Watson ZIP Codes — Chippewa County, MN

There is one unique ZIP code in Watson, Minnesota and it is 56295. Area code: 320.

ZIP codes

22.63

sq mi land

3.54

sq mi water

320

area code

Watson, MN ZIP code map

About Watson, MN

Watson is a small yet charming city located in Minnesota. It is situated within Chippewa County and is known for its welcoming community and rural ambiance. With its serene surroundings, Watson provides a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Watson is geographically positioned in west-central Minnesota, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Chippewa County. The city is approximately 9 miles northeast of Montevideo, about 13 miles southwest of Benson, nearby 15 miles northwest of Clara City, and roughly 20 miles west of Willmar. The total area of Watson encompasses 22.63 square miles of land and 3.54 square miles of water, contributing to its scenic beauty.

Community & economy

The character of Watson embodies the essence of small-town Minnesota, where community bonds run deep and outdoor activities are prevalent. Agriculture and small businesses play a prominent role in the local economy, offering various services that cater to residents and travelers. Daily life in Watson includes a mix of community events, recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of neighborly support.

Transportation

Watson is conveniently accessible via State Highway 7, which connects the area to nearby towns and cities. The closest major airport is the Minneota Airport, located around 19 miles away, providing essential air transportation services. Local transit options are limited, but the roadways facilitate easy travel for residents and visitors.

History

The founding of Watson dates back to the late 19th century, primarily as a hub for agriculture and trade in the region. Throughout its history, the city has experienced growth influenced by key industries such as farming and local businesses. Notable events in Watson's history often center around community gatherings and cultural celebrations that unite its residents.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Watson is that it features a unique blend of outdoor recreational options and agricultural heritage. This small city is often overlooked but offers visitors a glimpse into rural life in Minnesota, marked by its friendly locals and scenic landscapes.

ZIP codes for Watson, MN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
56295	Watson	Chippewa	View map

Demographics & statistics

323

Population

41.3

Median age

$63,750

Median household income

$32,940

Per capita income

$96,700

Median home value

$672

Median monthly rent

82.0%

Home ownership

9.9%

Poverty rate

4.7%

Unemployment

122

Housing units

19.3%

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

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	78	24.1%
18 and over	245	75.9%
65 and over	41	12.7%
Median age	41.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 90.7%

Asian 6.8%

Two or more races 2.5%

Group	Count	%
White	293	90.7%
Asian	22	6.8%
Two or more races	8	2.5%

Household income

Under $10k 8.6%

$10k–$15k 2.9%

$15k–$25k 3.6%

$25k–$35k 17.3%

$35k–$50k 7.9%

$50k–$75k 24.5%

$75k–$100k 10.8%

$100k–$150k 10.8%

$150k–$200k 7.2%

$200k+ 6.5%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	8.6%
$10k–$15k	2.9%
$15k–$25k	3.6%
$25k–$35k	17.3%
$35k–$50k	7.9%
$50k–$75k	24.5%
$75k–$100k	10.8%
$100k–$150k	10.8%
$150k–$200k	7.2%
$200k+	6.5%
Median income	$63,750

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 12.3%

$50k–$100k 38.6%

$100k–$150k 10.5%

$150k–$200k 9.6%

$200k–$300k 15.8%

$300k–$500k 11.4%

$500k–$1M 1.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$96,700
Median rent / month	$672
Owner occupied	82.0%
Renter occupied	18.0%
Vacant	5.4%
Single-family detached	88.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.0%
Median rooms	5.9
Avg household size (owned)	2.54

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	4.8%
2000–2009	1.4%
1990–1999	0.7%
1980–1989	15.6%
1970–1979	9.5%
1960–1969	3.4%
1950–1959	10.2%
1940–1949	15.0%
1939 or earlier	39.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	14.3%
2 bedrooms	12.9%
3 bedrooms	40.1%
4 bedrooms	25.9%
5+ bedrooms	6.8%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.8%
1 vehicle	25.9%
2 vehicles	25.9%
3 or more	42.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	15.8%
Electricity	21.6%
Propane / LP gas	48.9%
Fuel oil	10.8%
Wood	2.9%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	68	48.9%
Cohabiting couple	13	9.4%
Male householder, no spouse	21	15.1%
Female householder, no spouse	37	26.6%
Households with children under 18	51	36.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	36	25.9%
Average household size	2.32

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	39.5%	21.6%
Married	51.2%	51.1%
Separated	0.0%	5.8%
Widowed	0.0%	8.6%
Divorced	9.3%	12.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 9.2%

Some HS, no diploma 3.2%

HS graduate 29.4%

Some college, no degree 21.6%

Associate's degree 17.4%

Bachelor's degree 13.8%

Graduate / professional 5.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	87.6%
Bachelor's or higher	19.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	37	44.6%
High school	32	38.6%
College / grad school	14	16.9%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 24.2%

Other services 13.7%

Construction 11.2%

Retail trade 10.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 10.6%

Agriculture & mining 8.1%

Wholesale trade 6.2%

Manufacturing 5.6%

Public administration 4.3%

Finance & real estate 2.5%

Transportation & utilities 1.9%

Professional & management 1.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.3%
Service	21.1%
Sales & office	31.1%
Natural resources & construction	9.9%
Production & transportation	5.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	65.8%
Government	14.3%
Self-employed	19.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	77.9%
Carpool	5.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.6%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	18.3

Poverty

All people 9.9%

Under 18 years 10.3%

18 and over 9.8%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 26.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	26.6%
Retirement income	13.7%
Supplemental Security	8.6%
Cash public assistance	1.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.5%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	30.5%
High cholesterol	31.8%
Heart disease	6.3%
Stroke	2.7%
Asthma	8.8%
Arthritis	23.6%
Kidney disease	2.6%
Pulmonary disease	5.7%
Cancer	6.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.5%
No physical activity	19.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	27.7%
Fair or poor health	11.7%
Poor mental health	13.2%
Poor physical health	9.5%
No health insurance	10.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	69.3%
Visited dentist	67.4%
Cholesterol screening	89.4%
Teeth loss	10.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	17	6.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	14.2%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	11.8%
65 and over	53.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	76.8%
Public insurance	41.5%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	315	97.5%
Spanish	7	2.2%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	7	2.2%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	301	93.2%
Born in same state	301	93.2%
Born in different state	269	83.3%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	22	6.8%
Not a US citizen	16	72.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	126	39%
Italian	31	9.6%
English	8	2.5%
German	5	1.5%

Ancestry	Count	%
French	5	1.5%
Arab	5	1.5%
Dutch	1	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.0%
Internet access	84.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Watson, MN have?

Watson, MN has one ZIP code: 56295. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.