Minnesota
Brainerd is a small city in Minnesota with a population of 14,474. Residents earn $53,705 per year, which is 29% below the national average.
Based on current data, Brainerd receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Brainerd has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Brainerd is $53,705, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Brainerd is $178,600, 37% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $848 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
With 669 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,866 per 100,000, 148% above the national average.
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Brainerd has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches, including 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 98.3% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.7% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $53,705 |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $29,935 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,335 |
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,376 |
| County GDP | $4,044M |
| Restaurants | 219 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 112 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
| Census Median | $178,600 |
| 37% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $299,181 |
| Median List Price | $294,950 |
| Median List Price | $294,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $141 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 22.5% |
| Inventory | 40 |
| Census Median Rent | $848 |
| 27% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $945 |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,321/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
| Total Violent | 668.6/100K |
| 76% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 230.3/100K |
| Robbery | 44.6/100K |
| Assault | 393.7/100K |
| Total Property | 4,865.6/100K |
| 148% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 846.8/100K |
| Theft | 3,795.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 222.9/100K |
| Arson | 22.3/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg | |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 30.6 inches |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 48.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,211 ft (369 m) |
| Area | 12.1 sq mi (31.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3553°N, 94.1984°W |
| County FIPS | 27035 |
Winner: Republican by 31.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 19.5% |
| 42% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.0% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 4 | Nonmetro — Urban 20K+, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,193/sq mi |
| Total Area | 12.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 8 |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
| Restaurants | 219 |
| Retail Stores | 381 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Commute | 18.8 min |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |