Median Income
$59,688
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,500
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$721
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.1%
59% lower than US avg
How Brewster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population605
Median Age33.3 yrs
Density435/mi²
Male / Female58% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 47%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,688
Per Capita$27,312
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty5.1%
County GDP$1,897M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,500
Rent$721
Ownership69.6%
Zillow$261,104
Housing Units166
Rent Burden12.3%
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property1,548/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking17.4%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,483 ft (452 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Brewster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brewster receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Brewster has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brewster is $59,688, 21% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brewster is $130,500, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $721 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
Brewster is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,548 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Brewster has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches, including 48.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Brewster has a population of 605 with a density of 435 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 33.3 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.5% female and 57.5% male. The city is predominantly White (46.8%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 55.7% of residents, while 44.3% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 74.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.3yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
55.7%
29% below US avg
Spanish
44.3%
231% above US avg
The median household income in Brewster is $59,688, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,312 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,688 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,312 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,633 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.1% |
| 59% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 93 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Brewster is $130,500, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,104, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $721 (38% 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. 69.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 166 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,427. 12.3% 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 | $130,500 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,104 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $721 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.4% |
| Housing Units | 166 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Brewster, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,571. The dentist ratio is 1:1,372. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brewster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.4% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,571 |
| Dentists | 1:1,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:701 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,329/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Brewster has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,548 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brewster receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brewster vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.3/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,548.1/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 232 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brewster has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches. The area receives 48.5 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 1,483 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,483 ft (452 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 435/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6973°N, 95.4645°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nobles County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.5"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
515 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 293 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
57 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Brewster has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Brewster. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brewster
What is the population of Brewster?
Brewster has a population of 605 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 435 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.5% female and 57.5% male.
Is Brewster expensive to live in?
Brewster 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 $59,688, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,500 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $721 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 Brewster safe?
Brewster is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,548 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brewster receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brewster?
Brewster has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.5 inches, with 48.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Brewster?
Brewster has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brewster?
The median home value in Brewster is $130,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,104. For renters, the median monthly rent is $721. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,427.
How are the schools in Brewster?
Schools in Brewster score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.3% of adults in Brewster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brewster?
The obesity rate in Brewster is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,571.
What is transportation like in Brewster?
The average commute in Brewster is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brewster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brewster is 46.8% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 55.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 44.3% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 74.4% have health insurance coverage.
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