| City: | White Earth, Minnesota |
| County: | Becker County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:45:31 AM |
| Population: | 417 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 218 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 47.0964, -95.8433 |
| Land Area: | 2.684 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
White Earth is a small community on the White Earth Indian Reservation in northwestern Minnesota, home to 417 residents. Of this population, 387 people (93%) are Native American, making it one of the most concentrated Ojibwe communities in the state. With a median age of 33.1 years, it's younger than most rural Minnesota towns.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. No alternative mail delivery exists across the 1.7 square mile service area. The White Earth post office maintains 124 PO Boxes for 171 households, resulting in a 73% adoption rate. While the community has some street delivery through one city route and one rural route serving 29 distinct streets, PO Boxes remain the primary method for receiving mail, prescriptions, government documents, and packages.
Street names tell the story of Ojibwe culture and the surrounding landscape. Bear Clan Drive and Wolf Clan Lane reference the traditional clan system of the Anishinaabe people. Wildlife names dominate the road network: Eagle, Hawk, Crane, Loon, Moose, Lynx, Beaver Trail, Black Duck Trail, and Goose Trail. Mission Road and Mission Lake Road connect to the area's history of missionary presence. County highways provide the main transportation corridors.
With a median household income of $17,045, White Earth faces significant economic challenges. The largest employment sector is transportation, warehousing, and utilities (70 workers), followed by public administration (42 workers, likely tribal government). An unusually high 32% of workers work from home. Housing stock is older, with 193 of the area's units built before 1939. Median rent is $198.
Mail to White Earth must use the PO Box system. Street addresses exist for navigation, but the post office serves as the central distribution point for this reservation community.
Street names reference Ojibwe clan system (Bear Clan, Wolf Clan) and local wildlife (Eagle, Hawk, Crane, Loon, Moose, Beaver).
ZIP Code 56591 has 417 residents and 171 households (average 2.44 persons per household). The median age is 33.1 years, younger than the state (38.4) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.2% male and 51.8% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.7%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (92.8%, much higher than the state average of 1.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (2.6%, much lower than the state average of 77.5% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.2%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (1.2%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 417Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 429Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 155.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $16,793Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 171Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.44Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.81Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 113 | 169 | 188 | 165 | 162 | 201 | 194 | 190 | 202 | 155 | 641 | 683 | 474 | 429 |
| Decennial Census | 170 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 417 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 33.1
Male Median Age: 33.8
Female Median Age: 32
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 16 | 18 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 8 | 10 | 17 | 15 | 8 | 2 | 22 | 19 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Female | 10 | 37 | 12 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 7 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 18 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Total | 26 | 55 | 31 | 32 | 27 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 26 | 12 | 7 | 36 | 35 | 23 | 21 | 5 | 9 | 3 |
| White: | 11 | 2.76% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 1 | 0.25% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 387 | 96.99% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 399 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 201 | 48.20% | 33.8 years |
| Females: | 216 | 51.80% | 32.0 years |
| Total: | 417 | 100% | 33.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 429 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 429 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 429 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $16,793, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $29,145 (63.4%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $19,457. Family households earn a median of $28,875 versus $14,031 for nonfamily households (a difference of $14,844). By gender, male median income is $50,357 and female is $37,273, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $13,084 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 45.5%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 14.2%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (45.5%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $45,938 | $36,250 | $24,583 | $25,000 | $26,875 | $35,909 | $36,042 | $40,417 | $36,250 | $50,417 | $17,000 | $20,781 | $17,045 | $16,793 |
| Median Family Income | $42,500 | $35,714 | $31,250 | $26,875 | $28,750 | $36,136 | $36,875 | $41,250 | $36,250 | $46,250 | $21,250 | $33,295 | $22,292 | $28,875 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $9,688 | $9,125 | $8,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $9,375 | $13,613 | $13,601 | $14,139 | $14,031 |
| Median Male Income | $29,000 | $29,500 | $31,429 | $31,042 | $31,250 | $34,375 | $35,139 | $36,500 | $40,000 | $39,464 | $43,750 | $46,250 | $50,455 | $50,357 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $28,250 | $26,250 | $26,250 | $35,625 | $40,625 | $48,750 | $49,375 | $48,750 | $48,750 | $30,833 | $34,688 | $36,500 | $37,273 |
| Employed: | 121 | 39.03% |
| Unemployed: | 20 | 6.45% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 169 | 54.52% |
| Total: | 310 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 11 | 9.09% |
| Service: | 33 | 27.27% |
| Sales and Office: | 55 | 45.45% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 14 | 11.57% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 8 | 6.61% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 121 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $41,700 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $65,700. The median gross rent is $196, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,413), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $154. Of occupied housing, owners make up 19.67% (11.11% with a mortgage, 88.89% free-and-clear) and renters 80.33% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 12.86%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $41,700 | $34,600 | $35,400 | $45,000 | $58,800 | $72,500 | $95,000 | $82,500 | $65,700 | $75,000 | $61,100 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 103 | 70.07% |
| $500 to $999: | 36 | 24.49% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 3 | 2.04% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 5 | 3.40% |
| Total: | 147 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $413 | $0 | $0 | $300 | $369 | $288 | $363 | $350 | $363 | $199 | $199 | $198 | $196 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 4 | 2.19% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 32 | 17.49% |
| Renter Occupied: | 147 | 80.33% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 183 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 183 | 87.14% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 27 | 12.86% |
| Total Housing Units: | 210 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 93 | 44.29% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 91 | 43.33% |
| Other Units: | 26 | 12.38% |
| Total Housing Units: | 210 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 80.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 22.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 12.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 67.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 48.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), up 25.50 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 17.30 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (62.16%). College enrollment is 15.32%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 2 | 0.85% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 43 | 18.38% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 110 | 47.01% |
| Some college, no degree: | 65 | 27.78% |
| Associate's degree: | 12 | 5.13% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 2 | 0.85% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 234 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 189 | 80.77% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 2 | 0.85% |
| Private Insurance: | 55 | 12.53% |
| Public Insurance: | 289 | 65.83% |
| No Insurance: | 95 | 21.64% |
| Total: | 439 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 344 | 78.36% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 31.3% | 22.0% | 17.3% | 13.5% | 26.2% | 9.1% | 24.2% | 30.8% | 39.5% | 28.9% | 59.8% | 42.3% | 56.8% | 48.1% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 8 | 7.21% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 69 | 62.16% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 17 | 15.32% |
| College or graduate school: | 17 | 15.32% |
| Total: | 111 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 8 | 7.21% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 86 | 77.48% |
ZIP Code 56591 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 99Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 56591 is located in Becker County, Minnesota, within the Detroit Lakes, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 19810) and Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 56591. It covers 2.684 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.515 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Detroit Lakes, MNSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 19810Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 2.684 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.515 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 08Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 27908.13 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 2770006Source: Census |
| Place Name: | White Earth CDP; MinnesotaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 56591 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.