	20.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.1%
1 bedroom	3.9%
2 bedrooms	23.1%
3 bedrooms	38.7%
4 bedrooms	27.0%
5+ bedrooms	6.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.8%
1 vehicle	19.7%
2 vehicles	39.3%
3 or more	39.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	34.1%
Electricity	20.2%
Propane / LP gas	39.8%
Fuel oil	1.0%
Wood	3.6%
No fuel used	0.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	577	61.7%
Cohabiting couple	45	4.8%
Male householder, no spouse	161	17.2%
Female householder, no spouse	152	16.3%
Households with children under 18	275	29.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	268	28.7%
Average household size	2.72

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	32.1%	14.7%
Married	59.2%	67.1%
Separated	0.1%	0.0%
Widowed	1.4%	6.6%
Divorced	7.2%	11.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.8%

Some HS, no diploma 2.1%

HS graduate 33.8%

Some college, no degree 24.6%

Associate's degree 15.4%

Bachelor's degree 17.4%

Graduate / professional 5.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	97.2%
Bachelor's or higher	23.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	80	13.1%
Kindergarten	35	5.7%
Elementary school	356	58.3%
High school	108	17.7%
College / grad school	32	5.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 26.7%

Manufacturing 10.3%

Construction 10.0%

Professional & management 9.6%

Retail trade 8.5%

Public administration 7.3%

Agriculture & mining 6.6%

Other services 5.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 5.2%

Transportation & utilities 4.5%

Wholesale trade 3.0%

Finance & real estate 2.3%

Information 0.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	36.8%
Service	15.6%
Sales & office	18.9%
Natural resources & construction	15.6%
Production & transportation	13.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	71.6%
Government	21.1%
Self-employed	7.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	84.9%
Carpool	4.6%
Public transit	0.1%
Walk	2.5%
Other means	1.8%
Avg commute (minutes)	22.9

Poverty

All people 4.6%

Under 18 years 5.8%

18 and over 4.1%

Married-couple families 1.9%

Female-led households 8.1%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	33.0%
Retirement income	21.0%
Supplemental Security	2.5%
Cash public assistance	1.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	3.7%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	30.2%
High cholesterol	31.6%
Heart disease	6.3%
Stroke	2.9%
Asthma	8.8%
Arthritis	24.2%
Kidney disease	2.8%
Pulmonary disease	5.7%
Cancer	7.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.6%
No physical activity	19.5%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.8%
Fair or poor health	11.5%
Poor mental health	12.9%
Poor physical health	9.4%
No health insurance	10.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.3%
Visited dentist	69.5%
Cholesterol screening	90.1%
Teeth loss	10.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	180	9.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	9.2%
Under 18	3.2%
18–64 years	7.6%
65 and over	26.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	77.4%
Public insurance	32.1%
Uninsured under 19	5.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,377	92.7%
Spanish	12	0.5%
Other Indo-European	12	0.5%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,547	99.3%
Born in same state	2,544	99.2%
Born in different state	2,199	85.7%
Foreign born	3	0.1%
Naturalized citizen	18	0.7%
Not a US citizen	15	83.3%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	470	18.3%
Italian	168	6.5%
Arab	86	3.4%
French	82	3.2%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	28	1.1%
Dutch	22	0.9%
German	18	0.7%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	36.5%
Internet access	97.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Atwater, MN have?

Atwater, MN has one ZIP code: 56209. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.