Median Income
$62,375
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,700
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
103/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.4%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$895
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Brookston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,703
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density2,580/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,375
Per Capita$30,078
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$1,514M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,700
Rent$895
Ownership73.8%
Zillow$233,315
Housing Units738
Rent Burden21.9%
Crime
F
Violent103/100K
Property1,119/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.9%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation678 ft (207 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.96
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 26%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations17
Libraries4
Is Brookston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brookston receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Brookston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brookston is $62,375, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 6.3% 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 Brookston is $132,700, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $895 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Brookston is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 103 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,119 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
18.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Brookston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches, including 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Brookston has a population of 1,703 with a density of 2,580 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Brookston vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Brookston vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Brookston is $62,375, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,078 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 706 business establishments, including 52 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Brookston vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,375 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,078 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,512 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 706 |
| County GDP | $1,514M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 52 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,703 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Brookston is $132,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,315, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $895 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 738 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $2,703 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,315 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $895 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.2% |
| Housing Units | 738 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,703 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.04% |
In Brookston, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,739. The dentist ratio is 1:2,733. 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brookston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,739 |
| Dentists | 1:2,733 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,917 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,851/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Brookston has a violent crime rate of 103 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,119 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brookston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brookston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 102.6/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,118.9/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 100 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brookston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 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 41.0 inches. The area receives 20.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 678 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 678 ft (207 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,580/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6009°N, 86.8664°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | White County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.0"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
93 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
114 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
589 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 94 fatalities, 1,730 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
15 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
25 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
47 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
122 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Brookston has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Brookston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Brookston
What is the population of Brookston?
Brookston has a population of 1,703 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 2,580 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Brookston expensive to live in?
Brookston is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,375, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $895 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brookston safe?
Brookston is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 103 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,119 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brookston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brookston?
Brookston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.0 inches, with 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Brookston?
The job market in Brookston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 706 business establishments in the area, including 52 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brookston?
The median home value in Brookston is $132,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,315. For renters, the median monthly rent is $895. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,703.
How are the schools in Brookston?
Schools in Brookston score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.4% of adults in Brookston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brookston?
The obesity rate in Brookston is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,739.
What is transportation like in Brookston?
The average commute in Brookston is 25 minutes. 84.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brookston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brookston is 93.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
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