City profile
Brainerd, MN
Crow Wing County · Population 14,468
Brainerd is a town in Crow Wing County, MN with about 14,468 residents and a typical home value near $192,000. It is 104 miles from Duluth, MN, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
13°F
Summer avg
66°F
Sunny days / yr
185
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$192,500
Typical monthly housing
$1,214
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
86
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.05%
- State income tax (top)
- 9.85%
- Social Security
- Taxed (with exemptions)
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 8.04%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 78/100
Top hazards: Cold wave, Riverine flooding, Strong wind
Nearest major airport
112 mi to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field (MSP)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 34% Democratic / 65% Republican
Community
Population
14,468
Black population
0.8%
County
Crow Wing County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hail, extreme cold
Highlights
- About 14,468 residents
- Typical home value about $192,000
- 104 miles from Duluth, MN
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.