Median Income
$70,536
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,700
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
150/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Anchor Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population243
Median Age32.6 yrs
Density1,429/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,536
Per Capita$21,837
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$1,119M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,700
Ownership93.8%
Zillow$164,651
Housing Units95
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent150/100K
Property1,676/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking16.1%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation773 ft (236 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Anchor a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Anchor receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Anchor has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Anchor is $70,536, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Anchor is $93,700, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Anchor is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,676 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Anchor experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches, including 19.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Anchor has a population of 243 with a density of 1,429 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 32.6 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (83.1%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.6yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Anchor is $70,536, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,837 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 14.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,536 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,837 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,333 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $1,119M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.7% |
The median home value in Anchor is $93,700, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,651, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 95 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $5,571 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,700 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,651 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.2% |
| Housing Units | 95 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.95% |
In Anchor, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930. The dentist ratio is 1:2,650. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Anchor vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,930 |
| Dentists | 1:2,650 |
| Mental Health | 1:189 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Anchor has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,676 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Anchor receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Anchor vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 149.6/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,675.6/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Anchor experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. The area receives 19.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 773 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 773 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,429/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5681°N, 88.5385°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
104 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
771 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 817 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
87 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
98 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Anchor has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Anchor. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Anchor
What is the population of Anchor?
Anchor has a population of 243 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,429 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Anchor expensive to live in?
Anchor has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,536, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,700 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Anchor safe?
Anchor is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,676 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Anchor receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Anchor?
Anchor has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches, with 19.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Anchor?
The job market in Anchor is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,074. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 14.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Anchor?
The median home value in Anchor is $93,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,651. The homeownership rate is 93.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,571.
How are the schools in Anchor?
Schools in Anchor score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.2% of adults in Anchor hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Anchor?
The obesity rate in Anchor is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930.
What is transportation like in Anchor?
The average commute in Anchor is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Anchor?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Anchor is 83.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
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