Median Income
$61,125
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$42,500
85% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
847/100K
123% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.5%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$770
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Browns Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population186
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density641/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans14.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,125
Per Capita$28,112
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$451M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$42,500
Rent$770
Ownership90.6%
Zillow$127,952
Housing Units89
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent847/100K
Property1,331/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking16.6%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain50.0 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation398 ft (121 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.5%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute18 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Browns a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Browns receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Browns offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Browns is $61,125, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Browns is $42,500, 85% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 847 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,331 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
9.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Browns enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.0 inches, including 11.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Browns has a population of 186 with a density of 641 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.4% female and 44.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 3.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 14.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Browns is $61,125, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,112 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $974, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 276 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,125 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,112 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $974 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,433 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $451M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,675 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 11.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Browns is $42,500, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,952, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $770 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 89 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $4,675 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $42,500 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,952 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $770 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.4% |
| Housing Units | 89 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,675 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 11.00% |
In Browns, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,800. The dentist ratio is 1:2,217. 69.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Browns vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,800 |
| Dentists | 1:2,217 |
| Mental Health | 1:322 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,398/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Browns has a violent crime rate of 847 per 100,000 residents, 123% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,331 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. Overall, Browns receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Browns vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 846.9/100K |
| 123% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,330.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Browns enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 290 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 50.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 398 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.2°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 398 ft (121 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 641/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3775°N, 87.9832°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wabash County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.0"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively 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
70 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
12 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
13 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
46 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
12 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
54 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
63 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
8 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
13 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
11 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
116 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
34 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
15 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
14 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
501 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 816 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
96 km |
8 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
45 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
59 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
29 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
63 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DENNISON HOLLOW RX (1,573 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
CAVE HILL RX |
999 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
994 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
HARRIS BRANCH RX |
716 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
HARTS CREEK RX |
599 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
GIBBONS CREEK RX |
579 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Browns has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 32°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Browns. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Browns
What is the population of Browns?
Browns has a population of 186 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 641 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.4% female and 44.6% male.
Is Browns expensive to live in?
Browns has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $61,125, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $42,500 (85% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Browns safe?
Public safety is a concern in Browns, with a violent crime rate of 847 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,331 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Browns receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Browns?
Browns enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.0 inches, with 11.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Browns?
The job market in Browns is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $974. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Browns?
The median home value in Browns is $42,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,952. For renters, the median monthly rent is $770. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,675.
How are the schools in Browns?
Schools in Browns score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.5% of adults in Browns hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Browns?
The obesity rate in Browns is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 69.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,800.
What is transportation like in Browns?
The average commute in Browns is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Browns?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Browns is 96.2% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 14.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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