Brown County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Brown County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 25,826. It is the 40th most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 6 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Brown County is 42.4 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 10.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Brown County is $68,690. This is 22% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 13% lower. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%. This is 16% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.6%. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $181,700. Housing costs are 41% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Brown County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Brown County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.9%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

24.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.9%.