Wellston ZIP Code List — Manistee County, MI

There is one unique ZIP code in Wellston, Michigan and it is 49689. Area code: 231.

ZIP codes

80.83

sq mi land

2.08

sq mi water

231

area code

Wellston, MI ZIP code map

About Wellston, MI

Wellston, Michigan, is a quaint community located in Manistee County. Known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, Wellston provides residents and visitors with a peaceful retreat from the busyness of urban life. The city's charm lies in its rural character and the warm hospitality of its residents.

Location & geography

Wellston stretches over a land area of 80.83 square miles, with an additional 2.08 square miles dedicated to water. The city is situated in the northwestern part of Michigan, surrounded by picturesque landscapes that include forests and lakes. Nearby cities include Baldwin, which is approximately 18 miles to the southeast, Manistee about 26 miles to the west, and Ludington roughly 28 miles to the south.

Community & economy

The character of Wellston is rooted in its tight-knit community and love for the outdoors. Residents often engage in activities such as fishing, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The local economy flourishes with small businesses, and tourism plays a vital role, showcasing the area's attractions and natural resources.

Transportation

Wellston is conveniently located near Highway M-55, which provides access to neighboring towns and cities. The closest major airport is Manistee County Blacker Airport, located about 26 miles away, offering limited commercial flights and general aviation services. Public transit options are minimal, emphasizing the community's rural charm.

History

Wellston was established in the late 19th century, primarily as a logging town that capitalized on the abundant natural resources of the area. Over the years, the community has transitioned from heavy logging to a focus on tourism and recreation, becoming a haven for those seeking outdoor activities. Key events in its history often revolve around the seasonal changes that attract visitors to the region.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Wellston is that the surrounding natural beauty includes numerous hiking and biking trails, making it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Wellston is home to some well-preserved historical structures, hinting at its rich past.

ZIP codes for Wellston, MI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
49689	Wellston	Manistee	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,610

Population

48.1

Median age

$59,712

Median household income

$40,197

Per capita income

$127,100

Median home value

$658

Median monthly rent

92.4%

Home ownership

11.9%

Poverty rate

6.6%

Unemployment

1,559

Housing units

22.4%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

102

35–44

113

45–54

55–59

114

60–64

138

65–74

120

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	293	18.2%
18 and over	1,317	81.8%
65 and over	392	24.3%
Median age	48.1 years

Race & ethnicity

White 93.1%

Two or more races 2.9%

Hispanic or Latino 2.2%

Black or African American 0.9%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.8%

Group	Count	%
White	1,534	93.1%
Two or more races	48	2.9%
Hispanic or Latino	37	2.2%
Black or African American	15	0.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native	13	0.8%

Household income

Under $10k 9.6%

$10k–$15k 1.6%

$15k–$25k 7.2%

$25k–$35k 7.6%

$35k–$50k 15.9%

$50k–$75k 21.7%

$75k–$100k 11.8%

$100k–$150k 9.8%

$150k–$200k 10.1%

$200k+ 4.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	9.6%
$10k–$15k	1.6%
$15k–$25k	7.2%
$25k–$35k	7.6%
$35k–$50k	15.9%
$50k–$75k	21.7%
$75k–$100k	11.8%
$100k–$150k	9.8%
$150k–$200k	10.1%
$200k+	4.7%
Median income	$59,712

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 10.4%

$50k–$100k 21.3%

$100k–$150k 34.2%

$150k–$200k 15.2%

$200k–$300k 12.6%

$300k–$500k 3.3%

$500k–$1M 1.4%

$1M+ 1.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$127,100
Median rent / month	$658
Owner occupied	92.4%
Renter occupied	7.6%
Vacant	56.8%
Single-family detached	80.3%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	19.4%
Median rooms	4.4
Avg household size (owned)	2.33

