Median Income
$45,833
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,800
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
126/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.2%
183% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Brookston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population69
Median Age51.3 yrs
Density125/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans58.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,833
Per Capita$26,406
Unemployment10.2%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$1,907M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,800
Rent$625
Ownership85.7%
Zillow$194,313
Housing Units46
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent126/100K
Property1,382/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking22.3%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain32.7 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,245 ft (379 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute24 min
Broadband28.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Brookston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brookston receives an overall livability score of 2.6 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 above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Brookston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brookston is $45,833, 39% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brookston is $120,800, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Brookston is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,382 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
Education
10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Brookston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.7 inches, including 71.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Brookston has a population of 69 with a density of 125 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 51.3 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (75.4%), with 24.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 58.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.3yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Brookston vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Brookston vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Brookston is $45,833, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,406 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 816 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 15.0% of workers work from home.
Income: Brookston vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,833 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,406 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.2% |
| 183% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 816 |
| County GDP | $1,907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |
The median home value in Brookston is $120,800, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,313, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% 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. 85.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 46 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,404 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,800 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,313 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.3% |
| Housing Units | 46 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
In Brookston, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 22.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138. The dentist ratio is 1:1,530. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brookston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.3% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,138 |
| Dentists | 1:1,530 |
| Mental Health | 1:444 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,923/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Brookston has a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,382 per 100,000, 29% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brookston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brookston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 125.6/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,381.9/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 46 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brookston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.7 inches. The area receives 71.3 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 1,245 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,245 ft (379 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 125/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8651°N, 92.6017°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carlton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.7"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0395 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
78 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 46 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1959 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2022 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
96 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,053 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
64 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
67 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
47 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,306 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,249 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,226 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
S MAIN RO |
1,181 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,096 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,059 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,010 |
60 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,002 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Brookston has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 10°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Brookston. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brookston
What is the population of Brookston?
Brookston has a population of 69 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 125 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Brookston expensive to live in?
Brookston 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 $45,833, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,800 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brookston safe?
Brookston is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,382 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brookston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brookston?
Brookston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 32.7 inches, with 71.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Brookston?
The job market in Brookston faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 816 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 15.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brookston?
The median home value in Brookston is $120,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,313. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,404.
How are the schools in Brookston?
Schools in Brookston score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.3% of adults in Brookston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brookston?
The obesity rate in Brookston is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.3% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138.
What is transportation like in Brookston?
The average commute in Brookston is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brookston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brookston is 75.4% White, 24.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 58.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
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