Median Income
$77,159
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$148,500
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$833
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Brownton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population530
Median Age46.2 yrs
Density1,325/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,159
Per Capita$35,481
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$2,397M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$148,500
Rent$833
Ownership87.7%
Zillow$284,964
Housing Units291
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property553/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking16.3%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,028 ft (313 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score6.45
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute34 min
Broadband86.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Brownton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brownton receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Brownton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brownton is $77,159, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brownton is $148,500, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Brownton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 553 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Brownton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches, including 50.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Brownton has a population of 530 with a density of 1,325 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 46.2 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.2yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Brownton is $77,159, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,481. The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,049 business establishments, including 68 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,159 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,481 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,945 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,049 |
| County GDP | $2,397M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 68 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 69 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,970 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.4% |
The median home value in Brownton is $148,500, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,964, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $833 (28% 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. 87.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 291 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,970. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $148,500 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $284,964 |
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $150 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $833 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.3% |
| Housing Units | 291 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,970 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.67% |
In Brownton, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,361. The dentist ratio is 1:1,266. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brownton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,361 |
| Dentists | 1:1,266 |
| Mental Health | 1:375 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Brownton has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 553 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 553, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brownton receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Brownton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 553.3/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 553.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 203 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Brownton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 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 31.7 inches. The area receives 50.0 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 1,028 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,028 ft (313 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,325/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7325°N, 94.3509°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLeod County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.7"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
59 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
531 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 1,107 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
17 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
71 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
96 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
97 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
97 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
100 km |
| 1992 |
UNIT 25 |
1,460 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 23 A |
1,268 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
CARPENTER |
1,207 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Brownton has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Brownton. 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 Brownton
What is the population of Brownton?
Brownton has a population of 530 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,325 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Brownton expensive to live in?
Brownton 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 $77,159, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $148,500 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brownton safe?
Brownton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 553 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brownton receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brownton?
Brownton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.7 inches, with 50.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Brownton?
The job market in Brownton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 1,049 business establishments in the area, including 68 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 12.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brownton?
The median home value in Brownton is $148,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,964. For renters, the median monthly rent is $833. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,970.
How are the schools in Brownton?
Schools in Brownton score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.3% of adults in Brownton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brownton?
The obesity rate in Brownton is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,361.
What is transportation like in Brownton?
The average commute in Brownton is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brownton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brownton is 90.4% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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