RANK #149 / 1001 NAT · #1 / 18 MN · POP 67,686
1YR FORECAST: +2.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +35%
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, known as "cabin country," is defined by its extensive network of over 400 lakes and 75 rivers, offering more than 2,000 miles of shoreline. Brainerd, the county seat and largest city, serves as a central hub within the Brainerd Lakes Area, a region that includes other notable towns like Baxter, Crosby, Nisswa, and Pequot Lakes. Located in east-central Minnesota, the county is approximately two hours north of the Twin Cities. The community feel across the county ranges from small-town charm to a relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle, with ample opportunities for year-round recreation such as fishing, boating, hiking, and snowmobiling. The Paul Bunyan State Trail, a 115-mile paved rail-trail, runs through the county, further enhancing outdoor access. Life in Crow Wing County often revolves around its natural amenities, attracting both families and retirees. Public schools in the county are generally above average. The economy is driven by diverse industries, with healthcare and social assistance being a significant employer, accounting for one in five jobs. The county has experienced population growth, with a notable increase in residents aged 65 and older. Efforts are underway to address workforce housing needs through initiatives like the Crow Wing County Local Housing Trust Fund, which aims to finance affordable and mixed-income housing projects.
Crow Wing County's data profile doesn't fit any single market profile cleanly — its housing, labor, and demographic signals pull in different directions (home prices +3.0% YoY, population +0.8%, wages +4.4%). About 414 U.S. counties show this kind of mixed-signal pattern.
See all 414 Idiosyncratic Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Speculative pricing
Housing looks overvalued at 12.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Crow Wing County ranks #149 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 85/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $72,589 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Crow Wing County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $306,800 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.24 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $971/month on average.
Crow Wing County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.3%). Home values shifted +3.0% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.21% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Crow Wing County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.