Median Income
$47,500
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,900
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.1%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$988
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.1%
6% higher than US avg
How Brooten Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population582
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density366/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$47,500
Per Capita$30,916
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty13.1%
County GDP$750M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,900
Rent$988
Ownership70.9%
Zillow$236,322
Housing Units288
Rent Burden27.8%
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured14.4%
Smoking17.3%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain31.4 in/yr
Elevation1,303 ft (397 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.1%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score6.54
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute22 min
Broadband78.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Brooten a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brooten receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Brooten offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brooten is $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brooten is $128,900, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Brooten has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches, including 50.2 inches of snow.
Brooten has a population of 582 with a density of 366 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (78.7%), with 14.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.6% of residents, while 16.9% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 85.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
582
Total Population
2023 Census
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.6%
9% above US avg
Spanish
16.9%
26% above US avg
The median household income in Brooten is $47,500, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,916 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,084, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 381 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,916 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,084 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,497 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 381 |
| County GDP | $750M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,164 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 20.5% |
The median home value in Brooten is $128,900, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,322, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $131,078 with homes selling in an average of 36 days. Homes sell for 90.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $988 (15% 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. 70.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,164 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,900 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,322 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $131,078 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $131,078 |
| $/Sq Ft | $63 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 36 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.7% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.1% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,164 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.23% |
In Brooten, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 14.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:877. The dentist ratio is 1:3,810. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brooten vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.6% |
| Uninsured | 14.4% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:877 |
| Dentists | 1:3,810 |
| Mental Health | 1:671 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,689/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Brooten has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches. The area receives 50.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,303 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,303 ft (397 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 366/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5001°N, 95.1157°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pope County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.4"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.89"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
94 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
437 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 178 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
93 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 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
886 |
99 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
880 |
74 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
824 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
99 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
WEST TANK RANGE |
727 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Brooten has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 11°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Brooten. 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 | $642 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brooten
What is the population of Brooten?
Brooten has a population of 582 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 366 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Brooten expensive to live in?
Brooten 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 $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,900 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Brooten?
Brooten has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 31.4 inches, with 50.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Brooten?
The unemployment rate in Brooten is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,084. There are 381 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 20.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brooten?
The median home value in Brooten is $128,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,322. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $131,078, with homes typically selling within 36 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $988. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,164.
How are the schools in Brooten?
Schools in Brooten score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.1% of adults in Brooten hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brooten?
The obesity rate in Brooten is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 14.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:877.
What is transportation like in Brooten?
The average commute in Brooten is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brooten?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brooten is 78.7% White, 14.1% Hispanic or Latino. 85.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.9% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 85.6% have health insurance coverage.