Violent Crime
143/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.3%
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Brownell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population18
Median Age72.7 yrs
Density90/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans16.0%
Economy
Per Capita$32,661
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$227M
Housing
Ownership66.7%
Zillow$106,469
Housing Units20
Rent Burden13.3%
Crime
F
Violent143/100K
Property906/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation2,423 ft (739 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.67
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 9%
Broadband9.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Brownell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brownell receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Brownell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Brownell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 906 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
31.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Brownell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Brownell has a population of 18 with a density of 90 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 72.7 years, 87% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 16.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 47.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
72.7yrs
Median Age
87% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $32,661 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $937, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 144 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $32,661 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $937 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,985 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 144 |
| County GDP | $227M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,320 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,469. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 20 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $3,320. 13.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.3% |
| Housing Units | 20 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,320 |
| 5% below US avg |
In Brownell, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,336. 11.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brownell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,336 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.5% |
| Premature Death | 13,844/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 11.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Brownell has a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 906 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Brownell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brownell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.0/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 905.6/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brownell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 297 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,423 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,423 ft (739 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 90/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6406°N, 99.7443°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ness County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very 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
67 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
70 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
47 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
22 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
44 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
44 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
45 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
44 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
60 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
72 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
744 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 179 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
45 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
16 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
56 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
64 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
19 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
67 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,008 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
21 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
SE 226 AND SE E RD |
1,146 |
71 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Brownell has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Brownell. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brownell
What is the population of Brownell?
Brownell has a population of 18 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 90 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 72.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Brownell expensive to live in?
Brownell is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Brownell safe?
Brownell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 906 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brownell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brownell?
Brownell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Brownell?
The job market in Brownell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $937. There are 144 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Brownell?
Schools in Brownell have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 31.3% of adults in Brownell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brownell?
The obesity rate in Brownell is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 11.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,336.
What are the demographics of Brownell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brownell is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 16.0% of the population are military veterans. 47.1% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
