Median Income
$56,250
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,300
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
308/100K
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.8%
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.7%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.4%
56% higher than US avg
How Brussels Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population136
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density243/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans99.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$56,250
Per Capita$28,890
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty19.4%
County GDP$26,419M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,300
Ownership46.7%
Zillow$192,256
Housing Units69
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent308/100K
Property1,541/100K
Health
Obesity30.7%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking10.5%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation517 ft (158 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.8%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute43 min
Broadband45.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Brussels a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brussels receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Brussels has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brussels is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 19.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brussels is $126,300, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Brussels is below the national average at 308 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,541 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Brussels enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.7 inches, including 9.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Brussels has a population of 136 with a density of 243 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (76.5%), with 21.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 99.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Brussels is $56,250, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,890 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,156, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 10,945 business establishments, including 848 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,250 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,890 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,156 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 10,945 |
| County GDP | $26,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 848 |
| Healthcare | 1,250 |
| Retail | 1,071 |
| Manufacturing | 220 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,024 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Brussels is $126,300, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,256, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $5,024 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,300 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,256 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.3% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,024 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.98% |
In Brussels, 30.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 10.5% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 16.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.2% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,135. The dentist ratio is 1:1,533. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brussels vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.7% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.5% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.6% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,135 |
| Dentists | 1:1,533 |
| Mental Health | 1:425 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,250/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,250 |
Brussels has a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 residents, 19% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,541 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 34 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brussels receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brussels vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 308.2/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,540.8/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brussels enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°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 45.7 inches. The area receives 9.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 517 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 517 ft (158 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 243/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9485°N, 90.5890°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Charles County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Lambert International (STL)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.7"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.02 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
101 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
47 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
101 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
53 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Jul 22, 1998 |
12 km NE of Mine La Motte, Missouri |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,042 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
30 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
47 km |
21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
62 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
51 km |
6 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Brussels has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Brussels. 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 Brussels
What is the population of Brussels?
Brussels has a population of 136 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 243 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.8 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Brussels expensive to live in?
Brussels has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,300 (55% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brussels safe?
Brussels is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,541 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brussels receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brussels?
Brussels enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.7 inches, with 9.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Brussels?
The job market in Brussels is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,156. There are 10,945 business establishments in the area, including 848 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brussels?
The median home value in Brussels is $126,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,256. The homeownership rate is 46.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,024.
How are the schools in Brussels?
Schools in Brussels score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.8% of adults in Brussels hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brussels?
The obesity rate in Brussels is 30.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.5% of adults are smokers. 16.6% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,135.
What is transportation like in Brussels?
The average commute in Brussels is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brussels?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brussels is 76.5% White, 21.3% Black or African American. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 99.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
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