Median Income
$63,333
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,400
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
480/100K
26% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$819
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Brewster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population440
Median Age28.2 yrs
Density1,692/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,333
Per Capita$25,058
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$905M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,400
Rent$819
Ownership75.3%
Zillow$144,303
Housing Units157
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent480/100K
Property2,769/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking12.7%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain20.3 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation3,427 ft (1,045 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute16 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Brewster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brewster receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Brewster offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brewster is $63,333, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brewster is $126,400, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 480 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,769 per 100,000, 41% above the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Brewster experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.3 inches, including 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Brewster has a population of 440 with a density of 1,692 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.2 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.2yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Brewster is $63,333, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,058 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $922, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 416 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,333 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,058 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $922 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 416 |
| County GDP | $905M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,331 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Brewster is $126,400, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,303, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $819 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 157 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,331 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,400 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,303 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $819 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.7% |
| Housing Units | 157 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,331 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.43% |
In Brewster, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 20.6% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,969. The dentist ratio is 1:1,973. 78.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brewster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,969 |
| Dentists | 1:1,973 |
| Mental Health | 1:562 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,679/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Brewster has a violent crime rate of 480 per 100,000 residents, 26% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,769 per 100,000, 41% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brewster receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brewster vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 480.0/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,769.1/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brewster experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 326 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 20.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 3,427 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,427 ft (1,045 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,692/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3631°N, 101.3771°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Thomas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.3"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 5, 2025.
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jul 29, 2025 |
16 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
17 km NNE of Collyer, Kansas |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
2 km E of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
6 km SE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
7 km SW of Bogue, Kansas |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
7 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.5 |
133 km |
| Aug 29, 2024 |
5 km SE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.5 |
136 km |
| Sep 28, 2024 |
5 km SSW of Bogue, Kansas |
M2.5 |
144 km |
| Aug 5, 2025 |
3 km NE of Bogue, Kansas |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 39 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1958 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2017 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 2000 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1995 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,777 ac, 1997).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,535 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
ZWEYGARDT |
2,118 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
57 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
82 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,304 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
BRADSHAW |
1,255 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
62 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
53 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,076 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Brewster has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Brewster. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brewster
What is the population of Brewster?
Brewster has a population of 440 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,692 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Brewster expensive to live in?
Brewster is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,333, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,400 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brewster safe?
The violent crime rate in Brewster is 480 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,769 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Brewster receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brewster?
Brewster has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.3 inches, with 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Brewster?
The job market in Brewster is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $922. There are 416 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brewster?
The median home value in Brewster is $126,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,303. For renters, the median monthly rent is $819. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,331.
How are the schools in Brewster?
Schools in Brewster score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Brewster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brewster?
The obesity rate in Brewster is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 78.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,969.
What is transportation like in Brewster?
The average commute in Brewster is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brewster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brewster is 96.1% White. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 80.9% have health insurance coverage.
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