Watkins ZIP Codes — Meeker County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Watkins, Minnesota and it is 55389. Area code: 320.

ZIP codes

74.85

sq mi land

1.73

sq mi water

320

area code

Watkins, MN ZIP code map

About Watkins, MN

Watkins is a charming city located in Meeker County, Minnesota, known for its warm community spirit and small-town charm. This quaint city is rich with history and offers residents and visitors alike a unique glimpse into rural Minnesota life. With a focus on local activities, Watkins invites exploration and engagement from those who pass through its borders.

Location & geography

Watkins is situated in the central region of Minnesota, making it a convenient spot for travelers and residents alike. Nearby cities include Litchfield, just 11 miles to the southwest, Eden Valley about 6 miles to the east, Paynesville approximately 10 miles to the northeast, and Howard Lake roughly 12 miles to the southeast. The city covers a land area of 74.85 square miles, with a water area of 1.73 square miles, providing a mix of beautiful landscapes and natural resources.

Community & economy

The character of Watkins is defined by its close-knit community, where neighbors often know each other by name. The local economy thrives on a combination of agriculture, retail, and service industries, contributing to a stable and welcoming environment. Daily life in Watkins revolves around community events and activities, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents.

Transportation

Watkins is easily accessible via several highways, with Minnesota Highway 24 running directly through the city. The nearest major airport is St. Cloud Regional Airport, located about 30 miles to the northeast, providing further transportation options for residents and visitors alike.

History

Watkins was founded in the late 19th century and has a rich agricultural heritage that has shaped its community. Key industries have historically included farming and commerce, which remain important to this day. Notable events in the city’s history include its early establishment as a trading post and its subsequent growth as a hub for local agriculture.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Watkins is that it is home to the annual Watkins Summer Festival, which attracts visitors from surrounding areas for a weekend of fun and festivities. Additionally, the city boasts several historical buildings that reflect its rich heritage and commitment to preserving its past.

ZIP codes for Watkins, MN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
55389	Watkins	Meeker	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,675

Population

36.9

Median age

$86,625

Median household income

$31,776

Per capita income

$254,500

Median home value

$770

Median monthly rent

84.6%

Home ownership

4.5%

Poverty rate

1.5%

Unemployment

911

Housing units

11.8%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

109

5–9

106

181

10–14

174

15–19

20–24

144

25–34

138

181

35–44

174

202

45–54

194

55–59

60–64

105

65–74

101

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	788	29.5%
18 and over	1,887	70.5%
65 and over	375	14.0%
Median age	36.9 years

Race & ethnicity

White 95%

Hispanic or Latino 1.6%

Other race 1.6%

Two or more races 1.5%

Asian 0.2%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	2,583	95%
Hispanic or Latino	44	1.6%
Other race	44	1.6%
Two or more races	41	1.5%
Asian	5	0.2%
American Indian / Alaska Native	2	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 2.5%

$10k–$15k 2.9%

$15k–$25k 6.4%

$25k–$35k 5.5%

$35k–$50k 10.7%

$50k–$75k 12.3%

$75k–$100k 19.8%

$100k–$150k 26.7%

$150k–$200k 8.4%

$200k+ 4.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.5%
$10k–$15k	2.9%
$15k–$25k	6.4%
$25k–$35k	5.5%
$35k–$50k	10.7%
$50k–$75k	12.3%
$75k–$100k	19.8%
$100k–$150k	26.7%
$150k–$200k	8.4%
$200k+	4.8%
Median income	$86,625

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.9%

$50k–$100k 5.4%

$100k–$150k 16.5%

$150k–$200k 10.8%

$200k–$300k 29.2%

$300k–$500k 22.5%

$500k–$1M 9.9%

$1M+ 0.9%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$254,500
Median rent / month	$770
Owner occupied	84.6%
Renter occupied	15.4%
Vacant	12.6%
Single-family detached	81.0%
Large apartment buildings	5.7%
Mobile homes	9.9%
Median rooms	6.7
Avg household size (owned)	3.02

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	11.5%
2000–2009	17.0%
1990–1999	10.4%
1980–1989	9.2%
1970–1979	13.0%
1960–1969	7.4%
1950–1959	8.8%
1940–1949	5.6%
1939 or earlier	17.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.7%
1 bedroom	8.1%
2 bedrooms	17.2%
3 bedrooms	34.8%
4 bedrooms	27.7%
5+ bedrooms	11.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.8%
1 vehicle	18.8%
2 vehicles	37.8%
3 or more	37.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	28.8%
Electricity	23.4%
Propane / LP gas	37.2%
Fuel oil	3.0%
Wood	5.4%
No fuel used	1.3%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	566	61.5%
Cohabiting couple	63	6.8%
Male householder, no spouse	155	16.8%
Female householder, no spouse	136	14.8%
Households with children under 18	333	36.2%
Households with seniors (65+)	228	24.8%
Average household size	2.85

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	30.0%	23.1%
Married	56.3%	61.3%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	4.4%	6.5%
Divorced	9.2%	9.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.8%

Some HS, no diploma 6.2%

HS graduate 43.1%

Some college, no degree 23.5%

Associate's degree 12.5%

Bachelor's degree 8.2%

Graduate / professional 3.6%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.0%
Bachelor's or higher	11.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	18	2.4%
Kindergarten	23	3.1%
Elementary school	474	64.4%
High school	137	18.6%
College / grad school	84	11.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 27.7%

Construction 18.0%

Manufacturing 15.1%

Agriculture & mining 8.1%

Transportation & utilities 6.3%

Retail trade 6.1%

Professional & management 4.8%

Other services 3.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.4%

Wholesale trade 2.9%

Finance & real estate 1.8%

Public administration 1.6%

Information 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	28.3%
Service	15.5%
Sales & office	16.5%
Natural resources & construction	20.8%
Production & transportation	18.8%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.2%
Government	12.7%
Self-employed	10.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.4%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	68.8%
Carpool	13.6%
Public transit	1.3%
Walk	4.5%
Other means	1.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	30.3

Poverty

All people 4.5%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 6.4%

Married-couple families 3.2%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	26.6%
Retirement income	17.3%
Supplemental Security	4.2%
Cash public assistance	1.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	30.3%
High cholesterol	30.9%
Heart disease	6.4%
Stroke	2.9%
Asthma	8.4%
Arthritis	22.9%
Kidney disease	2.7%
Pulmonary disease	5.5%
Cancer	7.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.8%
No physical activity	19.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.1%
Fair or poor health	11.3%
Poor mental health	12.8%
Poor physical health	9.1%
No health insurance	11.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.9%
Visited dentist	69.5%
Cholesterol screening	89.9%
Teeth loss	10.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	114	6.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	9.9%
Under 18	0.6%
18–64 years	11.1%
65 and over	26.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	80.6%
Public insurance	27.7%
Uninsured under 19	3.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,541	95.0%
Spanish	35	1.4%
Other Indo-European	34	1.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	1	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,631	98.4%
Born in same state	2,617	97.8%
Born in different state	2,463	92.1%
Foreign born	14	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	44	1.6%
Not a US citizen	15	34.1%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	191	7.1%
Polish	168	6.3%
English	93	3.5%
French	67	2.5%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	67	2.5%
Irish	15	0.6%
German	2	0.1%
Dutch	1	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	34.4%
Internet access	90.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Watkins, MN have?

Watkins, MN has one ZIP code: 55389. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.