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.

2040608010014.365.897.570.184.271.995.38653.6Tax14.3Cost65.8Safety97.5Health70.1Schools84.2Income71.9Risk95.3Water86Weather53.669.5/100
This county
National avg
7 above average1 below average

Brown County DNA

C-overall

How Brown County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Brown County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (95.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.3-37.7
Cost
65.8+17.799999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
70.1+20.099999999999994
Schools
84.2+30.200000000000003
Income
71.9+20.900000000000006
Risk
95.3+48.3
Water
86+28
Weather
53.6
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Think property taxes are too high in Brown County?

Many homeowners in Brown County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$142,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$724/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$142,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,288/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Kittson County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,615
69.5
Treasure County
Montana
Median income: $73,036
69.5
Assumption Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $52,546
69.4
Fillmore County
Nebraska
Median income: $76,354
69.4
Grant County
Nebraska
Median income: $69,063
69.6
McLean County
Kentucky
Median income: $70,549
69.7
Lincoln County
Minnesota
Median income: $67,715
69.3
Garfield County
Nebraska
Median income: $68,611
69.3

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 11 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

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

Water Quality in Brown County

via WaterByCounty

Top Grade for Brown County Tap Water

Brown County holds a perfect A grade for drinking water safety with no health violations over the last five years. Its 0.0 violation rate far outperforms the Illinois state average of 48.7. The county's small population and managed systems currently provide high-quality drinking water.

Brown County Boasts Healthy Watersheds

Only 14.3% of assessed water bodies in Brown County are classified as impaired, much lower than the state average of 38.0%. According to 2022 reporting, phosphorus and dissolved oxygen are the primary stressors in the 33 impaired areas. Overall, the county's 230 assessed bodies show strong ecological resilience.

Inorganic Focus in Monitoring Records

Six monitoring sites have provided 254 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily tracks inorganics, metals, and nutrients in the local environment. While the result count is lower than neighbors, it provides essential data on chemical and physical water traits.

La Moine River Seeing Low Flows

The La Moine River at Ripley is currently flowing at 351 cfs, which is only 40% of its typical long-term mean. This lower volume impacts a large 1,293 square mile drainage area and can lead to increased nutrient concentrations. Periods of low flow require more careful monitoring of phosphorus levels in the water.

Monitor Nutrient Levels During Low Flow

With the La Moine River at just 40% of its normal flow, phosphorus concentrations in the watershed may rise. Although tap water remains safe and the watershed is generally healthy, residents should stay aware of nutrient-driven algae blooms. Your drinking water is currently among the best-performing in the state.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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