Median Income
$73,750
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,700
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.5%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
89% lower than US avg
How Brainard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population279
Median Age50.5 yrs
Density900/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,750
Per Capita$40,803
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty1.4%
County GDP$584M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,700
Rent$700
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$262,304
Housing Units207
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,118/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking13.5%
Depression17.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain30.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,673 ft (510 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.5%
High School+98.5%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute22 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Brainard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brainard receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Brainard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brainard is $73,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brainard is $158,700, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Brainard is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Brainard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.4 inches, including 31.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Brainard has a population of 279 with a density of 900 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 50.5 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.5yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Brainard is $73,750, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,803. The average weekly wage is $1,045, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 276 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,750 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,803 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,045 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,729 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $584M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,240 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |
The median home value in Brainard is $158,700, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,304, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 207 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $3,240. 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,700 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $262,304 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 207 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,240 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.04% |
In Brainard, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 24.5% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 17.4% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,407. The dentist ratio is 1:4,213. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brainard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 17.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,407 |
| Dentists | 1:4,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,459 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,602/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Brainard has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brainard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brainard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 83.9/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,118.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brainard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 30.4 inches. The area receives 31.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,673 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,673 ft (510 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 900/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1817°N, 97.0023°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Butler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.4"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
70 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
707 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 487 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
78 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
86 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (629 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Brainard has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Brainard. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brainard
What is the population of Brainard?
Brainard has a population of 279 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 900 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Brainard expensive to live in?
Brainard is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,750, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,700 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brainard safe?
Brainard is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brainard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brainard?
Brainard has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.4 inches, with 31.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Brainard?
The job market in Brainard is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,045. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brainard?
The median home value in Brainard is $158,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,304. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,240.
How are the schools in Brainard?
Schools in Brainard score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.5% of adults in Brainard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brainard?
The obesity rate in Brainard is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 17.4% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,407.
What is transportation like in Brainard?
The average commute in Brainard is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brainard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brainard is 96.1% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
