Brown County
IL · Pop. 6,320 · Rural County
Brown County sits in Illinois across 306 square miles, home to 6,320 people at 20.7 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $142,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.47% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 176-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.9°F and average winter lows of 19.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.1 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is 14.6 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 83% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $142,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 20.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.1% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 8.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- An effective property tax rate of 1.47% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital, is 14.6 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Brown County, IL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 62/100
- Median home price
- $142k
- Property tax
- 1.47%
- Growing season
- 176 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.1"
- Broadband
- 83%
- Nearest hospital
- Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital, 14.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Brown County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Brown County?
- Brown County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 176-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.9°F, and average winter lows of 19.8°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $142,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.47%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 83% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is 14.6 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Illinois Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Illinois
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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