countyscore
69.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 95.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Brown County, Illinois

Elite National Performance

Brown County is an exceptional performer with a composite score of 69.5, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it among the most livable counties in the country.

Leading the State of Illinois

Its score of 69.5 is significantly higher than the Illinois state average of 52.8. It stands out as a premier destination for quality of life within the state borders.

Exceptional Safety and Schools

The county achieves a near-perfect safety score of 97.5 and a very high school score of 84.2. Low environmental hazards also contribute to a risk score of 95.3.

The Local Tax Burden

While it scores well in most areas, the tax score of 14.3 is its lowest dimension. However, an effective tax rate of 1.470% is still relatively competitive for the region.

The All-Around Top Choice

Brown County is perfect for families and professionals seeking a rare mix of high safety, great schools, and low risk. It offers one of the best value propositions in the Midwest.

Score breakdown

Tax14.3Cost65.8Safety97.5Health70.1Schools84.2Income71.9Risk95.3Water86Weather53.6
🏛14.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

Kittson County
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Fillmore County
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Grant County
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McLean County
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Lincoln County
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Garfield County
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Nearby counties

Schuyler County
Illinois
58.3
Cass County
Illinois
57.4
Scott County
Illinois
68.1
Morgan County
Illinois
43.1
Pike County
Illinois
55.6
Adams County
Illinois
54.7
McDonough County
Illinois
56.3
Mason County
Illinois
52.8

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County offers notably low property taxes

Brown County's effective tax rate of 1.47% sits well below the national median of 2.14%, placing it among the nation's more affordable counties. The median tax bill of $2,090 is about 22% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Among Illinois's lowest-tax counties

At 1.47% effective rate, Brown County beats the Illinois state average of 1.83% by a healthy margin, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. Its $2,090 median tax bill runs about $692 below the state median of $2,782.

Brown ranks lowest in the region

Brown County's 1.47% effective rate is the lowest among all eight comparison counties, beating even Alexander (1.65%) and Adams (1.58%). The county consistently offers relief to property owners across the region.

Brown County's modest annual tax burden

The median Brown County home valued at $142,200 generates roughly $2,090 in annual property taxes at the 1.47% effective rate. Homeowners without a mortgage pay approximately $2,137, while those with mortgages pay about $2,060 when adjusted.

Even low-rate counties have assessment opportunities

Brown County's favorable tax rate doesn't mean assessments are always accurate—overvaluation can occur anywhere. If you believe your property is assessed too high, a formal appeal could still save you money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Best affordability ratio in sample

Brown County residents spend just 12.0% of income on rent—more than 2 percentage points below the national average of 14.7%—making it the most affordable county among these eight. Despite a median income of $72,288 (below the national average), the exceptionally low $724 rent creates significant housing relief.

Standout value in Illinois

Brown County's 12.0% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this sample and substantially below Illinois's state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $724 runs about $113 below the statewide median, offering renters material savings.

Rural charm, rural prices

Brown County's $724 rent is among the cheapest in this group, reflecting its smaller size and rural character compared to more urbanized counties. This affordability advantage extends across both rental and ownership markets.

Renting and buying both affordable

Renters spend 12.0% of income on $724 rent, the lowest ratio of all eight counties; homeowners pay $834 monthly (13.8%) on homes valued around $142,200. This county achieves rare balance, making both tenure options accessible.

Maximum housing value, minimal strain

Brown County is the standout choice for budget-conscious relocators seeking the lowest housing-to-income burden. Explore the community's amenities, schools, and job landscape to confirm it meets your lifestyle needs before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown County slightly below national median

Brown County's median household income of $72,288 falls just 3% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning it solidly within the middle range of U.S. counties. This near-national-average performance reflects a balanced local economy.

Modest performer in Illinois

Brown County ranks slightly below the Illinois state median with income of $72,288 compared to the state average of $68,580, placing it near the state's middle. Per capita income of $26,527 lags the state's $36,009 average, suggesting income concentration in fewer earners.

Competitive with regional peers

Brown County's $72,288 income sits between Adams County ($64,962) and Boone County ($81,638), reflecting moderate regional positioning. The county outperforms Alexander, Bond, and Carroll counties while trailing only Boone and Calhoun.

