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
Brown County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 25,826. It ranks #40 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 42.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Brown County is $68,690, below the US median of $74,580. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $181,700, with monthly rent averaging $931. The homeownership rate of 79.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Brown County reflects 24.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.3 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.