2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Minnesota — 2026

Last updated: July 19, 2026

1,009 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 56523 (Climax, MN) - 71/100
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 1,009 ZIP codes with data in Minnesota, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Minnesota Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 1,009
Highest value 71/100
Median value 34/100
State Minnesota

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 56523 Climax MN 71/100 59/100
2 56550 Hendrum MN 65/100 53/100
3 56735 Lancaster MN 63/100 37/100
4 55335 Gibbon MN 61/100 33/100
5 56568 Nielsville MN 61/100 57/100
6 55018 Dennison MN 59/100 66/100
7 56502 Detroit Lakes MN 59/100 45/100
8 56538 Fergus Falls MN 59/100 38/100
9 56546 Georgetown MN 59/100 59/100
10 56720 Donaldson MN 59/100 53/100
11 56253 Lake Lillian MN 58/100 45/100
12 56574 Perley MN 58/100 65/100
13 56733 Kennedy MN 57/100 65/100
14 55950 Lansing MN 56/100 53/100
15 55385 Stewart MN 55/100 51/100
16 56537 Fergus Falls MN 55/100 38/100
17 56548 Halstad MN 55/100 60/100
18 56755 Saint Vincent MN 55/100 45/100
19 55402 Minneapolis MN 54/100 63/100
20 55991 Zumbro Falls MN 54/100 64/100
21 56117 Bigelow MN 54/100 61/100
22 56129 Ellsworth MN 54/100 57/100
23 56510 Ada MN 54/100 48/100
24 56525 Comstock MN 54/100 69/100
25 56580 Sabin MN 54/100 64/100
26 56744 Oslo MN 54/100 47/100
27 55003 Bayport MN 53/100 52/100
28 55912 Austin MN 53/100 53/100
29 55959 Minnesota City MN 53/100 65/100
30 56096 Waterville MN 53/100 60/100
31 56241 Granite Falls MN 53/100 48/100
32 56267 Morris MN 53/100 45/100
33 56274 Norcross MN 53/100 66/100
34 56501 Detroit Lakes MN 53/100 40/100
35 56728 Hallock MN 53/100 52/100
36 56762 Warren MN 53/100 55/100
37 56039 Granada MN 52/100 61/100
38 56062 Madelia MN 52/100 57/100
39 56583 Tintah MN 52/100 65/100
40 56701 Thief River Falls MN 52/100 56/100
41 56757 Stephen MN 52/100 52/100
42 56054 Lafayette MN 51/100 55/100
43 56216 Blomkest MN 51/100 51/100
44 55941 Hokah MN 50/100 62/100
45 56009 Alden MN 50/100 42/100
46 56034 Garden City MN 50/100 45/100
47 56278 Ortonville MN 50/100 59/100
48 56519 Borup MN 50/100 67/100
49 56522 Campbell MN 50/100 56/100
50 56535 Erskine MN 50/100 57/100
51 56572 Pelican Rapids MN 50/100 40/100
52 55026 Frontenac MN 49/100 45/100
53 55935 Fountain MN 49/100 70/100
54 55953 Lyle MN 49/100 54/100
55 55987 Winona MN 49/100 57/100
56 56026 Ellendale MN 49/100 65/100
57 56111 Alpha MN 49/100 65/100
58 56123 Currie MN 49/100 70/100
59 56219 Browns Valley MN 49/100 45/100
60 56228 Cosmos MN 49/100 61/100
61 56232 Dawson MN 49/100 64/100
62 56236 Dumont MN 49/100 70/100
63 56296 Wheaton MN 49/100 52/100
64 56520 Breckenridge MN 49/100 55/100
65 56594 Wolverton MN 49/100 69/100
66 55065 Randolph MN 48/100 54/100
67 55069 Rush City MN 48/100 75/100
68 55087 Warsaw MN 48/100 61/100
69 55965 Preston MN 48/100 62/100
70 56042 Hartland MN 48/100 65/100
71 56043 Hayward MN 48/100 50/100
72 56125 Dovray MN 48/100 66/100
73 56160 Odin MN 48/100 54/100
74 56173 Steen MN 48/100 51/100
75 56265 Montevideo MN 48/100 60/100
76 56751 Roseau MN 48/100 54/100
77 55043 Lakeland MN 47/100 60/100
78 55396 Winthrop MN 47/100 65/100
79 55734 Eveleth MN 47/100 79/100
80 56010 Amboy MN 47/100 42/100
81 56137 Heron Lake MN 47/100 64/100
82 56343 Kensington MN 47/100 61/100
83 56517 Beltrami MN 47/100 58/100
84 56710 Alvarado MN 47/100 65/100
85 56721 East Grand Forks MN 47/100 50/100
86 56758 Strandquist MN 47/100 69/100
87 55746 Hibbing MN 46/100 53/100
88 55765 Meadowlands MN 46/100 75/100
89 56007 Albert Lea MN 46/100 63/100
90 56036 Glenville MN 46/100 70/100
91 56161 Okabena MN 46/100 67/100
92 56731 Humboldt MN 46/100 45/100
93 55007 Brook Park MN 45/100 58/100
94 55407 Minneapolis MN 45/100 63/100
95 55454 Minneapolis MN 45/100 64/100
96 55731 Ely MN 45/100 78/100
97 56080 Saint Clair MN 45/100 53/100
98 56211 Beardsley MN 45/100 70/100
99 56276 Odessa MN 45/100 68/100
100 56295 Watson MN 45/100 64/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines environmental hazards that create unexpected costs for homebuyers: water system violations requiring filtration, lead service lines requiring replacement, radon requiring mitigation systems, flood zones requiring insurance, and aging infrastructure requiring upgrades. These are factors that standard home inspections may not fully capture.

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: 2026-07-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Purchase Risk Score?

This score (0-100) estimates the hidden environmental costs a homebuyer may face: water filtration needs, lead pipe replacement, radon mitigation, flood insurance, and infrastructure upgrades. Higher scores mean more potential unexpected expenses after purchase.

What should homebuyers do in high-risk ZIP codes?

Request a water quality test, check for lead service lines with the utility, test for radon before closing, verify FEMA flood zone designation, and factor in potential remediation costs ($5,000-$30,000+) to your budget.

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 pipe infrastructure and EPA 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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