Median Income
$50,250
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,600
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
330/100K
13% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$800
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How Apple River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population305
Median Age33.1 yrs
Density430/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,250
Per Capita$24,249
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$932M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,600
Rent$800
Ownership70.1%
Zillow$311,817
Housing Units178
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent330/100K
Property1,707/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.9%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,000 ft (305 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute30 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Apple River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Apple River receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Apple River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Apple River is $50,250, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Apple River is $78,600, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Apple River is below the national average at 330 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,707 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Apple River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 35.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Apple River has a population of 305 with a density of 430 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 33.1 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%), with 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.1yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Apple River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Apple River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Apple River is $50,250, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,249 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 510 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Apple River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,250 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,249 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,765 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 510 |
| County GDP | $932M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,400 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Apple River is $78,600, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,817, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $800 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 178 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,400 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,600 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $311,817 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.9% |
| Housing Units | 178 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,400 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.60% |
In Apple River, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,196. The dentist ratio is 1:5,626. 47.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Apple River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,196 |
| Dentists | 1:5,626 |
| Mental Health | 1:530 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,606/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Apple River has a violent crime rate of 330 per 100,000 residents, 13% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,707 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Apple River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Apple River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 330.4/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,707.1/100K |
| 13% 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 |
Apple River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 35.7 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 1,000 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,000 ft (305 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 430/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5023°N, 90.0937°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lafayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ) 32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
527 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 513 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
53 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Apple River has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 18°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Apple River. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple River
What is the population of Apple River?
Apple River has a population of 305 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 430 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Apple River expensive to live in?
Apple River has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,250, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,600 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Apple River safe?
Apple River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 330 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,707 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Apple River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Apple River?
Apple River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 35.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Apple River?
The job market in Apple River is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 510 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Apple River?
The median home value in Apple River is $78,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,817. For renters, the median monthly rent is $800. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,400.
How are the schools in Apple River?
Schools in Apple River score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Apple River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Apple River?
The obesity rate in Apple River is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 47.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,196.
What is transportation like in Apple River?
The average commute in Apple River is 30 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Apple River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Apple River is 96.4% White, 1.3% Black or African American. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.