2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Brainerd, MN vs Albert Lea, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Albert Lea older or younger than people in Brainerd?
- The Median Age in Albert Lea is 7.6 years older than in Brainerd.

Are housing costs cheaper in Albert Lea or Brainerd?
- Albert Lea housing costs are 50.5% less expensive than Brainerd housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Albert Lea or Brainerd?
- The average commute for residents of Albert Lea is 1.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Brainerd.

Things to do in Brainerd?
Brainerd, MN is an inviting small city west of Minneapolis full of amazing places to explore like Brainerd International Raceway displaying its unique environment or Northland Arboretum offering fun rides and tour opportunities; they organize vivid festivals like Brainerd Jaycees Street Fest every August.

Things to do in Albert Lea?
Albert Lea is an incorporated town situated within Freeborn County, Minnesota boasting plenty of activities like visiting its local museums like the Freeborn County Historical Museum suitable for anyone interested in the area's history plus nearby Myre-Big Island State Park has various events and exhibits conveniently situated close by. There are also several shopping outlets and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine good for anyone looking to browse around or have a meal out during their visit here!

 Brainerd, MNAlbert Lea, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock18,433329,725,481
 Median Income$41,671  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock43.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$266,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.81  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Brainerd    5 Reviews

Research, research, research! Personal reviews don't give you the "whole" story! Whether the opinions are "glowing" or scathing do not base your opinion on them! Some  More

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No comment since you  More

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Over 14 years ago

Small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business. No work. Located in Crow Wing County and has highest unemployment rate in the state. Poor healthcare. Essentia  More

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Reviews for Albert Lea    1 Reviews

Over 19 years ago

After living in the Twin Cities and California, Albert Lea seems dirt cheap. Housing is some of the lowest in the  More

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