Median Income
$72,900
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$204,600
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
111/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.3%
1% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$771
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Breese Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,373
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density1,638/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,900
Per Capita$63,846
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$1,581M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$204,600
Rent$771
Ownership75.4%
Zillow$252,996
Housing Units1,941
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent111/100K
Property800/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault89/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking12.9%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation452 ft (138 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.3%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score6.41
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute27 min
Broadband92.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Breese a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Breese receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Breese offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Breese is $72,900, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 1.3% 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 Breese is $204,600, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $771 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Breese is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 800 per 100,000, 59% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Breese enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches, including 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Breese has a population of 4,373 with a density of 1,638 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.1yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
The median household income in Breese is $72,900, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $63,846 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 940 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 15.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,900 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $63,846 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,389 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 940 |
| County GDP | $1,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,038 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 15.8% |
The median home value in Breese is $204,600, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $252,996, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $771 (34% 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. 75.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,941 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $5,038 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $204,600 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $252,996 |
| Median List Price | $262,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $262,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $135 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $771 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,941 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,038 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.46% |
In Breese, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 19.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,066. The dentist ratio is 1:3,076. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Breese vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.3% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,066 |
| Dentists | 1:3,076 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,672 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,626/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
Breese has a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 88.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 22.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 800 per 100,000, 59% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 778, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 22 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Breese receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Breese vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 111.2/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 22.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 88.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 800.4/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 778.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 22.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Breese enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 293 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 43.4 inches. The area receives 11.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 452 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.7°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 452 ft (138 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,638/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6138°N, 89.5237°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.4"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
72 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
144 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
142 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
41 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
57 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
63 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
614 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 73 fatalities, 1,329 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
64 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
23 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
97 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
94 km |
21 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
49 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KINKAID RX (1,215 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
729 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
687 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
BLOWDOWN 16 RX |
553 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Breese has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 33°F in February to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Breese. 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 | $796 |
| Toddler | $738 |
| Preschool | $703 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $542 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Breese
What is the population of Breese?
Breese has a population of 4,373 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,638 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Breese expensive to live in?
Breese has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,900, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $204,600 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $771 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Breese safe?
Breese is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 800 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Breese receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Breese?
Breese enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.4 inches, with 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Breese?
The job market in Breese is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 940 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 15.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Breese?
The median home value in Breese is $204,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $252,996. For renters, the median monthly rent is $771. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,038.
How are the schools in Breese?
Schools in Breese score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.3% of adults in Breese hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Breese?
The obesity rate in Breese is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 19.3% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,066.
What is transportation like in Breese?
The average commute in Breese is 27 minutes. 81.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Breese?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Breese is 94.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.