Brainerd, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Brainerd, Minnesota is 14,474 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 76th-largest city in Minnesota. The median household income is $53,705, the median home value is $178,600, and the median age is 36.1.
The population has grown 6.0% since 2010 (13,588 → 14,400).
14,474
Population
1193
People / sq mi
$53,705
Median Income
$178,600
Median Home Value
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Brainerd covers 12.1 sq mi of land at 1193 people per square mile.
About Brainerd, MN
What sets Brainerd apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 4.5% versus 14.0% nationally. Brainerd is a city in Minnesota with a population of 14,474.
The typical household earns $53,705, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $178,600, with typical rent around $848.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 19.5%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 4.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Brainerd city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Brainerd city had a population of 13,588 in 2010 and 14,400 in 2024, a 6.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,527 in 2022. Average annual growth rate: 0.43%.
14,400
Population (2024)
13,588
Population (2010)
14,527
Peak (2022)
0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,588 |
| 2011 | 13,538 |
| 2012 | 13,501 |
| 2013 | 13,449 |
| 2014 | 13,394 |
| 2015 | 13,326 |
| 2016 | 13,296 |
| 2017 | 13,385 |
| 2018 | 13,443 |
| 2019 | 13,434 |
| 2020 | 14,375 |
| 2021 | 14,526 |
| 2022 | 14,527 |
| 2023 | 14,526 |
| 2024 | 14,400 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$53,705
Median Household Income
$29,935
Per Capita Income
13.5%
Poverty Rate
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$178,600
Median Home Value
$848
Median Rent
57.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
92.0%
High School+
19.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.3%
Drive Alone
79.0%
Public Transit
4.5%
Work From Home
18.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
18.3%
Foreign Born
97.9%
Non-English at Home
7.6%
Veterans
20.0%
With Disability
93.2%
Health Insurance
94.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 28.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.1% |
| Manufacturing | 11.6% |
| Construction | 9.4% |
| Information | 6.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.3% |
| Retail Trade | 3.0% |
| Public Administration | 2.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.7% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Brainerd, Minnesota has a population of 14,474 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 76th-largest city in Minnesota.
The median household income in Brainerd, Minnesota is $53,705, with 13.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Brainerd, Minnesota is $178,600, with median monthly rent at $848 and a homeownership rate of 57.0%.
The median age in Brainerd, Minnesota is 36.1 years. The population is 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
The population has grown 6.0% since 2010 (13,588 → 14,400).
Where to stay in Brainerd
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.