Nelson ZIP Codes — Douglas County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Nelson, Minnesota and it is 56355. Area code: 218/320.

ZIP codes

25.62

sq mi land

0.18

sq mi water

218/320

area code

Nelson, MN ZIP code map

About Nelson, MN

Nelson is a charming city located in the state of Minnesota, nestled within the picturesque Douglas County. Known for its serene environment, Nelson offers a blend of rural charm and community spirit that attracts both residents and visitors alike. With its single ZIP code, 56355, Nelson embodies the essence of small-town life while providing a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Location & geography

Situated in west-central Minnesota, Nelson is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and waterways. The city is located approximately 15 miles southwest of Alexandria and 10 miles northeast of Glenwood, making it easily accessible to neighboring communities. Covering a land area of 25.62 square miles, with a small water area of 0.18 square miles, Nelson features a mix of open spaces and natural scenery.

Community & economy

The character of Nelson is defined by its close-knit community and friendly residents who celebrate the beauty of their surroundings. Key industries in the area include agriculture and small local businesses that cater to residents' needs. Daily life in Nelson revolves around community events, outdoor activities, and cultural traditions that reflect the city's values and heritage.

Transportation

Highway 27 runs through Nelson, providing convenient access to surrounding areas and facilitating travel for residents and visitors. The nearest regional airports are located in Alexandria and Glenwood, which offer additional travel options. Public transit options may be limited, but the city's accessibility by road makes it easy for residents to navigate their surroundings.

History

Nelson was founded in the late 19th century and has since evolved into a community that values its agricultural roots and the natural beauty of its landscape. Throughout its history, the city has experienced growth driven by farming and local businesses, contributing to its development. Notable events include community fairs and celebrations that honor the city's heritage and foster a sense of unity among residents.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Nelson is that it is home to several historical sites that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area. Additionally, the city's scenic location near several lakes makes it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

ZIP codes for Nelson, MN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
56355	Nelson	Douglas	View map

Demographics & statistics

626

Population

33.8

Median age

$91,563

Median household income

$31,285

Per capita income

$267,900

Median home value

$889

Median monthly rent

85.7%

Home ownership

8.6%

Poverty rate

0.6%

Unemployment

192

Housing units

16.5%

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

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	222	35.5%
18 and over	404	64.5%
65 and over	59	9.4%
Median age	33.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 99.8%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	625	99.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native	1	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 12.4%

$10k–$15k 1.4%

$15k–$25k 0.9%

$25k–$35k 3.2%

$35k–$50k 9.2%

$50k–$75k 18.0%

$75k–$100k 10.6%

$100k–$150k 32.7%

$150k–$200k 9.7%

$200k+ 1.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	12.4%
$10k–$15k	1.4%
$15k–$25k	0.9%
$25k–$35k	3.2%
$35k–$50k	9.2%
$50k–$75k	18.0%
$75k–$100k	10.6%
$100k–$150k	32.7%
$150k–$200k	9.7%
$200k+	1.8%
Median income	$91,563

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 1.6%

$50k–$100k 1.6%

$100k–$150k 7.0%

$150k–$200k 18.3%

$200k–$300k 31.2%

$300k–$500k 27.4%

$500k–$1M 12.9%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$267,900
Median rent / month	$889
Owner occupied	85.7%
Renter occupied	14.3%
Vacant	2.7%
Single-family detached	90.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	2.2%
Median rooms	6.8
Avg household size (owned)	3.04

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	2.7%
2010–2019	5.8%
2000–2009	17.0%
1990–1999	4.9%
1980–1989	22.0%
1970–1979	15.2%
1960–1969	0.4%
1950–1959	4.0%
1940–1949	0.9%
1939 or earlier	26.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.9%
1 bedroom	2.7%
2 bedrooms	16.6%
3 bedrooms	37.2%
4 bedrooms	39.0%
5+ bedrooms	3.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	6.5%
1 vehicle	18.0%
2 vehicles	29.5%
3 or more	46.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	12.0%
Electricity	8.8%
Propane / LP gas	64.1%
Fuel oil	11.1%
Wood	3.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	135	62.2%
Cohabiting couple	12	5.5%
Male householder, no spouse	35	16.1%
Female householder, no spouse	35	16.1%
Households with children under 18	64	29.5%
Households with seniors (65+)	43	19.8%
Average household size	2.88

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	19.6%	10.4%
Married	66.5%	72.5%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	0.4%	8.8%
Divorced	13.4%	8.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.5%

Some HS, no diploma 0.3%

HS graduate 34.8%

Some college, no degree 22.6%

Associate's degree 25.3%

Bachelor's degree 13.0%

Graduate / professional 3.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	99.2%
Bachelor's or higher	16.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	23	11.8%
Kindergarten	34	17.4%
Elementary school	101	51.8%
High school	16	8.2%
College / grad school	21	10.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 29.4%

Manufacturing 20.8%

Public administration 11.8%

Construction 8.9%

Other services 6.4%

Finance & real estate 4.2%

Transportation & utilities 3.8%

Retail trade 3.5%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.5%

Professional & management 2.9%

Wholesale trade 2.2%

Agriculture & mining 1.9%

Information 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	47.6%
Service	16.3%
Sales & office	11.8%
Natural resources & construction	8.3%
Production & transportation	16.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	70.9%
Government	24.9%
Self-employed	4.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	86.8%
Carpool	6.3%
Public transit	0.3%
Walk	0.7%
Other means	1.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	21.1

Poverty

All people 8.6%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 13.4%

Married-couple families 8.1%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	22.1%
Retirement income	16.1%
Supplemental Security	1.8%
Cash public assistance	0.9%
Food stamps / SNAP	9.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	27.0%
High cholesterol	27.4%
Heart disease	5.4%
Stroke	2.5%
Asthma	8.9%
Arthritis	21.1%
Kidney disease	2.5%
Pulmonary disease	5.0%
Cancer	6.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	21.2%
No physical activity	19.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.4%
Fair or poor health	10.4%
Poor mental health	13.3%
Poor physical health	8.6%
No health insurance	10.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	68.8%
Visited dentist	67.2%
Cholesterol screening	89.6%
Teeth loss	9.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	45	11.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	6.9%
Under 18	6.3%
18–64 years	6.4%
65 and over	11.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	80.8%
Public insurance	32.5%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	575	91.9%
Spanish	1	0.2%
Other Indo-European	1	0.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	624	99.7%
Born in same state	624	99.7%
Born in different state	538	85.9%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	2	0.3%
Not a US citizen	2	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	192	30.7%
English	47	7.5%
Italian	37	5.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
French	16	2.6%
Arab	10	1.6%
Dutch	2	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	34.7%
Internet access	93.1%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Nelson, MN have?

Nelson, MN has one ZIP code: 56355. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.