Brainerd city, MN

ZIP 56401 — Economy & Jobs

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates. Page data updated 2026-08-02.

Middle ClassLow Snow Area

Income, employment, industries, and economic trends

Income & Economy in Brainerd city, MN (56401)

Median Income

$70,269

*Adjusted for inflation (2023 dollars)

IRS Net Migration

+2,254

Wealth inflow

Population

31,749

Unemployment

5.8%

2.1pp above US avg

IRS migration statistics show a net inflow of about 2,254 for ZIP 56401 (Brainerd city, MN) on US5’s published series — a signal of people/tax filers moving in relative to those leaving. Inflows often track job growth, housing demand, or lifestyle migration; treat the figure as a directional indicator rather than a precise headcount.

Economic Indicators

Unemployment

5.8%+56% vs US avg

Self-Employed

2.4%-60% vs US avg

SNAP Benefits

11.5%-2% vs US avg

891

Establishments

11,787

Employees

~13 per establishment — small businesses dominate

Healthcare

Top Industry

Economic Distributions

Census ACS 5-Year (P0): occupation, industry, household income brackets.

Occupation

Industry

Agriculture, forestry, mining1.2%
Construction10.5%
Manufacturing9.3%
Wholesale trade2.1%
Retail trade11.5%
Transportation, utilities4.9%
Information1.3%
Finance, insurance, real estate6.6%
Professional, scientific, management6.9%
Education, health care, social25.7%
Arts, entertainment, food services11.4%
Other services4.5%
Public administration4.2%

Household Income

Historical Trends in 56401 (2020–Present)

Since 2020, population grew 4.6%, median income rose 8.2% (inflation-adjusted), home values increased 6.8%.

Median Income

$70,269

-6% vs US avg

Unemployment Rate