Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Brainerd, MN Population, Income & Demographics 2026

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

14,468

Median Agei

35.1

Race & Ethnicityi

White

91.5%13,236

Hispanic/Latino

3.1%446

Two or More

2.3%337

American Indian/Alaska Native

1.4%198

Other

0.9%124

Black

0.8%113

Asian

0.1%14

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

6.4%618

High School Diploma

28.3%2,733

Some College (<1 yr)

9.1%880

Some College (1+ yr)

14.6%1,417

Associate's Degree

13.7%1,325

Bachelor's Degree

14.6%1,408

Master's Degree

4.2%411

Professional Degree

1.5%144

Doctorate

0.1%5

HS or Higher

92.4%

BA or Higher

20.3%

Graduate+

5.8%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$192,500

Median Renti

$827

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

56.5%3,588

Renter-Occupied

43.5%2,760

Total Units

6,760

Homeownership

56.5%

Vacancy Rate

6.1%

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$56,111

Mean Household Incomei

$69,503

Per Capita Incomei

$31,316

Poverty Ratei

14.5%

Unemploymenti

Labor Forcei

7,430

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

563

Residentsi

833

Avg. Tenant Renti

$413/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

9 months

Programs in this community

Public Housing203 homes99% occupied$399/mo rent

Government-owned housing managed by local housing authorities

Housing Choice Vouchers197 homes99% occupied$444/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 8137 homes94% occupied$399/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

811/PRAC25 homes92% occupied$349/mo rent

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $56,111/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $17K/yr

70.7%

Very low income$17K–$28K/yr

24.9%

Low income$28K–$45K/yr

Moderate / aboveOver $45K/yr

0.4%

Who Receives This Housing

67.4% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

6% of subsidized households are minority

42.9% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

37.4% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Social Characteristicsi

Veteransi

671(6% of civilian adults)