Brainerd, MN
Population 14,474 · Minnesota
About Brainerd, MN
Brainerd is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 14,474 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,705 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brainerd features a median home value of $178,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Brainerd in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $848, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,692 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (3,609 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (2,718 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brainerd shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brainerd have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of Brainerd residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.1% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brainerd, MN
Compared to national averages, Brainerd has a median household income of $53,705 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,600, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $848 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Brainerd's income is 28% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 13% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Brainerd, MN?
Brainerd offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $848/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,705) that falls below the national average. However, Brainerd’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brainerd has a population of 14,474 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Brainerd with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Brainerd
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | 14,579 | $61,558 | $247,200 | Compare |
| Monticello | 14,607 | $81,563 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 14,629 | $71,730 | $210,300 | Compare |
| Robbinsdale | 14,318 | $84,719 | $280,400 | Compare |
| North Mankato | 14,212 | $77,571 | $252,700 | Compare |
| Fergus Falls | 14,138 | $50,865 | $173,300 | Compare |
| New Ulm | 14,066 | $63,984 | $192,700 | Compare |
| Marshall | 13,880 | $64,636 | $198,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brainerd With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brainerd
What is the population of Brainerd, MN?
The population of Brainerd, MN is 14,474 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Brainerd?
The median household income in Brainerd, MN is $53,705 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brainerd?
The median home value in Brainerd, MN is $178,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brainerd?
The median monthly rent in Brainerd, MN is $848, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brainerd?
The unemployment rate in Brainerd, MN is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brainerd, MN a good place to live?
Brainerd offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,474 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brainerd, MN?
19.5% of residents in Brainerd aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Brainerd?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brainerd, MN: median home value is $178,600 (27% below national), median rent is $848/month, and median household income is $53,705. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brainerd?
The poverty rate in Brainerd, MN is 16.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Brainerd, MN?
Brainerd's population is 2.1% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.