Median Income
$53,712
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,900
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
107/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Atkinson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population988
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density517/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,712
Per Capita$35,823
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$2,048M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,900
Rent$725
Ownership76.6%
Zillow$179,631
Housing Units523
Rent Burden25.2%
Crime
F
Violent107/100K
Property1,576/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking15.5%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation654 ft (199 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute22 min
Broadband80.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Atkinson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Atkinson receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Atkinson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Atkinson is $53,712, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Atkinson is $116,900, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Atkinson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 107 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,576 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Atkinson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 28.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Atkinson has a population of 988 with a density of 517 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Atkinson is $53,712, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,823. The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,020 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,712 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,823 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $2,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Atkinson is $116,900, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,631, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% 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. 76.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 523 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $5,739 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,900 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,631 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.4% |
| Housing Units | 523 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.91% |
In Atkinson, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446. The dentist ratio is 1:2,848. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Atkinson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,446 |
| Dentists | 1:2,848 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,863 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,545/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Atkinson has a violent crime rate of 107 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,576 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Atkinson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Atkinson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 107.1/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,575.7/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Atkinson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°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 39.1 inches. The area receives 28.4 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 654 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 654 ft (199 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 517/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4132°N, 90.0053°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
92 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
59 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
140 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 422 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
63 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Atkinson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Atkinson. 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 | $982 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $789 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Atkinson
What is the population of Atkinson?
Atkinson has a population of 988 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 517 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Atkinson expensive to live in?
Atkinson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,712, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,900 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Atkinson safe?
Atkinson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 107 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,576 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Atkinson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Atkinson?
Atkinson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 28.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Atkinson?
The unemployment rate in Atkinson is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Atkinson?
The median home value in Atkinson is $116,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,631. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,739.
How are the schools in Atkinson?
Schools in Atkinson score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.8% of adults in Atkinson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Atkinson?
The obesity rate in Atkinson is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446.
What is transportation like in Atkinson?
The average commute in Atkinson is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Atkinson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Atkinson is 91.4% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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