Median Income
$49,531
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$167,600
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$691
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Brodhead Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,205
Median Age43.7 yrs
Density1,781/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,531
Per Capita$31,272
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$2,497M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$167,600
Rent$691
Ownership65.0%
Zillow$300,576
Housing Units1,552
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property679/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary31/100K
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking17.1%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation792 ft (241 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute25 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Brodhead a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brodhead receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Brodhead offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brodhead is $49,531, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brodhead is $167,600, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $691 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Brodhead is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 679 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Brodhead experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 37.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Brodhead has a population of 3,205 with a density of 1,781 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 43.7 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 18.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.7yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Brodhead is $49,531, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,272 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $989, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,156 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,531 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,272 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $989 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,781 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,156 |
| County GDP | $2,497M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 143 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,464 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Brodhead is $167,600, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,576, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $691 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,552 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $6,464 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $167,600 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $300,576 |
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $157 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.3% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 12 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $691 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,552 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,464 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.86% |
In Brodhead, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 29.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,370. The dentist ratio is 1:1,938. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brodhead vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.2% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,370 |
| Dentists | 1:1,938 |
| Mental Health | 1:660 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,852/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Brodhead has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 679 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 586, burglary at 31, vehicle theft at 62 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brodhead receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Brodhead vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 679.0/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Burglary | 30.9/100K |
| Theft | 586.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 61.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Brodhead experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 37.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 792 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 792 ft (241 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,781/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6168°N, 89.3756°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Green County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
135 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
96 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
556 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 53 fatalities, 1,089 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
63 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
58 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
57 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 2018 BADGER RX BURNS (659 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Brodhead has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Brodhead. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brodhead
What is the population of Brodhead?
Brodhead has a population of 3,205 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,781 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Brodhead expensive to live in?
Brodhead is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,531, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $167,600 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $691 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brodhead safe?
Brodhead is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 679 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brodhead receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brodhead?
Brodhead has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 37.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Brodhead?
Brodhead has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $989. There are 1,156 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brodhead?
The median home value in Brodhead is $167,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,576. For renters, the median monthly rent is $691. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,464.
How are the schools in Brodhead?
Schools in Brodhead score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.9% of adults in Brodhead hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brodhead?
The obesity rate in Brodhead is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 29.2% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,370.
What is transportation like in Brodhead?
The average commute in Brodhead is 25 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brodhead?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brodhead is 95.8% White. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.9% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
