Median Income
$58,393
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,700
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
89% lower than US avg
How Brocton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population262
Median Age53.6 yrs
Density460/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,393
Per Capita$28,454
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty1.4%
County GDP$1,039M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,700
Ownership97.3%
Zillow$84,191
Housing Units154
Rent Burden21.8%
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking15.1%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Elevation661 ft (201 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute29 min
Broadband76.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Brocton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brocton receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Brocton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brocton is $58,393, 22% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brocton is $74,700, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Brocton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 18.1 inches of snow.
Brocton has a population of 262 with a density of 460 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 53.6 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (99.2%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
262
Total Population
2023 Census
53.6yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Brocton is $58,393, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,454 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,055, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 351 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,393 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,454 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,055 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,188 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 351 |
| County GDP | $1,039M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,788 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Brocton is $74,700, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,191, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 154 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $3,788. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,700 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $84,191 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.7% |
| Housing Units | 154 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,788 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.07% |
In Brocton, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,130. The dentist ratio is 1:3,287. 57.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brocton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,130 |
| Dentists | 1:3,287 |
| Mental Health | 1:371 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,162/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Brocton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. The area receives 18.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 661 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 661 ft (201 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 460/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7154°N, 87.9336°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Edgar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.68"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
38 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 |
141 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
140 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
141 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
57 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
52 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
562 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 495 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
28 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
6 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
69 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Brocton has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Brocton. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Brocton
What is the population of Brocton?
Brocton has a population of 262 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 460 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Brocton expensive to live in?
Brocton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,393, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,700 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Brocton?
Brocton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 18.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Brocton?
Brocton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,055. There are 351 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brocton?
The median home value in Brocton is $74,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,191. The homeownership rate is 97.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,788.
How are the schools in Brocton?
Schools in Brocton score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.2% of adults in Brocton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brocton?
The obesity rate in Brocton is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,130.
What is transportation like in Brocton?
The average commute in Brocton is 29 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brocton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brocton is 99.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.