Ellsworth is a city located in Wabasha County in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 332 residents. The community is situated in southeastern Minnesota, approximately 20 miles southeast of the county seat, Wabasha, and is part of the Rochester, Minnesota Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Geography
Ellsworth lies at an elevation of about 735 feet (224 m) above sea level. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 0.18 square miles (0.47 km²), all of which is land. The city is accessible via Minnesota State Highway 42, which connects it to nearby towns such as Zumbro Falls and Winona. The surrounding region is characterized by a mixture of agricultural land and rolling prairies typical of southeastern Minnesota.
History
The settlement that became Ellsworth was platted in the late 19th century during the expansion of the railroad network in the region. Local historical accounts attribute the naming of the community to a railroad official, though the precise individual or rationale for the name is not definitively documented. The city was incorporated under Minnesota law and has maintained a small, primarily residential character throughout its history.
Demographics
Based on the 2020 census, Ellsworth had 332 inhabitants, with a population density of approximately 1,844 people per square mile (712 people per km²). The racial makeup was reported as predominantly White, with small representations of other racial and ethnic groups. Households in the city were a mix of family and non‑family arrangements, and the median age of residents was in the early 40s, reflecting a balanced age distribution typical of small Midwestern towns.
Government
Ellsworth operates under a mayor–council form of municipal government, with elected officials responsible for local ordinances, public services, and community planning. The city falls within Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district and is represented at the state level in the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate districts that cover Wabasha County.
Education
Public education for residents of Ellsworth is provided by the Winona Area Public Schools district, which serves a broader region that includes several neighboring communities. Students attend elementary, middle, and high schools located in the nearby city of Winona.
Infrastructure
The city utilizes the ZIP code 55933 and is served by area code 507. Utilities and services, including water, sewer, and emergency response, are managed through a combination of municipal provision and regional service districts.
Economy and Community
Ellsworth’s economy is largely based on local businesses, agriculture, and commuting to employment centers in the Rochester and Winona areas. Community life centers around civic events, local churches, and recreational activities typical of small Minnesota towns.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census.
- Minnesota Department of Transportation, Highway maps.
- Wabasha County historical records.