Excellent housing affordability

Brown County's 12.0% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties, well below the 15% affordability benchmark. The median home value of $142,200 is highly accessible, freeing substantial household income for savings and investment.

Use affordability as wealth lever

Brown County residents earning $72,288 enjoy exceptional housing affordability that creates substantial opportunity for wealth building. With rent-to-income costs kept to just 12%, households should direct freed income to retirement savings, home equity building, and long-term investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Perfect Safety Score in Brown County

Brown County reports a 0.0 total crime rate, resulting in a safety score of 100.0. This is significantly different from the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000 people.

Ranking High Among Illinois Counties

The county's recorded crime rate is far below the Illinois average of 835.0. While this suggests a safe environment, it is based on data from only two reporting agencies.

How Brown Compares to Adams County

Brown County reports zero incidents, while nearby Adams County shows a rate of 321.7. This discrepancy likely reflects differences in data reporting practices rather than a complete absence of crime.

Interpreting the Crime Data Breakdown

The data shows 0.0 violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents for the year 2022. Residents should remain cautious, as these numbers may not capture every local incident.

Protecting Your Home in a Low-Report Area

Even when reports are zero, basic safety measures provide an essential layer of protection. Locking windows and communicating with neighbors are effective ways to maintain a secure household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Brown County

via HealthByCounty

Brown County achieves excellent longevity

Brown County residents live to 77.9 years on average, nearly two years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 21.4% reporting poor or fair health—essentially at the national rate—the county maintains strong population health across most demographics.

Second healthiest county in Illinois

Brown County's 77.9-year life expectancy ranks second in Illinois, nearly 2 years above the state average of 76.0 years. The 21.4% poor/fair health rate is below the state trend, indicating better chronic disease prevention and management practices.

Severe primary care shortage

Brown County has only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region and far below Boone County's 53 per 100K. However, mental health providers are plentiful at 334 per 100,000, suggesting the county has prioritized behavioral health despite primary care constraints.

Best insurance coverage in the region

Brown County's 3.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among all comparison counties, meaning 96% of residents have healthcare coverage. This exceptional insurance penetration helps offset the limited primary care supply and likely contributes to the county's strong longevity outcomes.

Keep Brown County covered

With one of Illinois' best insurance rates, Brown County is a model of healthcare access—help maintain that by staying covered. If you're among the small uninsured population, visit healthcare.gov today to join 96% of your neighbors with continuous protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Brown County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Quality in One District

Brown County operates a highly centralized system with 3 schools—one for each level—all managed by a single district. This streamlined approach serves a total of 680 students within a unified community.

Exceptional 95% Graduation Rate

Brown County stands out with a 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 88.8%. This achievement is reached with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,309, which aligns closely with the Illinois state average.

One District, One Mission

Brown County CUSD 1 manages every public school student in the county across its three campuses. This 100% market share ensures a consistent educational experience from preschool through graduation.

The Heart of a Small Town

All schools are located in town settings, creating a cohesive campus feel with an average size of 227 students. Brown County Elementary is the largest building with 262 students, ensuring no child gets lost in the crowd.

Success in a Small-Town Setting

If you are looking for a community where nearly every student graduates, Brown County’s 95% success rate is hard to beat. The unified district makes this an ideal location for those seeking a stable and high-performing local school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown County ranks among nation's safest

Brown County scores just 4.74 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the United States. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal exposure across all major hazard types.

Illinois's safest county overall

Brown County's 4.74 composite score is by far the lowest in Illinois, sitting far below the state average of 54.46. No other Illinois county comes remotely close to this level of natural disaster safety.

Dramatically safer than regional peers

Brown County's 4.74 score is vastly lower than every nearby county—Calhoun County (6.08) ranks second in the region, followed by Carroll County (39.03), Bond County (36.23), and Alexander County (44.08). The difference is so pronounced that Brown County stands in a category of its own locally.

Minimal hazard exposure across all types

Brown County's most significant risk is tornado exposure at 17.75, which remains very low compared to state and national standards. Flood risk (4.07), earthquake risk (27.99), and wildfire risk (0.22) all register as negligible threats.

