COUNTY REPORT MN

Jackson County, Minnesota

6 ZIP codes · Avg score 64/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03

Although much of Jackson County meets baseline standards, some of its 6 ZIP codes show violations that merit closer attention.

How Jackson County Compares

Jackson County64/100
Minnesota avg62/100
National avg68/100

How Jackson County Compares

C
County Grade
64/100
Avg Safety Score
6
ZIP Codes
8
Water Systems

Jackson County scores 2 points above the Minnesota state average (62/100) and 4 points below the national average (68/100).

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

C
County Grade
64
Avg Safety Score
6
ZIP Codes
Best ZIP: 56150 (69/100)
Lowest ZIP: 56143 (50/100)
$115K
Median Home Value
$2,133
Avg Remediation (185% of home value)

ZIP Code Risk Map

Water Quality Map: Jackson County, Minnesota

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Key Risk Factors

Health risk index: 13.3 (asthma 9.8%, diabetes 11.7%)

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,145, driven primarily by energy_code_gap

Infrastructure: 0.487% avg pipe failure probability, 100% of ZIPs at high risk

89.7% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)

County Health Indicators vs National Average

Asthma 9.8% (national: 8.9%)
Diabetes 11.7% (national: 10.5%)
Obesity 35.8% (national: 32.4%)

Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Infrastructure Overview

1953
Median Build Year
89.7%
Pre-1978 Housing
49%
Pipe Failure Probability
100%
ZIPs at High Infra Risk
High
Lead Pipe Risk

Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.

Compound Risk Breakdown

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,145

Energy Code Gap $540/yr
Water / Lead $358/yr
Flood $167/yr

Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).

Housing Age Distribution

4,765 housing units in Jackson County

Pre-1940 36%
1940–1959 21%
1960–1979 26%
1980–1999 11%
2000+ 7%

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 Jackson County

$115K
Median Home Value
$2,133
Est. Remediation Cost
1.8%
of Home Value
Remediation as % of home value low burden

Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Jackson 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 Jackson County residents

Asthma 9.8% (US avg: 8.9%)
Diabetes 11.7% (US avg: 11%)
Obesity 35.8% (US avg: 32.4%)

Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Water Systems with Most Violations

Top 5 systems in Jackson County ranked by EPA violation count.

# Water System Population Violations
1 Red Rock Rural Water System 5,840 9
2 Alpha 112 5
3 Okabena 188 3
4 Heron Lake 691 2
5 Lakefield 1,694 2

8 total water systems serve Jackson County.

All ZIP Codes in Jackson County

6 ZIP codes tracked in Jackson County.

# ZIP Code City Safety Score Grade Violations Home Value
1 56150 Lakefield 69 C 2 $129K
2 56161 Okabena 67 C 3 $108K
3 56167 Round Lake 66 C 0 $116K
4 56111 Alpha 65 C 5 (1 health) $114K
5 56137 Heron Lake 64 C 2 $114K
6 56143 Jackson 50 D 0 $158K

Recommended Buyer Guides for Jackson County

Four sources — EPA, NSF, FEMA, CDC — drive the match.

Overview

Jackson County in Minnesota covers 6 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (64/100).

4 of 6 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation have been documented.

← Back to Minnesota water quality report

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water safe in Jackson County?
Jackson County receives a grade of C. Some ZIP codes have recorded violations and residents in affected areas may want to test their water.
How many water systems serve Jackson County?
Jackson County is served by 8 public water systems that supply drinking water to residents across 6 ZIP codes.
What is the biggest environmental risk in Jackson County?
The primary environmental risk factor in Jackson County is energy_code_gap. This contributes to an estimated additional annual cost of $1,145 per homeowner.
How old are homes in Jackson County?
The median home build year in Jackson County is 1953. 89.7% of homes were built before 1978, which means they may contain lead-based paint and older plumbing materials.
How does Jackson County compare to Minnesota?
Jackson County has an average water safety score of 64/100, which is above the Minnesota state average of 62/100.

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