Brooten, MN
Population 582 · Minnesota
About Brooten, MN
Brooten is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 582 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brooten features a median home value of $128,900, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brooten one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $988, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 277 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (166 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (68 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brooten shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brooten have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.1% of Brooten 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 12.5% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brooten, MN
Compared to national averages, Brooten has a median household income of $47,500 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $128,900, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $988 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Brooten's income is 36% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 37% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Brooten, MN?
Brooten offers affordable housing with a median home value of $128,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $988/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,500) that falls below the national average. However, Brooten’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brooten has a population of 582 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Brooten with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Brooten
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Germany | 581 | $88,438 | $252,600 | Compare |
| Graceville | 586 | $51,667 | $101,700 | Compare |
| Littlefork | 577 | $61,685 | $114,500 | Compare |
| Marble | 588 | $54,688 | $102,700 | Compare |
| Halstad | 589 | $67,857 | $114,800 | Compare |
| Rollingstone | 590 | $86,500 | $217,400 | Compare |
| Heron Lake | 591 | $66,607 | $86,200 | Compare |
| Lake Park | 573 | $63,250 | $160,900 | 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 Brooten With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brooten
What is the population of Brooten, MN?
The population of Brooten, MN is 582 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Brooten?
The median household income in Brooten, MN is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brooten?
The median home value in Brooten, MN is $128,900, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brooten?
The median monthly rent in Brooten, MN is $988, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brooten?
The unemployment rate in Brooten, MN is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brooten, MN a good place to live?
Brooten offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 582 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brooten, MN?
23.1% of residents in Brooten 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 Brooten?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brooten, MN: median home value is $128,900 (47% below national), median rent is $988/month, and median household income is $47,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brooten?
The poverty rate in Brooten, MN is 21.1%, 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 Brooten, MN?
Brooten's population is 12.5% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.