Standard insurance provides solid coverage

Brown County residents enjoy exceptional natural disaster safety, so standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection without special add-ons. Focus your preparedness efforts on general home maintenance and keeping emergency supplies, since specialized disaster insurance is unlikely to be cost-effective here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Rainfall and Typical Seasons

Brown County averages 39.4 inches of precipitation annually, placing it slightly below the national median. This level of moisture supports a standard continental climate with four distinct seasonal transitions.

Drier than the Illinois Average

The county receives 39.4 inches of rain, which is about 2.3 inches less than the Illinois state average. Its 13.5 inches of annual snow is also significantly lower than the northern state average.

Milder Winters than Bureau County

Brown County's 13.5 inches of snow is much more manageable than the 32.2 inches recorded in Bureau County. It enjoys a drier profile overall, with precipitation staying under 40 inches annually.

Light Snow and Regular Rainfall

The 13.5 inches of annual snow makes for relatively mild winters compared to the state's northern tier. Without local temperature data, residents rely on the 39.4 inches of annual precipitation for seasonal agricultural planning.

Standard Midwest Seasonal Prep

Prepare for moderate winters with basic snow clearing tools for the 13.5 inches of expected snowfall. Summer gardens may require supplemental watering since the 39.4 inches of rain falls below the state average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils in Brown County

Brown County's soil pH of 6.44 is almost perfectly aligned with the national median of 6.5. This makes it one of the most chemically balanced counties in Illinois for standard plant growth. The overall soil score of 71.1 indicates a reliable and productive agricultural landscape.

Dominant Silt and Clay Balance

The soil is comprised of 65.7% silt and 22.5% clay, with a low sand percentage of 11.8%. This high concentration of fine particles means the soil is excellent at retaining fertilizers and moisture. However, the high clay and silt content can make the ground feel 'heavy' and slow to dry after a storm.

Steady Growth with Average Organic Levels

At 1.98% organic matter, Brown County sits right at the national average of 2.0% but falls below the Illinois average of 2.94%. Its available water capacity of 0.203 in/in matches the state average almost exactly. This represents a stable environment where moisture is reliably available for crops throughout the season.

Consistent Moisture for Local Fields

The soil's physical makeup suggests a landscape that holds water well, supported by an AWC of 0.203. Without specific drainage class data, the soil score of 71.1 serves as the best indicator of overall stability and utility. Farmers here likely focus on managing the high silt content to maintain healthy soil structure.

Standard Illinois Success in Zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, Brown County is well-suited for all the classic Illinois favorites of the Midwest garden. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash will appreciate the near-neutral pH and steady water supply. Adding compost can help boost the organic matter to reach the state's full potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

Easy Growing in Brown County

Brown County features a high lawn difficulty score of 73.1, indicating that conditions here are relatively easy for grass. This score is several points above the Illinois average and far higher than the national median. As a Zone 6a region, it offers a hospitable climate for most traditional lawn types.

Standard Precipitation for Central Illinois

At 39.4 inches of annual precipitation, the county is slightly drier than the state average but still within the ideal range. While local temperature and heat day data are unavailable, the Zone 6a classification suggests a standard central Illinois growing season. Your lawn will benefit from regular monitoring during the typically humid summer months.

Rich Clay Soil with Great pH

The soil pH in Brown County is a healthy 6.44, sitting comfortably in the optimal range for grass health. The soil is 22.5% clay, which is excellent for moisture retention but can lead to drainage issues if heavily compacted. Minimal amendments are typically needed to achieve a green, lush appearance.

Currently Facing Severe Water Stress

Despite the high ease score, 100% of Brown County is currently under severe drought conditions. The area has faced 30 weeks of drought over the past year, putting significant stress on established lawns. Conservation is key; let your lawn go dormant if necessary to survive the current extreme dry spell.

Optimal Conditions for Fall Seeding

Zone 6a is perfectly suited for a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Without specific local frost dates, gardeners should look to mid-April for spring starts or late August for the best results. A healthy lawn in Brown County starts with selecting the right drought-tolerant cultivars.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown County, Illinois has a composite county score of 69.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Brown County rank among counties in Illinois?
Brown County ranks #2 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Brown County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $2,090, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 14.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, Illinois is $72,288 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 71.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, Illinois a good place to live?
Brown County scores 69.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Brown County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Brown County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.