Brownstown, IL
Population 592 · Illinois
About Brownstown, IL
Brownstown is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 592 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,688 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brownstown features a median home value of $75,000, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brownstown one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $817, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 255 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (135 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (87 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brownstown shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brownstown have an average one-way commute time of 16.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.9% of Brownstown 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 0.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brownstown, IL
Compared to national averages, Brownstown has a median household income of $59,688 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $75,000, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $817 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Brownstown's income is 20% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 55% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Brownstown, IL?
Brownstown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $75,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $817/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,688) that falls below the national average. However, Brownstown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brownstown has a population of 592 with a median age of 34 years. Compare Brownstown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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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 Brownstown
What is the population of Brownstown, IL?
The population of Brownstown, IL is 592 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 Brownstown?
The median household income in Brownstown, IL is $59,688 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brownstown?
The median home value in Brownstown, IL is $75,000, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brownstown?
The median monthly rent in Brownstown, IL is $817, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brownstown?
The unemployment rate in Brownstown, 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 Brownstown, IL a good place to live?
Brownstown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 592 and a median age of 34, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Brownstown, IL?
8.9% of residents in Brownstown 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 Brownstown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brownstown, IL: median home value is $75,000 (69% below national), median rent is $817/month, and median household income is $59,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brownstown?
The poverty rate in Brownstown, IL is 20.4%, 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 Brownstown, IL?
Brownstown's population is 0.8% White, 1.2% 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.