Bluffton ZIP Codes — Otter Tail County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Bluffton, Minnesota and it is 56518. Area code: 218.
1
ZIP codes
18.51
sq mi land
0.09
sq mi water
218
area code
Bluffton, MN ZIP code map

About Bluffton, MN

Bluffton, Minnesota, is a small yet charming city located in Otter Tail County. Known for its serene environment and friendly community, Bluffton offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger urban areas. With a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere, this city serves as a delightful destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Bluffton is situated in central Minnesota, surrounded by picturesque landscapes typical of Otter Tail County. The city is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Fergus Falls and about 25 miles southwest of Perham. The land area of Bluffton spans 18.51 square miles, and it features a small water area of 0.09 square miles, which enhances its natural beauty.

Community & economy

The community in Bluffton is characterized by its close-knit atmosphere and a commitment to maintaining a high quality of life. Residents enjoy various local events and activities, contributing to a vibrant community spirit. The economy is supported by industries such as agriculture and small businesses, which helps sustain daily life in this quaint city.

Transportation

Bluffton is accessible via several roadways, including County Highway 1, which connects to larger highways serving the region. The nearest major airports are located in Fergus Falls and Brainerd, providing additional travel options for residents and visitors. While public transit options are limited due to the city's size, the road infrastructure supports local commuting needs.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Bluffton’s growth was initially driven by the agricultural industry, which continues to play a significant role today. Over the years, the city has excelled in fostering a sense of community and supporting local businesses. Though not the center of major historical events, Bluffton has embraced its heritage and remains a cherished part of Otter Tail County.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Bluffton is that it is home to a notable annual event known as the Bluffton Potato Fest, which celebrates the local potato harvest. This festival draws visitors from the surrounding areas, showcasing the community's agricultural roots and fostering local pride.

ZIP codes for Bluffton, MN (1)
ZIP code City County Map
56518 Bluffton Otter Tail View map

Demographics & statistics

402
Population
31.4
Median age
$53,472
Median household income
$27,568
Per capita income
$142,900
Median home value
$890
Median monthly rent
85.7%
Home ownership
21.1%
Poverty rate
0.0%
Unemployment
145
Housing units
7.8%
Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female
19
Under 5
18
16
5–9
15
22
10–14
20
9
15–19
8
22
20–24
21
26
25–34
24
18
35–44
17
14
45–54
13
21
55–59
19
6
60–64
6
24
65–74
22
7
75–84
6
5
85+
4
← Male
Female →

Age summary

GroupCount%
Under 1812531.1%
18 and over27768.9%
65 and over6816.9%
Median age31.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 86.9%
Hispanic or Latino 6.3%
Two or more races 5.8%
Other race 0.7%
Asian 0.2%
GroupCount%
White37386.9%
Hispanic or Latino276.3%
Two or more races255.8%
Other race30.7%
Asian10.2%

Household income

Under $10k 5.6%
$10k–$15k 1.9%
$15k–$25k 13.0%
$25k–$35k 6.2%
$35k–$50k 16.8%
$50k–$75k 19.3%
$75k–$100k 9.9%
$100k–$150k 19.9%
$150k–$200k 6.2%
$200k+ 1.2%
Range% of households
Under $10k5.6%
$10k–$15k1.9%
$15k–$25k13.0%
$25k–$35k6.2%
$35k–$50k16.8%
$50k–$75k19.3%
$75k–$100k9.9%
$100k–$150k19.9%
$150k–$200k6.2%
$200k+1.2%
Median income$53,472

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 21.0%
$50k–$100k 23.9%
$100k–$150k 6.5%
$150k–$200k 20.3%
$200k–$300k 14.5%
$300k–$500k 7.2%
$500k–$1M 6.5%

Housing overview

MetricValue
Median home value$142,900
Median rent / month$890
Owner occupied85.7%
Renter occupied14.3%
Vacant4.2%
Single-family detached73.2%
Large apartment buildings0.0%
Mobile homes20.8%
Median rooms6.3
Avg household size (owned)2.63

