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).
Brainerd city, MN Climate
Brainerd city, MN has an average annual temperature of 5.1°C (41°F) and receives about 686 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.1°C
Avg Temp
686
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -13° / 8° | 19 mm |
| February | -9° / 15° | 15 mm |
| March | -3° / 27° | 38 mm |
| April | 6° / 42° | 55 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 77 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 103 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 101 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 87 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 77 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 61 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 33 mm |
| December | -10° / 14° | 20 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Brainerd city, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Brainerd city, MN are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -19°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Brainerd
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.