2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Brainerd, MN vs Prior Lake, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Prior Lake older or younger than people in Brainerd?
- The Median Age in Prior Lake is 3.6 years older than in Brainerd.

Are housing costs cheaper in Prior Lake or Brainerd?
- Prior Lake housing costs are 82.4% more expensive than Brainerd housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Prior Lake or Brainerd?
- The average commute for residents of Prior Lake is 9.4 minutes longer 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 Prior Lake?
Prior Lake, Minnesota is a charming town located in Scott County. It features beautiful natural scenery, such as the Prior Lake and numerous nearby parks, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere that offers plenty of cultural attractions to explore. Shopping fans can find local stores to browse through or head to one of the many nearby shopping malls for a wider selection. With easy access to bustling nightlife cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul and Burnsville, Prior Lake makes a great destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

 Brainerd, MNPrior Lake, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock27,242329,725,481
 Median Income$41,671  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$266,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.8%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 Prior Lake    3 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

Prior Lake is an amazing place to raise a family and to live. The city puts a lot of money into community events that are almost always free or of low cost. From the  More

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Over 15 years ago

A beautiful, quiet, friendly community built around a lovely good sized lake. Prior Lake is only a short drive away from many fun and exciting cultural, sporting,  More

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We actually live in Credit River Township, but our mailing address is Prior Lake. Our real estate taxes help pay for the schools in Prior Lake, but, in Credit River  More

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