Nicollet County, Minnesota
6 ZIP codes · Avg score 61/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike top-rated counties, Nicollet County's 6 ZIP codes carry a fair number of documented violations — chlorine compliance and disinfection byproduct limits are the categories most often cited in recent data.
How Nicollet County Compares
How Nicollet County Compares
Nicollet County scores 1 points below the Minnesota state average (62/100) and 7 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Nicollet County, Minnesota
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 11.8 (asthma 10.1%, diabetes 9.8%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,350, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.45% avg pipe failure probability, 50% of ZIPs at high risk
70.5% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2025)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across Nicollet County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2025 with 3 violations. Past 5 years: 5 total (5 health-based).
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
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: $1,350
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
16,523 housing units in Nicollet 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 Nicollet County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Nicollet 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 Nicollet 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 Nicollet County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Ulm | 14,052 | 6 |
| 2 | Klossner Water Association | 54 | 6 |
| 3 | Fairfax | 1,295 | 4 |
| 4 | Mankato | 42,803 | 3 |
| 5 | South Bend Township | 325 | 3 |
11 total water systems serve Nicollet County.
All ZIP Codes in Nicollet County
6 ZIP codes tracked in Nicollet County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55332 | Fairfax | 68 | C | 4 | $136K |
| 2 | 56074 | Nicollet | 66 | C | 0 | $265K |
| 3 | 56003 | Mankato | 64 | C | 3 | $261K |
| 4 | 56073 | New Ulm | 62 | C | 6 | $208K |
| 5 | 56054 | Lafayette | 55 | C | 3 (3 health) | $200K |
| 6 | 56021 | Courtland | 52 | D | 2 | $256K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Nicollet County
Editorial-only picks, screened against the EPA detections on file.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 70.5% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- 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 Nicollet County, Minnesota
Overview
Nicollet County in Minnesota covers 6 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (61/100).
5 of 6 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 3 health-based violations 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.