Browns, IL
Population 186 · Illinois
About Browns, IL
Browns is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 186 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,125 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.5 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 Browns features a median home value of $42,500, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Browns one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $770, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 90 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (77 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (8 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Browns shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Browns have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.5% of Browns residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Browns Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Browns, IL
Compared to national averages, Browns has a median household income of $61,125 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $42,500, which is 83% below the national median. Monthly rent at $770 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Browns's income is 19% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 74% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Browns, IL?
Browns offers affordable housing with a median home value of $42,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $770/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,125) that falls below the national average. However, Browns’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Browns has a population of 186 with a median age of 51.5 years. Compare Browns with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Browns
What is the population of Browns, IL?
The population of Browns, IL is 186 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Browns?
The median household income in Browns, IL is $61,125 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Browns?
The median home value in Browns, IL is $42,500, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Browns?
The median monthly rent in Browns, IL is $770, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Browns?
The unemployment rate in Browns, IL is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Browns, IL a good place to live?
Browns offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 186 and a median age of 51.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Browns, IL?
9.5% of residents in Browns 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 Browns?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Browns, IL: median home value is $42,500 (83% below national), median rent is $770/month, and median household income is $61,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Browns?
The poverty rate in Browns, IL is 15.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Browns, IL?
Browns's population is 0.0% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.