2026 Rankings

Environmental Justice Concern Areas in Minnesota — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

598 ZIP codes ranked by EJ Index #1: ZIP 56523 (Climax, MN) - 68/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 598 ZIP codes with data in Minnesota, these are the highest-ranked areas for ej index. See also: National ZIP Codes with Highest Environmental Justice Concern | All Minnesota Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 598
Highest value 68/100
Median value 18/100
State Minnesota

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State EJ Index Safety Score
1 56523 Climax MN 68/100 59/100
2 55414 Minneapolis MN 62/100 68/100
3 55335 Gibbon MN 60/100 33/100
4 56501 Detroit Lakes MN 60/100 40/100
5 56537 Fergus Falls MN 60/100 38/100
6 56735 Lancaster MN 60/100 37/100
7 55454 Minneapolis MN 54/100 64/100
8 55734 Eveleth MN 52/100 79/100
9 55076 Inver Grove Heights MN 50/100 58/100
10 55077 Inver Grove Heights MN 50/100 58/100
11 55385 Stewart MN 50/100 51/100
12 56001 Mankato MN 50/100 59/100
13 56253 Lake Lillian MN 50/100 45/100
14 56267 Morris MN 50/100 45/100
15 56572 Pelican Rapids MN 50/100 40/100
16 56583 Tintah MN 50/100 65/100
17 55404 Minneapolis MN 49/100 68/100
18 56228 Cosmos MN 48/100 61/100
19 55731 Ely MN 46/100 78/100
20 55746 Hibbing MN 46/100 53/100
21 56054 Lafayette MN 46/100 55/100
22 56129 Ellsworth MN 46/100 57/100
23 56477 Sebeka MN 46/100 55/100
24 55401 Minneapolis MN 44/100 68/100
25 55407 Minneapolis MN 44/100 63/100
26 55413 Minneapolis MN 44/100 68/100
27 55421 Minneapolis MN 44/100 68/100
28 55422 Minneapolis MN 44/100 63/100
29 55426 Minneapolis MN 44/100 63/100
30 56274 Norcross MN 44/100 66/100
31 56401 Brainerd MN 44/100 81/100
32 56469 Palisade MN 44/100 74/100
33 55065 Randolph MN 42/100 54/100
34 55411 Minneapolis MN 42/100 68/100
35 56601 Bemidji MN 42/100 75/100
36 55069 Rush City MN 40/100 75/100
37 55601 Beaver Bay MN 40/100 52/100
38 55987 Winona MN 40/100 57/100
39 56216 Blomkest MN 40/100 51/100
40 55007 Brook Park MN 38/100 58/100
41 55042 Lake Elmo MN 38/100 63/100
42 55384 Spring Park MN 38/100 56/100
43 55959 Minnesota City MN 38/100 65/100
44 56160 Odin MN 38/100 54/100
45 56173 Steen MN 38/100 51/100
46 56525 Comstock MN 38/100 69/100
47 55953 Lyle MN 36/100 54/100
48 56441 Crosby MN 36/100 81/100
49 56630 Blackduck MN 36/100 81/100
50 56758 Strandquist MN 36/100 69/100
51 55082 Stillwater MN 34/100 64/100
52 55087 Warsaw MN 34/100 61/100
53 55303 Anoka MN 34/100 78/100
54 55402 Minneapolis MN 34/100 63/100
55 55403 Minneapolis MN 34/100 68/100
56 55425 Minneapolis MN 34/100 64/100
57 55428 Minneapolis MN 34/100 63/100
58 55429 Minneapolis MN 34/100 68/100
59 56007 Albert Lea MN 34/100 63/100
60 56137 Heron Lake MN 34/100 64/100
61 56342 Isle MN 34/100 79/100
62 56519 Borup MN 34/100 67/100
63 56701 Thief River Falls MN 34/100 56/100
64 55073 Scandia MN 32/100 60/100
65 56756 Salol MN 32/100 47/100
66 55018 Dennison MN 30/100 66/100
67 55332 Fairfax MN 30/100 68/100
68 55378 Savage MN 30/100 66/100
69 55704 Askov MN 30/100 81/100
70 55706 Babbitt MN 30/100 71/100
71 55744 Grand Rapids MN 30/100 82/100
72 55765 Meadowlands MN 30/100 75/100
73 55808 Duluth MN 30/100 71/100
74 55965 Preston MN 30/100 62/100
75 56026 Ellendale MN 30/100 65/100
76 56039 Granada MN 30/100 61/100
77 56073 New Ulm MN 30/100 62/100
78 56150 Lakefield MN 30/100 69/100
79 56293 Wabasso MN 30/100 69/100
80 56303 Saint Cloud MN 30/100 45/100
81 56310 Avon MN 30/100 61/100
82 56347 Long Prairie MN 30/100 62/100
83 56360 Osakis MN 30/100 44/100
84 56387 Waite Park MN 30/100 65/100
85 56437 Bertha MN 30/100 65/100
86 56470 Park Rapids MN 30/100 70/100
87 56553 Kent MN 30/100 62/100
88 56573 Perham MN 30/100 65/100
89 56591 White Earth MN 30/100 40/100
90 56633 Cass Lake MN 30/100 83/100
91 56663 Pennington MN 30/100 53/100
92 56672 Remer MN 30/100 81/100
93 55003 Bayport MN 28/100 52/100

Methodology

The Environmental Justice Index combines environmental risk factors (water violations, lead, flooding) with socioeconomic vulnerability indicators. Higher values indicate communities facing disproportionate environmental burden. This metric highlights areas where infrastructure investment and policy attention are most needed.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Environmental Justice Index?

The EJ Index identifies communities that face disproportionate environmental hazards relative to their socioeconomic resilience. Areas with high violation counts, aging infrastructure, AND vulnerable populations score highest. These areas need the most infrastructure investment.

Why does environmental justice matter for homebuyers?

High EJ Index areas often have deferred infrastructure maintenance, slower violation resolution, and less access to clean water alternatives. For homebuyers, this means potential hidden costs for water filtration, flood insurance, and home remediation.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead service-line indicators and system-level action-level exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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