Median Income
$59,688
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,000
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
212/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.9%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$817
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.7%
19% higher than US avg
How Brownstown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population592
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density779/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,688
Per Capita$28,894
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty14.7%
County GDP$1,758M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,000
Rent$817
Ownership60.8%
Zillow$163,092
Housing Units287
Rent Burden31.6%
Crime
F
Violent212/100K
Property1,059/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.1%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation594 ft (181 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score4.95
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute16 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Brownstown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brownstown receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Brownstown has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brownstown is $59,688, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 14.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brownstown is $75,000, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Brownstown is below the national average at 212 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,059 per 100,000, 46% below the national average.
Education
8.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Brownstown experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Brownstown has a population of 592 with a density of 779 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Brownstown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Brownstown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Brownstown is $59,688, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,894 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 796 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Brownstown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,688 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,894 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,886 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 796 |
| County GDP | $1,758M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 114 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Brownstown is $75,000, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,092, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $817 (30% 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. 60.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 287 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $4,526 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,000 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,092 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $817 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.2% |
| Housing Units | 287 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.03% |
In Brownstown, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,876. The dentist ratio is 1:2,840. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brownstown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,876 |
| Dentists | 1:2,840 |
| Mental Health | 1:248 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 55.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,320/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 114 |
Brownstown has a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,059 per 100,000, 46% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brownstown receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brownstown vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 211.9/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,059.3/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 29 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brownstown experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°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 41.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 594 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.6°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 594 ft (181 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 779/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9942°N, 88.9553°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.2"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
55 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 |
111 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
112 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
112 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
109 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
25 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
79 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
68 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
8 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
29 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
581 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 513 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
78 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
99 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
55 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Brownstown has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Brownstown. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $713 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $513 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brownstown
What is the population of Brownstown?
Brownstown has a population of 592 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 779 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Brownstown expensive to live in?
Brownstown has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $59,688, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,000 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brownstown safe?
Brownstown is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,059 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brownstown receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brownstown?
Brownstown has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Brownstown?
The job market in Brownstown is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $947. There are 796 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brownstown?
The median home value in Brownstown is $75,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,092. For renters, the median monthly rent is $817. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,526.
How are the schools in Brownstown?
Schools in Brownstown score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.9% of adults in Brownstown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brownstown?
The obesity rate in Brownstown is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,876.
What is transportation like in Brownstown?
The average commute in Brownstown is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brownstown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brownstown is 98.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.