Median Income
$53,056
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,500
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.3%
48% higher than US avg
How Browns Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population453
Median Age47.0 yrs
Density573/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans13.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$53,056
Per Capita$27,128
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty18.3%
County GDP$563M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,500
Rent$850
Ownership63.4%
Zillow$124,448
Housing Units250
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property2,195/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking18.3%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain25.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation984 ft (300 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute13 min
Broadband75.6%
Libraries3
Is Browns Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Browns Valley 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. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Browns Valley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Browns Valley is $53,056, 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%. The poverty rate of 18.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Browns Valley is $76,500, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Browns Valley 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 2,195 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Browns Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.4 inches, including 44.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Browns Valley has a population of 453 with a density of 573 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 47.0 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (56.7%), with 43.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89% of residents, while 11% speak Spanish. 13.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.0yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Browns Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.0%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.0%
18% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Browns Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Browns Valley is $53,056, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,128 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $871, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 315 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 24.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Browns Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,056 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,128 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $871 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,590 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.3% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 315 |
| County GDP | $563M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 24.3% |
The median home value in Browns Valley is $76,500, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,448, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (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. 63.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 250 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,500 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $124,448 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.6% |
| Housing Units | 250 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.62% |
In Browns Valley, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.7% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,388. The dentist ratio is 1:782. 8.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Browns Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,388 |
| Dentists | 1:782 |
| Mental Health | 1:928 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 15,878/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 8.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Browns Valley has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,195 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Browns Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Browns Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.3/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,194.6/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Browns Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 25.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.2 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 984 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 573/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5947°N, 96.8327°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Roberts County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.4"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| 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: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
43 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
22 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
398 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
41 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
54 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
59 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
54 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
56 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
57 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
42 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
54 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Browns Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 11°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Browns Valley. 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 | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Browns Valley
What is the population of Browns Valley?
Browns Valley has a population of 453 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 573 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Browns Valley expensive to live in?
Browns Valley 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 $53,056, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,500 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Browns Valley safe?
Browns Valley 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 2,195 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Browns Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Browns Valley?
Browns Valley 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 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.4 inches, with 44.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Browns Valley?
The unemployment rate in Browns Valley is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $871. There are 315 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 24.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Browns Valley?
The median home value in Browns Valley is $76,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,448. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Browns Valley?
Schools in Browns Valley score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.7% of adults in Browns Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Browns Valley?
The obesity rate in Browns Valley is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 8.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,388.
What is transportation like in Browns Valley?
The average commute in Browns Valley is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 24.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Browns Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Browns Valley is 56.7% White, 43.3% Hispanic or Latino. 89% of residents speak only English at home, while 11% speak Spanish. 13.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.9% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
