Cost of Living in Brownstown, IN

Population 3,020 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023

52
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Brownstown sits on the smaller end of the Indiana city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 1.3% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Brownstown is about 55 miles northwest of Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance)'s $222,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 62

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Brownstown

The median home value in Brownstown is $138,100 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $810/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,222/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Brownstown has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$138,100
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$204,495
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$810/mo
38% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$783
2 BR
$985
3 BR
$1,286
4 BR
$1,456
Owner-occupied 80.1%
Renter-occupied 19.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$810
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,424/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.9 min
19% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.7%
Carpooled
14.3%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
1.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.0%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$62,222
17% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,064
Unemployment Rate
1.3%
72% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
Labor Force Participation
53.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.4%
Graduate degree 7.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.8
Male median age 40.9
Female median age 39.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
17.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,581
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Brownstown, IN?

Brownstown has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.

What is average rent in Brownstown, IN?

The median gross rent in Brownstown is $810 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Brownstown?

The median home value in Brownstown is $138,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Brownstown?

The median household income in Brownstown is $62,222 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Brownstown, IN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brownstown is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.

Is Brownstown, IN affordable?

Yes, Brownstown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.

Brownstown at a Glance

Population
3,020
Median Income
$62,222
Home Value
$138,100
Median Rent
$810/mo
Unemployment
1.3%
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in Indiana →
🗺️ County data for Indiana

Explore county-level cost of living data

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