Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Brainerd, MN
Considering a move to Brainerd, MN? This friendly lakes-area city of 14,420 features affordable living, with median home prices around $197,000 and rents averaging $950. Residents enjoy a short 17-minute average commute, four distinct seasons (including snowy winters and warm summers), and access to quality healthcare at Essentia Health. While property crime rates are higher than average, Brainerd offers small-town charm, scenic outdoor recreation, and convenient access to local schools and Central Lakes College—making it an attractive choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Demographics - Brainerd, MN
Demographics - Brainerd, MN
Brainerd is home to about 14,420 residents, with a median age of 36.9 and a population density that gives it a community feel. The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with small but diverse minority groups and a nearly even gender balance. About 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a welcoming and accessible atmosphere.
Population:
14,420
Density:
1,340 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.9
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.8%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Brainerd, MN?
Brainerd offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $197,000 and average rent around $950 per month. The city’s cost of living index is below the national average, making it attractive for families and retirees seeking value. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are reasonable, while state income taxes are moderate compared to national rates.
Median House Value:
$197,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,325
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.7
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
71.3
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
92.4
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
97.8
Crime
Is Brainerd, MN a safe place to live?
Brainerd experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,246 incidents per 100,000 residents, but violent crime remains relatively low at 297 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 337. While residents should be mindful of property security, the city maintains a generally safe atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
297
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,246
Crime Index:
2,543
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 337
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Brainerd, MN year-round?
Brainerd enjoys four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters (averaging 1°F to 23°F) and warm, pleasant summers (54°F to 79°F). The city receives about 27 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine around 57% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities and scenic beauty year-round.

Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
23°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Households in Brainerd typically earn a median income of $42,800, with a poverty rate of nearly 20%. The area is known for its short average commute of just over 17 minutes and a low unemployment rate. Most residents drive to work, and the neighborhood offers a blend of modest living and community engagement.
Median Income:
$30,700
Household Income:
$42,800
Family Income:
$56,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$27,900
Poverty Rate:
19.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
17.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Brainerd, MN?
Brainerd offers a mix of educational opportunities, featuring public schools like Brainerd High School and Forestview Middle School, as well as private options and Central Lakes College for higher education. The student-teacher ratios are around 17–18, supporting personalized learning. The city’s schools and college make it a family-friendly community with accessible academic resources.

Public Schools
Name:
Brainerd High School
Street:
702 S 5th St
Phone:
218-454-6200
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Forestview Middle School
Street:
12149 Knollwood Dr
Phone:
218-454-6000
Students:
1,970
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School
Street:
817 Juniper St
Phone:
218-828-2345
Students:
190

Colleges
Name:
Central Lakes College
City:
Brainerd
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Brainerd provides quality healthcare access, anchored by Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center, which offers emergency and general surgical services. There are about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of locals have health insurance coverage. The city’s healthcare index points to reliable and accessible medical care for residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center
Address:
523 N 3rd St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone:
(218) 828-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Brainerd, MN?
The housing market in Brainerd is affordable, with a median home price of $197,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $950. About 48% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city has seen steady appreciation in home values at 7.2% over the past year. Housing options are diverse, with a healthy mix of rentals and homes for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$197,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Brainerd residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, conveniently located at 213 Laurel St. The office offers a full range of DMV services, including licensing and registration. For more details, residents can visit the department’s official website or call the local office.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
213 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone:
(651) 297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.