Brainerd, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,468
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,111/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,760
1.0% year-over-year change

Brainerd population

How many people live in Brainerd

Brainerd is home to 14,468 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Brainerd locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
14,468
-0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
6,737
Female
53.4%
7,731
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,737 46.6% -2.0%
Female 7,731 53.4% 1.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Brainerd is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.5% of the population, while another 19.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
29.5%
45 to 64
19.7%
Over 65
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,880 19.9% 0.5%
15 to 24 1,914 13.2% 10.4%
25 to 44 4,267 29.5% -1.6%
45 to 64 2,845 19.7% -1.6%
Over 65 2,562 17.7% -3.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Brainerd, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,283 98.7% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 104 0.7% -8.8%
Non-citizens 81 0.6% -3.6%
Racial breakdown
White
92.7%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 13,418 92.7%
Black or African American 118 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 198 1.4%
Asian 14 0.1%
Two or more races 530 3.7%
Other 190 1.3%

Households in Brainerd

A peek inside Brainerd households

Brainerd has 6,348 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.5% are families, while the remaining 44.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,348
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,826
Family households
3,522
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,826 44.5% -2.2%
Family households 3,522 55.5% 2.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Brainerd

The housing landscape of Brainerd

Brainerd's housing consists of 6,760 units, with 58.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,760
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,935 58.2%
1 unit, attached 367 5.4%
2 units 249 3.7%
3 or 4 units 253 3.7%
5 to 9 units 330 4.9%
10 to 19 units 598 8.8%
20 to 49 units 457 6.8%
50 or more units 255 3.8%
Mobile home 316 4.7%
Homes built since 2020
128
141.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brainerd

In Brainerd, the median construction year is 1971. About 20.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,413 20.9% -0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 499 7.4% 25.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 837 12.4% -9.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 576 8.5% -5.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 772 11.4% 6.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 725 10.7% 10.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 884 13.1% 3.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 564 8.3% -14.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 362 5.4% -8.8%
Built in 2020 or later 128 1.9% 141.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Brainerd occupancy rates

Out of the 6,348 occupied housing units in Brainerd, 56.5% are owner-occupied, while 43.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,348
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,760
Owner occupied
3,588
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,760 43.5% 1.6%
Owner occupied 3,588 56.5% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Brainerd housing costs

Housing costs in Brainerd come to a median of $918 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $827.

Median housing costs per month
$918/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Brainerd
$827/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Brainerd

Brainerd education at a glance

About 45% of the population in Brainerd went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 13.2% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 105 0.9% -15.3%
High school diploma 5,072 45% 1.7%
College diploma 2,621 23.2% -7.0%
Associate degree 1,489 13.2% -0.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,425 12.6% 8.9%
Graduate degree 560 5% -14.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Brainerd

How much people earn in Brainerd

The average annual household income in Brainerd was $69,503 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,111, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brainerd
$69,503/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brainerd
$56,111/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Brainerd income by age

In Brainerd, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,969. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $65,616 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,677, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,250 in earnings. Overall, 85.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,677 6.6%
25 - 44 $65,969 7.6%
45 - 64 $65,616 14.9%
Over 65 $41,250 -12.8%
Above poverty level
11,812
Below poverty level
2,035
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,812 85.3% 2.8%
Below poverty level 2,035 14.7% -11.5%

Average renter income in Brainerd

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brainerd, their median household income was $35,035 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,035
Rent-to-income ratio
28.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brainerd

Workforce and job types in Brainerd

The job market in Brainerd is powered by 6,758 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,758
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
4,996
Blue collar
1,762
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,996 73.9% -1.6%
Blue collar 1,762 26.1% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 445 6.6% -9.6%
Private companies 4,371 64.7% -4.1%
Governmental workers 953 14.1% 11.7%
Not for profit companies 989 14.6% 6.8%
Unemployment rate
9.0%
11.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brainerd stands at 9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Brainerd

How people get around in Brainerd

In Brainerd, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
5.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,733 85.6% -5.4%
Taxicab 23 0.3% 109.1%
Bus or trolleybus 68 1% -20.9%
Motorcycle 49 0.7% N/A
Bicycle 76 1.1% 22.6%
Walk 179 2.7% 16.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Brainerd by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56401 31,841 13,074 $73,128 $91,414

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FAQs about Brainerd demographics 

What is the total population of Brainerd?

Brainerd has a total population of 14,468 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brainerd?

The gender ratio in Brainerd is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (6,737 residents)
  • 53.4% females (7,731 residents)

What is the median age in Brainerd?

The median age in Brainerd is 35.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brainerd?

The age distribution in Brainerd is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (2,880 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (1,914 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.5% (4,267 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.7% (2,845 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.7% (2,562 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brainerd?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brainerd is as follows:
  • White: 92.7% (13,418 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (118 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (198 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (14 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (530 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (190 residents)

What percentage of the population in Brainerd are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Brainerd.

How many housing units are there in Brainerd?

There are 6,760 housing units in Brainerd, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Brainerd and what is the average household size?

Brainerd has a total of 6,348 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brainerd?

Brainerd has a median household income of $56,111, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brainerd?

The employment rate is 91% in Brainerd, with a workforce of 6,758 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.9% (4,996 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.1% (1,762 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (445 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (4,371 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (953 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.6% (989 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025