Year built

Era%
2020 or later0.6%
2010–20196.5%
2000–200910.1%
1990–19997.1%
1980–198912.5%
1970–197925.6%
1960–19695.4%
1950–19593.0%
1940–19496.5%
1939 or earlier22.6%

Bedrooms

Size% of units
No bedroom (studio)0.6%
1 bedroom0.0%
2 bedrooms28.0%
3 bedrooms43.5%
4 bedrooms20.8%
5+ bedrooms7.1%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles% of households
No vehicle6.8%
1 vehicle16.8%
2 vehicles45.3%
3 or more31.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type%
Utility gas0.6%
Electricity24.2%
Propane / LP gas46.0%
Fuel oil13.0%
Wood16.1%

Households & families

Household typeCount%
Married-couple family8049.7%
Cohabiting couple1710.6%
Male householder, no spouse3521.7%
Female householder, no spouse2918.0%
Households with children under 186741.6%
Households with seniors (65+)4628.6%
Average household size2.50

Marital status

StatusMaleFemale
Never married30.6%28.1%
Married51.6%57.8%
Separated0.0%0.7%
Widowed0.6%7.4%
Divorced17.2%5.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.0%
Some HS, no diploma 9.9%
HS graduate 45.7%
Some college, no degree 20.7%
Associate's degree 12.9%
Bachelor's degree 5.2%
Graduate / professional 2.6%
Metric%
HS diploma or higher87.1%
Bachelor's or higher7.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

TypeCount%
Nursery / preschool77.6%
Kindergarten44.3%
Elementary school5458.7%
High school2527.2%
College / grad school22.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 23.4%
Manufacturing 18.8%
Retail trade 12.5%
Construction 12.0%
Transportation & utilities 7.3%
Agriculture & mining 6.3%
Wholesale trade 5.7%
Other services 3.1%
Information 2.6%
Finance & real estate 2.6%
Public administration 2.6%
Professional & management 2.1%
Arts, food & hospitality 1.0%

Occupation

Category%
Management, business & arts21.9%
Service13.5%
Sales & office24.0%
Natural resources & construction14.1%
Production & transportation26.6%

Employment type

Type%
Private sector82.3%
Government9.4%
Self-employed8.3%
Unpaid family workers0.0%

Commute

Method%
Drive alone84.1%
Carpool7.1%
Public transit0.0%
Walk2.7%
Other means0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)21.5

Poverty

All people 21.1%
Under 18 years 34.7%
18 and over 15.2%
Married-couple families 13.8%
Female-led households 13.3%

Income support

Source% of households
Social Security32.3%
Retirement income23.6%
Supplemental Security1.9%
Cash public assistance2.5%
Food stamps / SNAP5.6%

Health indicators

Condition%
High blood pressure28.7%
High cholesterol30.4%
Heart disease6.1%
Stroke2.9%
Asthma9.1%
Arthritis22.4%
Kidney disease2.7%
Pulmonary disease5.8%
Cancer6.3%
Behavior / access%
Binge drinking21.9%
No physical activity21.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep26.1%
Fair or poor health12.6%
Poor mental health14.4%
Poor physical health9.6%
No health insurance11.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)70.2%
Visited dentist65.4%
Cholesterol screening86.6%
Teeth loss12.9%

Veterans & disability

VeteransCount%
Civilian veterans3111.2%
Disability%
Any disability10.9%
Under 182.4%
18–64 years11.5%
65 and over25.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type%
Private insurance79.6%
Public insurance48.0%
Uninsured under 193.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

LanguageCount%
English only36590.8%
Spanish20.5%
Other Indo-European00.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander20.5%
Other languages00.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

OriginCount%
Native born (US)39798.8%
Born in same state39598.3%
Born in different state33783.8%
Foreign born20.5%
Naturalized citizen51.2%
Not a US citizen360.0%

Ancestry

AncestryCount%
Italian348.5%
Polish338.2%
Arab184.5%
AncestryCount%
English143.5%
German51.2%
French51.2%

Technology access

Metric% of households
Computer access40.0%
Internet access89.4%

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

Frequently asked questions
What ZIP codes does Bluffton, MN have?
Bluffton, MN has one ZIP code: 56518. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.
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