Median Income
$84,962
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$254,500
10% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
260/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.3%
20% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,077
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
19% lower than US avg
How Brookhaven Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,465
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density700/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$84,962
Per Capita$37,344
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty10.1%
County GDP$1,012M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$254,500
Rent$1,077
Ownership80.5%
Zillow$271,933
Housing Units2,472
Rent Burden25.2%
Crime
F
Violent260/100K
Property2,553/100K
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.0%
Depression29.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain43.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,219 ft (372 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.3%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+19.3%
School Score4.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 20%
Commute24 min
Broadband91.2%
EV Stations18
Libraries2
Is Brookhaven a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brookhaven receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. 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 $84,962, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brookhaven is $254,500, 10% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,077 per month. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Brookhaven is below the national average at 260 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,553 per 100,000, 30% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Brookhaven experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Brookhaven has a population of 6,465 with a density of 700 people per square mile, spread across 9.3 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Brookhaven vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Brookhaven vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Brookhaven is $84,962, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,344. The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 884 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 13.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Brookhaven vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,962 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,344 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,346 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.1% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 884 |
| County GDP | $1,012M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 78 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,185 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Brookhaven is $254,500, 10% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,933. Homes sell for 95.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,077 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,472 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,185 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $254,500 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $271,933 |
| Median List Price | $356,706 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $356,706 |
| $/Sq Ft | $158 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.5% |
| Price Drops | 7.7% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,077 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,472 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,185 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.86% |
In Brookhaven, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 29.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,643. The dentist ratio is 1:3,797. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brookhaven vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 29.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,643 |
| Dentists | 1:3,797 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,623 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,315/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Brookhaven has a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,553 per 100,000, 30% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brookhaven receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brookhaven vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 260.4/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,552.8/100K |
| 30% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brookhaven experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 74°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 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,219 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,219 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 9.3 sq mi (24.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 700/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6062°N, 79.8830°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Preston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arnold Palmer Regional (LBE)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.2"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km WNW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| May 7, 2010 |
14 km WSW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
115 km |
| Oct 16, 2000 |
West Virginia |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
174 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 263 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEW CREEK MTN (1,689 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
87 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
SOUTH BRANCH |
519 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Brookhaven has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in February to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Brookhaven. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $792 |
| Toddler | $752 |
| Preschool | $770 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $692 |
| Toddler | $583 |
| Preschool | $583 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brookhaven
What is the population of Brookhaven?
Brookhaven has a population of 6,465 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 700 people per square mile, spread across 9.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Brookhaven expensive to live in?
Brookhaven is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $84,962, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $254,500 (10% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,077 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brookhaven safe?
Brookhaven is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,553 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Brookhaven receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brookhaven?
Brookhaven has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Brookhaven?
Brookhaven has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 884 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 13.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brookhaven?
The median home value in Brookhaven is $254,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,933. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,077. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,185.
How are the schools in Brookhaven?
Schools in Brookhaven have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 40.3% of adults in Brookhaven hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 19.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brookhaven?
The obesity rate in Brookhaven is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 29.6% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,643.
What is transportation like in Brookhaven?
The average commute in Brookhaven is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brookhaven?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brookhaven is 88.7% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
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