Bena ZIP Codes — Cass County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Bena, Minnesota and it is 56626. Area code: 218.

ZIP codes

90.05

sq mi land

58.75

sq mi water

218

area code

Bena, MN ZIP code map

About Bena, MN

Bena, Minnesota, is a small and charming community located in Cass County. Known for its natural beauty and serenity, it offers a peaceful retreat from the busyness of urban life. The town serves as a quaint reminder of Minnesota's rich cultural heritage and is a lovely place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Location & geography

Bena is situated in the north-central part of Minnesota, surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant waterways. The town's ZIP code is 56626, and it encompasses a total land area of 90.05 square miles, with an impressive 58.75 square miles of water. Nearby cities include Cass Lake, approximately 18 miles to the northwest, and Walker, about 30 miles to the southwest.

Community & economy

The character of Bena is defined by its close-knit community and strong ties to nature, making it an ideal place for people who appreciate a slower pace of life. The local economy is often supported by industries such as tourism and forestry, which thrive due to the area's natural resources. Daily life in Bena revolves around outdoor activities, community events, and a shared love for the beautiful Minnesota landscapes.

Transportation

Key transportation routes include US Highway 2, which runs nearby and connects Bena to various north-south routes across the state. The nearest major airport is Bemidji Regional Airport, situated about 40 miles to the east, providing regional access for travelers. Local transit options may be limited, emphasizing the importance of personal vehicles for residents and visitors.

History

Bena was established in the late 19th century, emerging as a hub for logging and related industries that were vital for the region's economy at the time. Over the years, Bena has seen development while retaining its historical charm and connection to its roots in forestry. The town's serene landscapes and cultural events continue to attract visitors interested in exploring Minnesota's natural beauty.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Bena is that it is often considered a hidden gem in Minnesota, perfect for those seeking solace away from more crowded tourist destinations. Additionally, Bena is located near the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, which enriches the region with cultural significance and historical importance.

ZIP codes for Bena, MN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
56626	Bena	Cass	View map

Demographics & statistics

314

Population

33.0

Median age

$37,431

Median household income

$16,883

Per capita income

$173,100

Median home value

$768

Median monthly rent

65.2%

Home ownership

57.6%

Poverty rate

7.5%

Unemployment

238

Housing units

9.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	134	42.7%
18 and over	180	57.3%
65 and over	22	7.0%
Median age	33.0 years

Race & ethnicity

American Indian / Alaska Native 39.2%

Two or more races 31.2%

White 29%

Asian 0.6%

Group	Count	%
American Indian / Alaska Native	123	39.2%
Two or more races	98	31.2%
White	91	29%
Asian	2	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 13.5%

$10k–$15k 6.7%

$15k–$25k 7.9%

$25k–$35k 2.2%

$35k–$50k 24.7%

$50k–$75k 24.7%

$75k–$100k 5.6%

$150k–$200k 14.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	13.5%
$10k–$15k	6.7%
$15k–$25k	7.9%
$25k–$35k	2.2%
$35k–$50k	24.7%
$50k–$75k	24.7%
$75k–$100k	5.6%
$150k–$200k	14.6%
Median income	$37,431

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.9%

$50k–$100k 13.8%

$100k–$150k 8.6%

$150k–$200k 43.1%

$300k–$500k 22.4%

$500k–$1M 5.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$173,100
Median rent / month	$768
Owner occupied	65.2%
Renter occupied	34.8%
Vacant	66.9%
Single-family detached	73.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	19.0%
Median rooms	4.9
Avg household size (owned)	2.10

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	8.9%
2000–2009	8.6%
1990–1999	10.0%
1980–1989	14.1%
1970–1979	22.7%
1960–1969	12.6%
1950–1959	6.7%
1940–1949	8.9%
1939 or earlier	7.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	16.4%
2 bedrooms	34.2%
3 bedrooms	43.1%
4 bedrooms	3.3%
5+ bedrooms	3.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.2%
1 vehicle	52.8%
2 vehicles	29.2%
3 or more	15.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Electricity	14.6%
Propane / LP gas	65.2%
Fuel oil	7.9%
Wood	12.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	32	36.0%
Cohabiting couple	30	33.7%
Male householder, no spouse	6	6.7%
Female householder, no spouse	21	23.6%
Households with children under 18	35	39.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	22	24.7%
Average household size	3.53

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	54.0%	49.5%
Married	41.4%	30.8%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	0.0%	6.5%
Divorced	4.6%	13.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.7%

Some HS, no diploma 19.8%

HS graduate 24.1%

Some college, no degree 37.7%

Associate's degree 5.6%

Bachelor's degree 8.0%

Graduate / professional 1.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	76.5%
Bachelor's or higher	9.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	20	15.2%
Elementary school	94	71.2%
High school	18	13.6%
College / grad school	0	0.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 18.9%

Public administration 18.0%

Retail trade 15.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 12.6%

Professional & management 11.7%

Information 9.9%

Transportation & utilities 5.4%

Education & healthcare 5.4%

Other services 2.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	28.8%
Service	18.9%
Sales & office	32.4%
Natural resources & construction	6.3%
Production & transportation	13.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	63.1%
Government	19.8%
Self-employed	17.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	74.8%
Carpool	3.6%
Public transit	5.4%
Walk	11.7%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	15.0

Poverty

All people 57.6%

Under 18 years 88.8%

18 and over 34.4%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 66.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	27.0%
Retirement income	20.2%
Supplemental Security	18.0%
Cash public assistance	25.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	38.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	38.3%
High cholesterol	31.1%
Heart disease	9.8%
Stroke	5.6%
Asthma	11.9%
Arthritis	29.3%
Kidney disease	4.5%
Pulmonary disease	10.5%
Cancer	6.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	17.7%
No physical activity	31.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.6%
Fair or poor health	24.9%
Poor mental health	18.4%
Poor physical health	16.7%
No health insurance	15.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	72.2%
Visited dentist	49.0%
Cholesterol screening	86.0%
Teeth loss	23.2%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	4	2.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	12.4%
Under 18	2.2%
18–64 years	15.8%
65 and over	50.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	15.3%
Public insurance	83.4%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	311	99.0%
Spanish	15	4.8%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	312	99.4%
Born in same state	312	99.4%
Born in different state	298	94.9%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	2	0.6%
Not a US citizen	2	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	20	6.4%
Polish	15	4.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	2	0.6%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	28.3%
Internet access	82.0%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Bena, MN have?

Bena, MN has one ZIP code: 56626. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.