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New Ulm, MN

Cost of living in Brown County, MN

Estimated monthly cost
$2,836/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 25,826 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $711 25%
Federal tax $540 19%
Healthcare $480 17%
Groceries $340 12%
Transport $320 11%
State tax $208 7%
Energy $187 7%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Brown County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$640
per month
1 bedroom
$711
per month
2 bedroom
$933
per month
3 bedroom
$1,140
per month
4 bedroom
$1,567
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Brown County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$68,690
per year
Individual earnings
$43,077
per year
Per capita
$36,580
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Brown County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$181,700
Annual property tax
$1,890

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Brown County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$124
per month · 15.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$63
per month
Annual total
$2,244
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Brown County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
3.9%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Brown County

State and local tax rates for Minnesota.

State income tax
9.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.9%
Combined sales tax
7.5%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Brown County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
15.3 min
Drive alone
80.5%
Public transit
0.6%
Work from home
7.6%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Brown County

What it costs to live in Brown County each month.

Single person
$2,836
per month
  • Rent $711
  • Energy $187
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $340
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $540
  • State tax $208
Couple
$4,211
per month
  • Rent $933
  • Energy $224
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $563
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $794
  • State tax $353
Family
$6,562
per month
  • Rent $1,140
  • Energy $280
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $855
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $794
  • State tax $353

Frequently asked questions about Brown County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Brown County?

In Brown County, MN, a one-bedroom apartment averages $711 per month, a two-bedroom averages $933 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,140 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Brown County?

In Brown County, MN, the average household income is $68,690 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $43,077 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Brown County?

The estimated cost of living in Brown County, MN is approximately $2,836 per month for a single person, $4,211 for a couple, $6,562 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Brown County?

The combined sales tax rate in Brown County, MN is 7.54%, which includes the Minnesota state rate of 6.88% plus an average local rate of 0.66%.

Is Brown County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Brown County, MN would need approximately $2,836 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $68,690 per year ($5,724 per month). Brown County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Brown County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Brown County, MN is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 3.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Brown County?

The average home value in Brown County, MN is $181,700, with average annual property taxes of $1,890, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Brown County compare to other areas?

You can compare Brown County, MN with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Brown County is in the New Ulm, MN metro area.

Other counties in Minnesota

Browse the full list of counties in Minnesota, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Minnesota

Compare Brown County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources