Median Income
$36,269
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,500
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.4%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$736
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.4%
81% higher than US avg
How Brookhaven Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,656
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density539/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 45%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,269
Per Capita$25,903
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty22.4%
County GDP$1,635M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,500
Rent$736
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$156,603
Health
Obesity44.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain61.6 in/yr
Elevation483 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.4%
High School+86.5%
School Score4.42
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute18 min
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Brookhaven a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brookhaven receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Brookhaven offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brookhaven is $36,269, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 22.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brookhaven is $111,500, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
21.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Brookhaven enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Brookhaven has a population of 11,656 with a density of 539 people per square mile. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (53.9%), with 44.5% White.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Brookhaven vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.3% |
| 83% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Brookhaven vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Brookhaven is $36,269, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes.
Income: Brookhaven vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,269 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,903 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,709 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.4% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 861 |
| County GDP | $1,635M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 76 |
| Retail | 158 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Brookhaven is $111,500, 60% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,603.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $156,603 |
| Median List Price | $199,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $199,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $32 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 85.7% |
| Price Drops | 34.9% |
| Inventory | 43 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $736 |
| 37% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.69% |
In Brookhaven, 44.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 19.1% report depression. 38.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Brookhaven vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.2% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 81.0% |
| Premature Death | 13,025/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Crime Rates: Brookhaven vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
Safety Score
Brookhaven has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.4°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 61.6 inches |
| 62% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 483 ft (147 m) |
| Area | 21.6 sq mi (56.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 539/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.5806°N, 90.4434°W |
| County FIPS | 28085 |