Is Breese Safe, Pros and cons of living in Breese
Breese, Illinois, offers a distinct lifestyle for those seeking a quieter pace of life, nestled within the agricultural heartland of Southern Illinois. This community, situated about 40 miles east of St. Louis, maintains strong ties to its rural roots while providing amenities that cater to a growing population. Its appeal lies in its blend of small-town charm and accessibility to a larger metropolitan area, making it a unique place to consider for relocation.
The town’s character is shaped by its history and its residents’ connection to the land. With a population that values community and a more relaxed way of living, Breese presents an environment that contrasts sharply with the hustle and bustle of major urban centers. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive overview for anyone considering making Breese their home.
Is it Safe to Live in Breese?
Breese is recognized for its low crime rates, making it a secure environment for its residents. The violent crime rate in Breese is significantly lower than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime being one in 2,315 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also occurs at a lower rate than in most of the country, with a one in 661 chance of being a victim (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Overall, Breese’s crime rate is substantially below the national average. Reports indicate that Breese is safer than the majority of cities and towns in America, with a crime rate that is 91% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This safety is a key factor for individuals and families looking for a peaceful place to settle.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Breese presents an attractive option for potential homeowners, with a median property value of $229,600 as of 2024 (according to Data USA). This value is lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible. The homeownership rate in Breese stands at a robust 76.7% (according to Data USA), indicating a strong sense of community investment in properties.
Breese’s housing market features a median listing price of $252.4K (according to Homes.com). While home prices have seen some fluctuations, with a year-over-year change of -3.83% in median listing price (according to Homes.com), the overall affordability remains a key draw. Homes in Breese typically sell faster than the national average, with a median of 29 days on the market (according to Homes.com), though this has seen an increase in selling window time.
Rental Market Insights
For those considering renting, Breese offers a median gross rent of $784 per month (according to Point2Homes). This is considerably lower than the national median rent of $1,413 (according to Niche). The rental market is relatively limited, with a small number of active listings, signaling a strong demand for rental properties.
The rent-to-income ratio in Breese is approximately 24.2% (according to Point2Homes), suggesting that a manageable portion of renters’ earnings goes towards housing expenses. This affordability extends to the overall cost of living, which is noted as being less expensive than the national average.
Cost of Living
Living in Breese is generally more affordable than the national average, with overall living costs estimated to be 3% lower than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant contributor to this affordability, being 15.1% lower than the national average (according to Salary.com).
Beyond housing, other essential expenses like food, energy, transportation, and healthcare are also below national averages. These combined factors contribute to Breese being considered one of America’s less expensive cities to live in, making it a financially attractive option for many.
Job Market and Economy
Employment Landscape
The employment sector in Breese has seen steady growth, with a 2.26% increase in employment from 2023 to 2024, bringing the total number of employees to 2,350 (according to Data USA). Key employment sectors for Breese residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (according to Data USA).
The most common job groups among Breese residents are in management occupations, office and administrative support, and production occupations. This diverse range of employment opportunities supports the local economy and provides varied career paths for its inhabitants.
Major Employers
While specific large-scale employers within Breese itself are not extensively detailed in the provided data, the town benefits from its proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area. Major employers in the broader Southern Illinois region include companies in manufacturing, transportation, and logistics, such as Aisin Electronics Illinois, Continental Tire, and Pepsi MidAmerica (according to Illinois Southern Region). These regional employers offer significant job opportunities for residents of Breese.
Additionally, national retail chains like Dollar General and McDonald’s are present, contributing to local employment. The presence of these businesses, alongside local enterprises such as Foppe Ace Hardware and Cleary Building Corp., forms the backbone of Breese’s employment opportunities.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Breese is reported at 3.7% (according to Kurby AI), which is near the national average. This figure indicates a stable job market within the city. For comparison, the state of Illinois had an unemployment rate of 5.1% in March 2026 (according to USAFacts), suggesting Breese’s local employment conditions are favorable relative to the state.
Clinton County, where Breese is located, reported a 3.9% unemployment rate in March 2026 (according to IDES), which is also in line with the national average. This consistent unemployment rate across the city and county points to a resilient local economy.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Precipitation
Breese experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Average high temperatures in January are around 40°F, while summer highs can reach up to 90°F throughout the year (according to Time and Date). The monthly precipitation varies, with May typically seeing the highest rainfall at approximately 4.81 inches, and January the lowest at about 2.71 inches (according to Time and Date).
The weather can be dynamic, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the spring and summer months. Residents can expect a range of conditions, from warm summers to cold winters, typical of the Midwest region.
Weather Patterns
The climate in Breese is influenced by its Midwestern location, with weather patterns that include significant seasonal variations. Snowfall is common during winter months, while summers are generally warm and humid. The proximity to St. Louis means that weather patterns observed at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport can offer a general indication of Breese’s climate, though local variations can occur (according to Time and Date).
The National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts, indicating periods of showers and thunderstorms, especially during the spring. The air quality in Breese is generally ideal, allowing for normal outdoor activities (according to AccuWeather).
Education and Demographics
School System
Breese is served by Breese School District Number 12, which provides education for students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. This district receives an overall Niche grade of B+ and is recognized for having highly-rated public schools (according to Niche). Within the district, Beckemeyer Elementary School and Breese Elementary School are noted for their performance, with Beckemeyer Elementary receiving an A-minus rating from Niche.
Older students typically attend Central Community High School, which has earned an A-minus rating from Niche and is known for its strong athletic programs. For those seeking private education, options like All Saints Academy and Mater Dei Catholic High School are also available within the community.
Population and Diversity
Breese is home to a population of approximately 4,301 residents (according to Data USA). The majority of the population is White (95.5%), with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic or of Two or More races (according to Cubit Planning). The town is predominantly composed of U.S. citizens, with 97.5% holding citizenship (according to Data USA).
The median age in Breese is 44.3 years (according to World Population Review), indicating a community with a significant proportion of middle-aged and older adults. The population is balanced in terms of gender, with 49.3% males and 50.7% females (according to Point2Homes).
Household and Income Data
Breese has around 1,826 households, with an average of two members per household (according to Point2Homes). The median household income in Breese was $85,222 in 2024 (according to Cubit Planning), which reflects a positive year-over-year change. A notable aspect of Breese’s demographics is its low poverty rate, with 0.0% of families living below the poverty line (according to Cubit Planning).
For renters, the median household income was $38,864 in 2022 (according to Point2Homes). This income data, combined with the overall cost of living, provides a clearer picture of the financial landscape for residents.
Pros and Cons of Living in Breese
Advantages of Breese Living
Breese offers a compelling combination of safety and affordability. Its crime rates are significantly lower than national averages, providing a secure environment for residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). The cost of living is also below the national average, particularly in housing, making it an economically viable choice for many.
The community boasts a strong sense of belonging, with a high homeownership rate and a generally conservative populace. Highly-rated public schools and a slower, more relaxed pace of life contribute to its appeal as a place to raise a family or enjoy a peaceful retirement.
Potential Drawbacks
While Breese offers many advantages, potential residents should consider its more rural setting. The nearest major stores can be a significant drive away, and there may be fewer entertainment and cultural options compared to larger cities. The job market, while stable, might be more limited in specialized fields without commuting to nearby urban centers.
The population is also notably older, with a median age of 44.3 years (according to World Population Review). This demographic trend might influence the town’s social dynamics and the availability of certain services catering to younger populations.