Aitkin County, Minnesota
9 ZIP codes · Avg score 65/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Aitkin County, the 9 tracked ZIP codes show adequate but uneven water quality.
How Aitkin County Compares
How Aitkin County Compares
Aitkin County scores 3 points above the Minnesota state average (62/100) and 3 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Aitkin County, Minnesota
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15.2 (asthma 10.1%, diabetes 14.8%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,703, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.341% avg pipe failure probability
55.8% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,703
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
16,741 housing units in Aitkin County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Aitkin County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Aitkin County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Aitkin County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Aitkin County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palisade | 166 | 2 |
| 2 | Hill City | 633 | 1 |
| 3 | Federal Correctional Institution | 1,587 | 0 |
| 4 | Sandstone | 1,425 | 0 |
| 5 | McGregor | 394 | 0 |
9 total water systems serve Aitkin County.
All ZIP Codes in Aitkin County
9 ZIP codes tracked in Aitkin County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55072 | Sandstone | 83 | B | 0 | $189K |
| 2 | 56431 | Aitkin | 78 | B | 0 | $265K |
| 3 | 55748 | Hill City | 75 | B | 1 | $180K |
| 4 | 56469 | Palisade | 74 | B | 2 (1 health) | $222K |
| 5 | 55760 | Mcgregor | 61 | C | 0 | $262K |
| 6 | 55785 | Swatara | 53 | D | 0 | $188K |
| 7 | 55787 | Tamarack | 53 | D | 0 | $233K |
| 8 | 56350 | Mc Grath | 53 | D | 0 | $164K |
| 9 | 56386 | Wahkon | 53 | D | 0 | $262K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Aitkin County
If FEMA records flag flood-top-risk status or EPA samples show PFAS exceedances, the matching logic lifts emergency-water and PFAS-rated filtration into the recommendations — federal data drives the order, not retailer arrangements.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 55.8% of homes built before 1978
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Aitkin County, Minnesota
Overview
Aitkin County in Minnesota covers 9 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (65/100).
2 of 9 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation have been documented.
← Back to Minnesota water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.