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"There are many reasons why the Brainerd Lakes Area is a great place to live and conduct business. There is a strong network of support for companies and the community offers a safe, positive culture for raising a family."

— Tom Haglin, Owner, Lindar Corporation
  THE AREA > Demographics  
         
 

Continued growth on the horizon

Since 1970, Crow Wing County’s population has increased by almost 60%, growing from 34,826 to 55,099 in 2000. The area’s population is expected to increase by nearly 20% by the year 2010 and more than 45% by 2030. Plus, with increased tourism and seasonal residents, the population increases by nearly 3 to 4 times during the summer season.
 

Estimated Population Growth
  2000  2010  2020  2030 
 Crow Wing County 55,099  65,220  73,960  79,750 
Source: Minnesota State Demographic Center

Population Trends
Communities 2010 Population 2035 Population Rate of Growth
 Brainerd/Baxter 22,759      27,427      21% 
 Cuyuna Range 3,925      4,216      7% 
 Nisswa/Pequot Lakes/Breezy Point 4,323      5,940      28% 
 Crosslake Area 2,283      3,275      43% 
 Rural Crow Wing County 31,930      40,752      28% 
 Crow Wing County 65,220      81,610      25% 
 Greater Minnesota     12% 
 Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan     21% 
 Total Minnesota     18% 
 U.S.     23% 
Source: Minnesota Office of the Demographer Projections


Attracting and retaining all ages

The lure of the lakes and forests attracts new residents and helps in retaining young residents. With continued transportation and telecommunications advancements, both young workers and retirees are expected to be growth segments for the county in the coming decades.
 

Population by Age (2009 est.) 
  0-14  15-24  25-44  45-64  65-84  85+ 
County 11,564  7,551  14,331  17,055  9,576  1,158 
 MN 1,040,133  745,246  1,408,915  1,351,223  543,440  99,624 
 U.S. 61,314,598  42,706,163  83,191,777  76,248,125  32,847,025 

5,153,845 

Source: US Census Bureau, 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Population Age Trends, Crow Wing County (2000)
  2010  2020  2035 
  0-14 11,690  12,550  12,170 
 15-24 7,510  7,740  8,360 
 25-44 16,950  17,880  16,920 
 45-64 17,990  19,900  20,530 
 65-84 9,380  13,880  20,100 
 85+ 1,690  1,980  3,510 
Source: MNGeo


Income in line with cost of living

Income in Crow Wing County is significantly lower than in Minnesota as a whole, particularly in relation to the Twin Cities metro area. The cost of living in the region, as well as the cost of doing business here, is also lower.
 

Income Comparison
Income County 2008 MN 2008 U.S. 2008 
 Per Capita Income $30,595    $42,953  $40,166  
 Average Wage per Job $31,298    $45,054  $45,716  
Source: Minnesota Office of the Demographer Estimates

2010 Cost of Living Comparisons
  Minneapolis/
St. Paul Bloomington
St. Cloud Duluth Wabasha County, MN Metro Area Brainerd
Overall Index 133 128 121 121 97 
Housing Index 115 93 79 74 80 
Food Index 100 100 100 100 100 
Childcare Index 168 168 168 168 91 
Healthcare Index 118 118 118 118 144 
Other Necessities Index 108 96 88 86 89 
Taxes Index 203 186 165 166 95 
Transportation Index 87 102 88 102 114 
Source: Derived data from the Economic Policy Institute


Area housing options offers something for everyone.

More than 2/3rds of the households in the region are families that live in a variety of housing options. Home ownership is also high within the region, showing the stability of the workforce and the desire to stay near wonderful recreational opportunities and great jobs.
 

Household by Type (2010)
  Crow Wing County MN     US    
 Families 69.7% 68.7%  66.7% 
 Non-Family 30.3% 31.3%  33.3% 
Source: US Census Bureau, MNGeo

Housing (2009)
  Crow Wing County MN     US    
 Occupied Housing 67.2%    89.6%    88.2% 
    Owner-Occupied 77.5%    74.9%    66.9% 
    Renter-Occupied 22.5%    25.1%    33.1% 
Source: US Census Bureau, 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates