Staples ZIP Codes — Wadena County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Staples, Minnesota and it is 56479. Area code: 218.

ZIP codes

199.20

sq mi land

3.58

sq mi water

218

area code

Staples, MN ZIP code map

About Staples, MN

Staples is a charming city located in the heart of Minnesota, specifically within Wadena County. Known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly community, Staples offers a peaceful lifestyle while still providing access to essential amenities. The city has a rich history that reflects the agricultural roots of the region and continues to embrace its small-town charm.

Location & geography

Staples is situated in central Minnesota, making it conveniently located near several cities, including Wadena, which is approximately 17 miles to the southeast, and Brainerd, about 27 miles to the southwest. The city covers a total land area of 199.20 square miles, complemented by a water area of 3.58 square miles, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The landscape is characterized by a mix of wooded areas, lakes, and open fields, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.

Community & economy

The community of Staples is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong local ties among residents. It is a hub for various industries, including agriculture, retail, and light manufacturing, which contribute to the local economy. Daily life in Staples is enriched by community events, local shops, and a commitment to preserving the scenic environment, making it a pleasant place to live and visit.

Transportation

Staples is accessible via several key highways, including U.S. Highway 10, which runs through the city, and Minnesota State Highway 210, providing connections to neighboring areas. The nearest named airport is Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, located about 30 miles away, which offers regional services. Public transportation options are limited, but local services aim to facilitate connectivity in and around the city.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Staples has a historical background rooted in the logging and agricultural industries that were prevalent in the area. Notable events include the establishment of the railroad, which significantly contributed to the growth and development of the city. Over the years, the community has maintained its agricultural traditions while adapting to modern economic shifts.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Staples is that it was named after one of the early settlers, John Staples, who had a significant influence on the city's development. Additionally, the city is home to the Staples World, a weekly newspaper that has been serving the local community for over a century.

ZIP codes for Staples, MN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
56479	Staples	Wadena	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,891

Population

44.0

Median age

$56,278

Median household income

$27,965

Per capita income

$161,300

Median home value

$873

Median monthly rent

80.2%

Home ownership

16.0%

Poverty rate

3.6%

Unemployment

1,944

Housing units

21.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

166

Under 5

150

141

5–9

127

194

10–14

176

196

15–19

178

133

20–24

121

205

25–34

185

274

35–44

248

231

45–54

209

175

55–59

158

220

60–64

199

329

65–74

298

193

75–84

175

110

85+

100

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,199	24.5%
18 and over	3,692	75.5%
65 and over	1,205	24.6%
Median age	44.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 84.9%

Two or more races 7%

Hispanic or Latino 6.1%

Other race 1%

Black or African American 0.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.4%

Group	Count	%
White	4,421	84.9%
Two or more races	366	7%
Hispanic or Latino	315	6.1%
Other race	51	1%
Black or African American	29	0.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	21	0.4%

Household income

Under $10k 4.8%

$10k–$15k 2.3%

$15k–$25k 14.8%

$25k–$35k 9.2%

$35k–$50k 11.9%

$50k–$75k 19.0%

$75k–$100k 18.3%

$100k–$150k 10.7%

$150k–$200k 5.4%

$200k+ 3.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.8%
$10k–$15k	2.3%
$15k–$25k	14.8%
$25k–$35k	9.2%
$35k–$50k	11.9%
$50k–$75k	19.0%
$75k–$100k	18.3%
$100k–$150k	10.7%
$150k–$200k	5.4%
$200k+	3.7%
Median income	$56,278

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 8.1%

$50k–$100k 14.7%

$100k–$150k 23.0%

$150k–$200k 15.8%

$200k–$300k 24.5%

$300k–$500k 11.2%

$500k–$1M 2.4%

$1M+ 0.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$161,300
Median rent / month	$873
Owner occupied	80.2%
Renter occupied	19.8%
Vacant	18.6%
Single-family detached	77.3%
Large apartment buildings	5.8%
Mobile homes	8.4%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.52

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.1%
2010–2019	6.9%
2000–2009	14.7%
1990–1999	11.0%
1980–1989	5.2%
1970–1979	17.4%
1960–1969	5.8%
1950–1959	10.1%
1940–1949	7.5%
1939 or earlier	21.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.7%
1 bedroom	7.6%
2 bedrooms	24.0%
3 bedrooms	39.2%
4 bedrooms	18.7%
5+ bedrooms	7.8%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	6.1%
1 vehicle	23.1%
2 vehicles	37.7%
3 or more	33.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	36.2%
Electricity	24.0%
Propane / LP gas	23.9%
Fuel oil	3.3%
Wood	11.7%
Solar	0.1%
No fuel used	0.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	950	50.3%
Cohabiting couple	135	7.2%
Male householder, no spouse	385	20.4%
Female householder, no spouse	417	22.1%
Households with children under 18	565	29.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	776	41.1%
Average household size	2.51

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	31.7%	22.7%
Married	54.3%	51.9%
Separated	1.4%	2.4%
Widowed	4.2%	12.0%
Divorced	8.3%	11.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.0%

Some HS, no diploma 5.4%

HS graduate 33.9%

Some college, no degree 26.6%

Associate's degree 10.6%

Bachelor's degree 13.8%

Graduate / professional 7.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.6%
Bachelor's or higher	21.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	61	5.9%
Kindergarten	28	2.7%
Elementary school	548	53.0%
High school	273	26.4%
College / grad school	124	12.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 30.4%

Manufacturing 15.9%

Retail trade 8.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.3%

Agriculture & mining 6.5%

Wholesale trade 5.7%

Transportation & utilities 5.1%

Construction 4.8%

Professional & management 4.6%

Other services 3.6%

Public administration 3.5%

Finance & real estate 2.4%

Information 1.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	31.8%
Service	18.6%
Sales & office	14.7%
Natural resources & construction	11.2%
Production & transportation	23.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	78.2%
Government	14.4%
Self-employed	6.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.4%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	77.9%
Carpool	10.9%
Public transit	1.1%
Walk	2.5%
Other means	1.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	23.3

Poverty

All people 16.0%

Under 18 years 25.4%

18 and over 12.8%

Married-couple families 6.3%

Female-led households 56.5%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	43.1%
Retirement income	21.4%
Supplemental Security	6.1%
Cash public assistance	6.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	33.1%
High cholesterol	31.8%
Heart disease	7.9%
Stroke	3.8%
Asthma	9.7%
Arthritis	27.4%
Kidney disease	3.4%
Pulmonary disease	7.3%
Cancer	7.8%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.4%
No physical activity	24.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.8%
Fair or poor health	15.1%
Poor mental health	14.5%
Poor physical health	11.3%
No health insurance	12.3%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.9%
Visited dentist	59.2%
Cholesterol screening	88.4%
Teeth loss	14.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	429	11.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	16.4%
Under 18	5.8%
18–64 years	15.5%
65 and over	29.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	64.8%
Public insurance	49.6%
Uninsured under 19	1.4%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	4,575	93.5%
Spanish	9	0.2%
Other Indo-European	5	0.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	4	0.1%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	4,854	99.2%
Born in same state	4,825	98.7%
Born in different state	3,932	80.4%
Foreign born	29	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	37	0.8%
Not a US citizen	11	29.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	728	14.9%
Italian	475	9.7%
French	299	6.1%
Arab	194	4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	82	1.7%
German	57	1.2%
English	27	0.6%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	38.6%
Internet access	87.5%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Staples, MN have?

Staples, MN has one ZIP code: 56479. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.