Backus ZIP Codes — Cass County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Backus, Minnesota and it is 56435. Area code: 218.

ZIP codes

158.32

sq mi land

15.35

sq mi water

218

area code

Backus, MN ZIP code map

About Backus, MN

Backus, Minnesota, is a quaint city located in Cass County that offers a charming small-town atmosphere. With its serene landscapes and ample opportunities for outdoor activities, it attracts visitors looking for a peaceful retreat. The city is a perfect blend of recreational amenities and community spirit, providing a delightful living experience for its residents.

Location & geography

Situated in central Minnesota, Backus spans a land area of 158.32 square miles and features a water area of 15.35 square miles. It is conveniently located near several other cities, including Walker, about 18 miles to the northeast, and Brainerd, roughly 24 miles to the south. The terrain is characterized by dense forests and numerous lakes, making it a picturesque location for nature enthusiasts.

Community & economy

The character of Backus is reflective of a tight-knit community where residents know one another and share common values. Industries in the region primarily revolve around agriculture, tourism, and small businesses that cater to locals and visitors alike. Daily life in Backus is marked by a slower pace, with abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping.

Transportation

Backus is accessible via Minnesota State Highway 87, which runs adjacent to the city and connects it to larger highways and neighboring communities. The nearest major airport is Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, located about 25 miles to the south. Public transit options are limited, emphasizing the role of personal vehicles for residents and visitors.

History

Backus was founded in the late 19th century and has roots in timber and agriculture, which were key industries during its early years. Over the decades, the city has developed into a hub for outdoor recreational activities, appealing to both residents and tourists. Notable events in the area include seasonal festivals that celebrate the local culture and community spirit.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Backus is that it is situated close to several pristine lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Additionally, the city hosts annual events that draw visitors from surrounding areas, showcasing local crafts and foods.

ZIP codes for Backus, MN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
56435	Backus	Cass	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,833

Population

51.7

Median age

$62,365

Median household income

$31,286

Per capita income

$216,800

Median home value

$875

Median monthly rent

91.6%

Home ownership

12.0%

Poverty rate

5.2%

Unemployment

2,088

Housing units

17.2%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

124

25–34

118

138

35–44

132

140

45–54

135

165

55–59

158

130

60–64

124

220

65–74

211

120

75–84

114

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	543	19.2%
18 and over	2,290	80.8%
65 and over	735	25.9%
Median age	51.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 88.9%

Two or more races 6.1%

Black or African American 1.5%

Hispanic or Latino 1.2%

Asian 1.2%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.9%

Other race 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	2,550	88.9%
Two or more races	174	6.1%
Black or African American	43	1.5%
Hispanic or Latino	35	1.2%
Asian	33	1.2%
American Indian / Alaska Native	25	0.9%
Other race	8	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 3.1%

$10k–$15k 4.8%

$15k–$25k 7.0%

$25k–$35k 8.4%

$35k–$50k 13.0%

$50k–$75k 23.8%

$75k–$100k 14.3%

$100k–$150k 19.7%

$150k–$200k 3.9%

$200k+ 2.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.1%
$10k–$15k	4.8%
$15k–$25k	7.0%
$25k–$35k	8.4%
$35k–$50k	13.0%
$50k–$75k	23.8%
$75k–$100k	14.3%
$100k–$150k	19.7%
$150k–$200k	3.9%
$200k+	2.0%
Median income	$62,365

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.4%

$50k–$100k 13.3%

$100k–$150k 15.2%

$150k–$200k 12.5%

$200k–$300k 27.7%

$300k–$500k 17.8%

$500k–$1M 8.4%

$1M+ 0.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$216,800
Median rent / month	$875
Owner occupied	91.6%
Renter occupied	8.4%
Vacant	46.2%
Single-family detached	89.2%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	8.6%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.35

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.5%
2010–2019	4.6%
2000–2009	18.7%
1990–1999	18.1%
1980–1989	18.4%
1970–1979	15.4%
1960–1969	6.5%
1950–1959	6.0%
1940–1949	6.7%
1939 or earlier	5.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.3%
1 bedroom	7.0%
2 bedrooms	35.8%
3 bedrooms	36.9%
4 bedrooms	13.6%
5+ bedrooms	4.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.9%
1 vehicle	21.9%
2 vehicles	46.7%
3 or more	27.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	6.4%
Electricity	20.5%
Propane / LP gas	50.3%
Fuel oil	3.1%
Wood	19.1%
Solar	0.3%
No fuel used	0.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	664	56.5%
Cohabiting couple	108	9.2%
Male householder, no spouse	215	18.3%
Female householder, no spouse	189	16.1%
Households with children under 18	252	21.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	478	40.6%
Average household size	2.37

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	22.9%	19.9%
Married	56.5%	59.5%
Separated	0.8%	0.7%
Widowed	2.0%	9.1%
Divorced	17.7%	10.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.2%

Some HS, no diploma 5.4%

HS graduate 35.9%

Some college, no degree 26.5%

Associate's degree 13.7%

Bachelor's degree 11.5%

Graduate / professional 5.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	93.3%
Bachelor's or higher	17.2%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	37	7.0%
Kindergarten	21	4.0%
Elementary school	259	49.1%
High school	145	27.5%
College / grad school	65	12.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 16.8%

Manufacturing 14.5%

Retail trade 12.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 11.9%

Construction 11.0%

Professional & management 8.2%

Agriculture & mining 6.2%

Other services 3.9%

Transportation & utilities 3.8%

Finance & real estate 3.7%

Wholesale trade 3.5%

Information 2.7%

Public administration 1.8%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	24.4%
Service	19.2%
Sales & office	18.3%
Natural resources & construction	14.0%
Production & transportation	24.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	80.4%
Government	9.4%
Self-employed	10.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.1%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	75.2%
Carpool	10.6%
Public transit	0.8%
Walk	1.8%
Other means	1.5%
Avg commute (minutes)	23.1

Poverty

All people 12.0%

Under 18 years 18.1%

18 and over 10.6%

Married-couple families 3.6%

Female-led households 9.4%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	43.6%
Retirement income	29.8%
Supplemental Security	5.8%
Cash public assistance	3.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	12.4%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.0%
High cholesterol	35.0%
Heart disease	8.2%
Stroke	3.8%
Asthma	8.9%
Arthritis	28.7%
Kidney disease	3.5%
Pulmonary disease	7.7%
Cancer	8.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.0%
No physical activity	23.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.2%
Fair or poor health	15.2%
Poor mental health	13.2%
Poor physical health	11.6%
No health insurance	11.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	72.0%
Visited dentist	63.0%
Cholesterol screening	90.5%
Teeth loss	12.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	223	9.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	14.3%
Under 18	5.3%
18–64 years	11.4%
65 and over	27.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	52.6%
Public insurance	57.1%
Uninsured under 19	9.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,689	94.9%
Spanish	24	0.9%
Other Indo-European	11	0.4%
Asian & Pacific Islander	12	0.4%
Other languages	1	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,797	98.7%
Born in same state	2,780	98.1%
Born in different state	2,179	76.9%
Foreign born	17	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	36	1.3%
Not a US citizen	19	52.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	317	11.2%
French	279	9.8%
Italian	248	8.8%
Arab	110	3.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	40	1.4%
English	32	1.1%
German	20	0.7%
Irish	2	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	41.5%
Internet access	89.0%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Backus, MN have?

Backus, MN has one ZIP code: 56435. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.