Brown County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Brown County, Minnesota is 25,826 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $68,690, the median home value is $181,700, and the median age is 42.4.
The population of Brown County has declined 0.5% since 2010 (25,844 → 25,710), a -0.04% annualized rate.
25,826
Population
-0.04%
Annual growth
42
People / sq mi
$68,690
Median Income
$181,700
Median Home Value
Brown County covers 611 sq mi of land at 42.3 people per square mile.
About Brown County, MN
The poverty rate is what most separates Brown County from the typical county: 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Brown County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 25,826. It ranks #40 among counties in Minnesota by population.
The typical household here earns about $68,690, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $181,700, with typical rent around $931.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Brown County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Brown County had a population of 25,844 in 2010 and 25,710 in 2024, a -0.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,911 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.03%.
25,710
Population (2024)
25,844
Population (2010)
25,911
Peak (2020)
-0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,844 |
| 2011 | 25,660 |
| 2012 | 25,413 |
| 2013 | 25,267 |
| 2014 | 25,274 |
| 2015 | 25,246 |
| 2016 | 25,278 |
| 2017 | 25,173 |
| 2018 | 25,118 |
| 2019 | 24,965 |
| 2020 | 25,911 |
| 2021 | 25,896 |
| 2022 | 25,786 |
| 2023 | 25,699 |
| 2024 | 25,710 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.4
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
21.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 21.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,690$-18,866 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,690 |
| Per-capita income | $36,580 |
| Poverty rate | 4.7%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Brown County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
4.1%
Carpool
80.5%
Public transit
7.6%
Work from home
15.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$181,700$-123,800 vs state
Median home value
$931
Median rent
79.4%
Homeownership rate
11,802
Total housing units
92.7%
Occupied
7.3%
Vacant
20.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.1%
With health insurance
91.3%
With broadband internet
17.0%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
95.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.9%
High School+
24.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Brown County, Minnesota has a population of 25,826 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 42 people per square mile.
The population of Brown County has declined 0.5% since 2010 (25,844 → 25,710), a -0.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in Brown County, Minnesota is $68,690, with mean (average) household income of $84,690 and per-capita income of $36,580. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Brown County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.2%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Brown County, Minnesota is 42.4 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Brown County is $181,700 and median monthly rent is $931. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,802 total housing units, 7.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Brown County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Brown County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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Statewide data for Minnesota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Minnesota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.