Battle Lake ZIP Codes — Otter Tail County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Battle Lake, Minnesota and it is 56515. Area code: 218.

ZIP codes

96.09

sq mi land

41.15

sq mi water

218

area code

Battle Lake, MN ZIP code map

About Battle Lake, MN

Battle Lake, Minnesota, is a charming small town located in the heart of Otter Tail County. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, the city serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. With a rich community spirit, Battle Lake offers a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Situated in west-central Minnesota, Battle Lake is surrounded by scenic lakes and rolling hills that characterize the region. The city lies approximately 14 miles northeast of Fergus Falls and about 30 miles southwest of Alexandria, providing easy access to larger urban amenities while retaining its small-town charm. The total area encompasses 96.09 square miles of land and 41.15 square miles of water, reflecting the area's abundant aquatic resources.

Community & economy

The character of Battle Lake is defined by its close-knit community, where neighbors know each other and local businesses thrive. The economy is largely supported by tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing, making it a diverse hub of activity. Daily life in Battle Lake includes enjoying outdoor recreation, participating in community events, and exploring the area's arts and culture.

Transportation

Battle Lake is easily accessible via Major Highway 78, which connects the community to nearby cities and points of interest. The nearest airport is the Fergus Falls Municipal Airport, located about 15 miles to the southwest, providing regional air travel options. While public transit options are limited, the area's walkability and bike-friendly streets enhance local mobility.

History

Battle Lake was founded in the late 19th century, with growth driven by the timber and agriculture industries that defined the region's early economy. Over the years, the area has developed into a popular resort destination, with key events celebrating its rich cultural heritage. Notable moments in local history include the establishment of annual festivals that honor the community's traditions.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Battle Lake is its proximity to several large lakes that offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The town also hosts unique local attractions like the Old Pioneer Store, which reflects the area's historical roots.

ZIP codes for Battle Lake, MN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
56515	Battle Lake	Otter Tail	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,799

Population

59.6

Median age

$72,012

Median household income

$44,689

Per capita income

$356,100

Median home value

$913

Median monthly rent

86.2%

Home ownership

3.8%

Poverty rate

5.0%

Unemployment

2,681

Housing units

36.2%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

105

25–34

114

108

35–44

117

122

45–54

131

109

55–59

117

126

60–64

136

291

65–74

315

179

75–84

194

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	384	13.7%
18 and over	2,415	86.3%
65 and over	1,107	39.5%
Median age	59.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 91.4%

Hispanic or Latino 2.9%

Other race 2.7%

Two or more races 2.4%

Asian 0.3%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.3%

Black or African American 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	2,634	91.4%
Hispanic or Latino	84	2.9%
Other race	77	2.7%
Two or more races	68	2.4%
Asian	9	0.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native	9	0.3%
Black or African American	2	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 2.5%

$10k–$15k 1.7%

$15k–$25k 6.9%

$25k–$35k 7.3%

$35k–$50k 13.1%

$50k–$75k 20.0%

$75k–$100k 16.2%

$100k–$150k 15.3%

$150k–$200k 8.0%

$200k+ 9.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.5%
$10k–$15k	1.7%
$15k–$25k	6.9%
$25k–$35k	7.3%
$35k–$50k	13.1%
$50k–$75k	20.0%
$75k–$100k	16.2%
$100k–$150k	15.3%
$150k–$200k	8.0%
$200k+	9.2%
Median income	$72,012

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 2.8%

$50k–$100k 6.3%

$100k–$150k 4.9%

$150k–$200k 8.0%

$200k–$300k 18.1%

$300k–$500k 31.9%

$500k–$1M 25.2%

$1M+ 2.9%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$356,100
Median rent / month	$913
Owner occupied	86.2%
Renter occupied	13.8%
Vacant	54.7%
Single-family detached	90.1%
Large apartment buildings	1.2%
Mobile homes	5.2%
Median rooms	6.3
Avg household size (owned)	2.21

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.6%
2010–2019	5.7%
2000–2009	20.5%
1990–1999	11.0%
1980–1989	9.6%
1970–1979	17.1%
1960–1969	9.4%
1950–1959	8.8%
1940–1949	4.4%
1939 or earlier	12.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.3%
1 bedroom	7.8%
2 bedrooms	24.3%
3 bedrooms	39.4%
4 bedrooms	22.0%
5+ bedrooms	6.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.7%
1 vehicle	20.9%
2 vehicles	44.5%
3 or more	30.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	28.8%
Electricity	25.0%
Propane / LP gas	35.8%
Fuel oil	4.9%
Wood	3.2%
No fuel used	1.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	821	63.4%
Cohabiting couple	51	3.9%
Male householder, no spouse	145	11.2%
Female householder, no spouse	277	21.4%
Households with children under 18	183	14.1%
Households with seniors (65+)	714	55.2%
Average household size	2.11

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	16.5%	15.8%
Married	71.1%	62.1%
Separated	0.3%	0.0%
Widowed	4.1%	11.9%
Divorced	7.9%	10.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.3%

Some HS, no diploma 2.4%

HS graduate 21.9%

Some college, no degree 23.4%

Associate's degree 14.8%

Bachelor's degree 24.3%

Graduate / professional 11.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	96.4%
Bachelor's or higher	36.2%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	34	9.8%
Kindergarten	12	3.5%
Elementary school	176	50.9%
High school	78	22.5%
College / grad school	46	13.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 28.6%

Retail trade 12.2%

Professional & management 9.8%

Arts, food & hospitality 8.9%

Construction 6.6%

Manufacturing 6.5%

Finance & real estate 6.4%

Transportation & utilities 5.2%

Other services 4.6%

Public administration 4.1%

Agriculture & mining 3.9%

Information 1.9%

Wholesale trade 1.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	45.8%
Service	13.7%
Sales & office	18.9%
Natural resources & construction	9.1%
Production & transportation	12.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	67.0%
Government	20.2%
Self-employed	12.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.6%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	72.3%
Carpool	4.7%
Public transit	0.1%
Walk	3.7%
Other means	2.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.4

Poverty

All people 3.8%

Under 18 years 2.6%

18 and over 4.0%

Married-couple families 1.0%

Female-led households 30.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	54.0%
Retirement income	41.9%
Supplemental Security	4.2%
Cash public assistance	1.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	3.9%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	38.4%
High cholesterol	39.3%
Heart disease	9.1%
Stroke	4.0%
Asthma	8.4%
Arthritis	31.7%
Kidney disease	3.8%
Pulmonary disease	7.1%
Cancer	10.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.1%
No physical activity	21.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	23.6%
Fair or poor health	13.6%
Poor mental health	11.0%
Poor physical health	10.5%
No health insurance	9.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.2%
Visited dentist	71.0%
Cholesterol screening	93.6%
Teeth loss	10.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	241	10.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	12.9%
Under 18	3.1%
18–64 years	10.7%
65 and over	19.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	75.9%
Public insurance	49.4%
Uninsured under 19	1.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,708	96.7%
Spanish	5	0.2%
Other Indo-European	2	0.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	3	0.1%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,768	98.9%
Born in same state	2,755	98.4%
Born in different state	2,051	73.3%
Foreign born	13	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	31	1.1%
Not a US citizen	28	90.3%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	772	27.6%
Italian	270	9.6%
French	175	6.3%
Arab	65	2.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	38	1.4%
English	36	1.3%
German	13	0.5%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	46.2%
Internet access	92.0%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Battle Lake, MN have?

Battle Lake, MN has one ZIP code: 56515. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.