Median Income
$83,365
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$205,900
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
161/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,089
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Braidwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,175
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density1,165/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,365
Per Capita$40,677
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$6,044M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$205,900
Rent$1,089
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$274,245
Housing Units2,931
Rent Burden33.4%
Crime
F
Violent161/100K
Property548/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault81/100K
Burglary65/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking14.9%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation567 ft (173 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute27 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Braidwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Braidwood receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Braidwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Braidwood is $83,365, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Braidwood is $205,900, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,089 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Braidwood is below the national average at 161 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 548 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Braidwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 18.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Braidwood has a population of 6,175 with a density of 1,165 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 8.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Braidwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Braidwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Braidwood is $83,365, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,677. The average weekly wage is $1,344. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,204 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Braidwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,365 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,677 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,344 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,204 |
| County GDP | $6,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 145 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Braidwood is $205,900, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,245, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,089 (6% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,931 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $6,618 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $205,900 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,245 |
| Median List Price | $315,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $315,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $161 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.3% |
| Price Drops | 17.7% |
| Inventory | 34 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,089 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,931 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In Braidwood, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Braidwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,117 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:530 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 145 |
Braidwood has a violent crime rate of 161 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 80.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 80.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 548 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 484, burglary at 65, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Braidwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Braidwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 161.3/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 80.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 80.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 548.5/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Burglary | 64.5/100K |
| Theft | 484.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 61 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Braidwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. The area receives 18.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 567 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 567 ft (173 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,165/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2702°N, 88.2234°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joliet Regional (JOT)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
60 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
81 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
58 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
84 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
31 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
694 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 90 fatalities, 1,681 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
47 km |
29 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
48 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
55 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
8 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
122 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
13 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
15 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
19 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
20 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
20 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
13 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
20 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
12 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Braidwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Braidwood. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,144 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $820 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Braidwood
What is the population of Braidwood?
Braidwood has a population of 6,175 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,165 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Braidwood expensive to live in?
Braidwood has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $83,365, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $205,900 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,089 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Braidwood safe?
Braidwood is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 161 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 548 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Braidwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Braidwood?
Braidwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 18.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Braidwood?
The job market in Braidwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,344. There are 1,204 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Braidwood?
The median home value in Braidwood is $205,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,245. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,089. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,618.
How are the schools in Braidwood?
Schools in Braidwood score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Braidwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Braidwood?
The obesity rate in Braidwood is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117.
What is transportation like in Braidwood?
The average commute in Braidwood is 27 minutes. 90.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Braidwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Braidwood is 93.9% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.8% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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