Median Income
$53,705
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$178,600
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
468/100K
23% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$848
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Brainerd Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population14,474
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density1,193/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,705
Per Capita$29,935
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$4,044M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,600
Rent$848
Ownership57.0%
Zillow$299,181
Housing Units6,551
Rent Burden27.0%
Crime
F
Violent468/100K
Property3,428/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault312/100K
Burglary424/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking18.8%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.6 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,211 ft (369 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute19 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Brainerd a Good Place to Live?
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, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Brainerd has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 468 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,428 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
Education
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 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
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. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches, including 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Brainerd has a population of 14,474 with a density of 1,193 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 3% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Brainerd is $53,705, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,935 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,020, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,376 business establishments, including 219 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,705 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,935 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,335 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,376 |
| County GDP | $4,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 219 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 112 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Brainerd is $178,600, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $299,181, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $848 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,551 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,830 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,600 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $299,181 |
| Median List Price | $294,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $294,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $141 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 22.5% |
| Inventory | 40 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $848 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $945 |
| Rent Burden | 27.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.0% |
| Housing Units | 6,551 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Brainerd, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:989. The dentist ratio is 1:1,213. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
1.4
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.5
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
143.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Brainerd vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:989 |
| Dentists | 1:1,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,321/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Brainerd has a violent crime rate of 468 per 100,000 residents, 23% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 312.3 per 100,000, robbery at 14.9, rape at 141.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,428 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,848, burglary at 424, vehicle theft at 156 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brainerd receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brainerd vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 468.4/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 141.3/100K |
| Robbery | 14.9/100K |
| Assault | 312.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,427.8/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
| Burglary | 423.8/100K |
| Theft | 2,847.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 156.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 683 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brainerd has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches. The area receives 48.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,211 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crow Wing County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.6"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0429 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
233 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 208 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
47 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
22 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
25 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
100 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
26 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
24 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
18 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
29 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Brainerd has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 9°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Brainerd. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brainerd
What is the population of Brainerd?
Brainerd has a population of 14,474 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,193 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Brainerd expensive to live in?
Brainerd has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,705, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,600 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $848 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brainerd safe?
The violent crime rate in Brainerd is 468 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,428 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Brainerd receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brainerd?
Brainerd has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 30.6 inches, with 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Brainerd?
The unemployment rate in Brainerd is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,020. There are 2,376 business establishments in the area, including 219 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brainerd?
The median home value in Brainerd is $178,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $299,181. For renters, the median monthly rent is $848. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,830.
How are the schools in Brainerd?
Schools in Brainerd score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.5% of adults in Brainerd hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brainerd?
The obesity rate in Brainerd is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:989.
What is transportation like in Brainerd?
The average commute in Brainerd is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brainerd?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brainerd is 91.1% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
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