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	3.0%
2000–2009	10.3%
1990–1999	17.9%
1980–1989	19.4%
1970–1979	15.4%
1960–1969	12.1%
1950–1959	11.1%
1940–1949	6.2%
1939 or earlier	4.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.1%
1 bedroom	16.4%
2 bedrooms	41.9%
3 bedrooms	32.8%
4 bedrooms	5.5%
5+ bedrooms	1.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.7%
1 vehicle	29.6%
2 vehicles	34.8%
3 or more	29.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.1%
Electricity	5.2%
Propane / LP gas	66.7%
Fuel oil	1.7%
Wood	19.4%
No fuel used	1.7%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	334	48.0%
Cohabiting couple	98	14.1%
Male householder, no spouse	188	27.0%
Female householder, no spouse	76	10.9%
Households with children under 18	170	24.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	266	38.2%
Average household size	2.31

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	26.5%	24.5%
Married	49.5%	62.4%
Separated	2.8%	0.6%
Widowed	6.5%	6.2%
Divorced	14.7%	6.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.2%

Some HS, no diploma 10.7%

HS graduate 31.7%

Some college, no degree 24.2%

Associate's degree 8.7%

Bachelor's degree 15.3%

Graduate / professional 7.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	87.0%
Bachelor's or higher	22.4%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	6	2.2%
Kindergarten	11	4.0%
Elementary school	157	56.7%
High school	55	19.9%
College / grad school	48	17.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 22.4%

Manufacturing 15.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 12.7%

Construction 10.8%

Retail trade 10.6%

Finance & real estate 6.3%

Other services 6.0%

Transportation & utilities 5.1%

Professional & management 5.1%

Agriculture & mining 1.9%

Information 1.9%

Public administration 1.1%

Wholesale trade 0.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	27.9%
Service	24.4%
Sales & office	20.1%
Natural resources & construction	15.0%
Production & transportation	12.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	75.0%
Government	13.4%
Self-employed	11.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	67.6%
Carpool	11.3%
Public transit	0.2%
Walk	0.3%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	29.1

Poverty

All people 11.9%

Under 18 years 3.3%

18 and over 13.7%

Married-couple families 5.7%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	43.1%
Retirement income	34.8%
Supplemental Security	4.6%
Cash public assistance	2.9%
Food stamps / SNAP	17.5%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	41.7%
High cholesterol	41.1%
Heart disease	9.9%
Stroke	4.4%
Asthma	11.1%
Arthritis	38.0%
Kidney disease	3.9%
Pulmonary disease	11.2%
Cancer	8.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.2%
No physical activity	24.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.6%
Fair or poor health	19.1%
Poor mental health	15.6%
Poor physical health	14.0%
No health insurance	10.3%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.6%
Visited dentist	65.7%
Cholesterol screening	92.9%
Teeth loss	15.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	120	9.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	21.2%
Under 18	1.0%
18–64 years	19.4%
65 and over	40.8%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	66.0%
Public insurance	49.9%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,558	96.8%
Spanish	4	0.3%
Other Indo-European	4	0.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,607	99.8%
Born in same state	1,604	99.6%
Born in different state	1,371	85.2%
Foreign born	3	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	3	0.2%
Not a US citizen	3	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	175	10.9%
Italian	146	9.1%
English	124	7.7%
Arab	55	3.4%
Dutch	18	1.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	16	1%
German	9	0.6%
Irish	3	0.2%
Norwegian	3	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.2%
Internet access	88.5%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Wellston, MI?

Wellston, MI has one ZIP code: 49689.

What is the main ZIP code for Wellston, MI?

The primary ZIP code for Wellston, MI is 49689. The city uses area code 231 for phone service.

What county is Wellston, MI in?

Wellston is located in Manistee County, Michigan.

How many ZIP codes are in Wellston, MI?

Wellston, MI has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code should I use for mailing packages to businesses in downtown Wellston, Michigan?

All mailing addresses in Wellston, Michigan use the ZIP code 49689, which covers the entire city including the downtown business district.

If I'm sending mail to a residential address in Wellston, MI, what is the correct ZIP code to use?

Residential addresses in Wellston use ZIP code 49689, as this is the sole ZIP code serving the city in Manistee County.