Breese, IL
Population 4,373 · Illinois
About Breese, IL
Breese is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 4,373 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,900 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Breese features a median home value of $204,600, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Breese in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $771, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,920 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (1,447 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (473 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Breese shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Breese have an average one-way commute time of 27.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.3% of Breese residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Breese, IL
Compared to national averages, Breese has a median household income of $72,900 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,600, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $771 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Breese's income is 3% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 23% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Breese, IL?
Breese offers affordable housing with a median home value of $204,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $771/month, and a low poverty rate of 4.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,900) that falls below the national average. However, Breese’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Breese has a population of 4,373 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Breese with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Breese
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 4,357 | $79,475 | $145,400 | Compare |
| Freeburg | 4,336 | $84,464 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Pittsfield | 4,422 | $52,432 | $113,300 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 4,431 | $84,766 | $146,600 | Compare |
| Staunton | 4,307 | $65,435 | $139,500 | Compare |
| Peotone | 4,462 | $104,792 | $261,400 | Compare |
| Sullivan | 4,253 | $62,845 | $95,600 | Compare |
| Shelbyville | 4,248 | $54,400 | $111,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Breese With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Breese
What is the population of Breese, IL?
The population of Breese, IL is 4,373 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Breese?
The median household income in Breese, IL is $72,900 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Breese?
The median home value in Breese, IL is $204,600, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Breese?
The median monthly rent in Breese, IL is $771, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Breese?
The unemployment rate in Breese, IL is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Breese, IL a good place to live?
Breese offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,373 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Breese, IL?
33.3% of residents in Breese aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Breese?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Breese, IL: median home value is $204,600 (16% below national), median rent is $771/month, and median household income is $72,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Breese?
The poverty rate in Breese, IL is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Breese, IL?
Breese's population is 1.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.