Median Income
$57,250
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,700
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$658
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Ava Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population557
Median Age35.2 yrs
Density525/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,250
Per Capita$31,335
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$3,297M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,700
Rent$658
Ownership78.7%
Zillow$171,438
Housing Units264
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property270/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking16.8%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.0 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation609 ft (186 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score4.78
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 51%
Commute31 min
Broadband81.7%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Ava a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ava 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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ava has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ava is $57,250, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ava is $86,700, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $658 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ava is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 270 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Ava enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ava has a population of 557 with a density of 525 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 35.2 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.2yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Ava is $57,250, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,335 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,085, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,137 business establishments, including 133 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,250 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,335 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,530 |
| Gini Index | 0.514 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,137 |
| County GDP | $3,297M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 133 |
| Healthcare | 182 |
| Retail | 177 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,688 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.5% |
The median home value in Ava is $86,700, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,438, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $658 (43% 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. 78.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 264 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $6,688 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,438 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $658 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.3% |
| Housing Units | 264 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,688 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.71% |
In Ava, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:618. The dentist ratio is 1:1,096. 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ava vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:618 |
| Dentists | 1:1,096 |
| Mental Health | 1:212 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,751/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 182 |
Ava has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 270 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ava receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ava vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.0/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 270.2/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ava enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 305 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 44.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 609 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.4°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 609 ft (186 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 525/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.8885°N, 89.4963°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.0"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 76.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
164 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.7 on May 2, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
83 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
149 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
64 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
113 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
125 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
87 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
117 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
4 km ENE of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Feb 6, 1993 |
6 km NNW of Catron, Missouri |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Sep 27, 2019 |
4 km WSW of Howardville, Missouri |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| May 16, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.3 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
577 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 76 fatalities, 1,061 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
30 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
59 km |
2 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
77 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
80 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
34 km |
10 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
94 km |
4 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
21 km |
11 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,286 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
44 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
56 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
44 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
64 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
10 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
10 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
5 km |
| 2024 |
CAVE HILL RX |
999 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
994 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Ava has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 33°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Ava. 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 | $1,144 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $801 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $814 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ava
What is the population of Ava?
Ava has a population of 557 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 525 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Ava expensive to live in?
Ava has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $57,250, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,700 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $658 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ava safe?
Ava is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 270 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ava receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ava?
Ava enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ava?
The job market in Ava is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,085. There are 1,137 business establishments in the area, including 133 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ava?
The median home value in Ava is $86,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,438. For renters, the median monthly rent is $658. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,688.
How are the schools in Ava?
Schools in Ava have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.4% of adults in Ava hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ava?
The obesity rate in Ava is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:618.
What is transportation like in Ava?
The average commute in Ava is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ava?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ava is 98.6% White. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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