US ZIP Code
56401

Brainerd, MN

Crow Wing County  ·  Minnesota

● Active
👥 31,749 Population ↑ 6% since 2019
💰 $70,269 Median HH Income
▼ 8% below avg ↑ 34% since 2019
🎂 40.0 Median Age
🏠 $237,900 Median Home Value
▼ 15% below avg ↑ 33% since 2019
🎓 39.9% College Grads
≈ Avg
📊 5.8% Unemployment
▲ 18% above avg ↑ 145% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code56401
CityBrainerd
StateMinnesota (MN)
CountyCrow Wing County
Area Code218
Elevation1,255 ft
Latitude46.322919
Longitude-94.12521
TimezoneChicago (DST)
FIPS27035
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 49.7% (15,786) Female 50.3% (15,963) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 93.3%Hispanic: 1.6%Black: 0.8%Asian: 0.4%Other: 2.1%Race
White93.3%
Hispanic1.6%
Black0.8%
Asian0.4%
Other2.1%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
6%
5–17
16%
18–24
8%
25–44
26%
45–64
25%
65+
9%

Key Indicators

Median Age40.0 yrs
Avg Household Size2.38
Below Poverty10.0% ≈ Avg
College Grads39.9% ≈ Avg
Unemployment5.8% ▲ 18% above avg
No HS Diploma107 (0.5%)
HS Graduate6,417 (30.1%)
Some College2,791 (13.1%)
Associates3,524 (16.5%)
Bachelors3,234 (15.1%)
Graduate Degree5,274 (24.7%)

Education

No HS: 0.5%HS Grad: 30.1%Some College: 13.1%Associates: 16.5%Bachelors: 15.1%Graduate: 24.7%Edu
No HS0.5%
HS Grad30.1%
Some College13.1%
Associates16.5%
Bachelors15.1%
Graduate24.7%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 74%Renter: 26%Tenure
Owner74.0%
Renter26.0%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
5%
$50k–100k
5%
$100k–150k
12%
$150k–200k
16%
$200k–300k
25%
$300k–500k
22%
Over $500k
13%

Financials

Median HH Income$70,269 ▼ 8% below avg ↑ 34% since 2019
Median Home Value$237,900 ▼ 15% below avg ↑ 33% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio3.4x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$918/mo ↑ 23% since 2019
Total Units16,038
Vacant Units3,048
Avg HH Size2.38

Income Distribution

Under $25k
15%
$25k–50k
15%
$50k–75k
20%
$75k–100k
17%
$100k–150k
19%
$150k–200k
8%
Over $200k
7%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
89%
Public Transit
1%
Walked
2%
Work From Home
9%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
39%
15–30 min
38%
30–45 min
13%
Over 45 min
10%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
2%
1940s–1950s
8%
1960s–1970s
13%
1980s–1990s
20%
2000+
57%

Summary

Total Units16,038
Vacant3,048
Owner Occupied74.0%
Renter Occupied26.0%
Avg HH Size2.38
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 56401 is in Brainerd, MN, in Crow Wing County.
ZIP code 56401 is located in Minnesota (MN).
ZIP code 56401 is in Crow Wing County, MN.
ZIP 56401 observes the Chicago timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 56401 is 31,749 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 56401 is $70,269 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 56401 is $237,900 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 56401

ZIP code 56401 is located in Brainerd, Minnesota, within Crow Wing County. With a population of 31,749, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 40 years. Economically, 56401 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $70,269 is near the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 56401 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $237,900 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $918 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 74.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 33% since 2019.

The population of 56401 is primarily White (93.28%). Residents are moderately educated — 39.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 10.0%. Household income has grown by 34% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 56401 stands at 5.8%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.

Overall, ZIP code 56401 in Brainerd, MN is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 31,749 residents, a median household income of $70,269, and a median home value of $237,900, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Minnesota.