Median Income
$72,917
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,700
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.4%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Bluffs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population586
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density658/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,917
Per Capita$39,430
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$208M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,700
Rent$625
Ownership77.1%
Zillow$61,053
Housing Units310
Rent Burden15.6%
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking14.8%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Elevation473 ft (144 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute22 min
Broadband83.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Bluffs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bluffs receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Bluffs stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bluffs is $72,917, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 6.3% 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 Bluffs is $78,700, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Bluffs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches, including 20.9 inches of snow.
Bluffs has a population of 586 with a density of 658 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.6% female and 60.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 9.6% Hispanic, 1.2% Black, 1.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
586
Total Population
2023 Census
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish
11.2%
16% below US avg
The median household income in Bluffs is $72,917, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,430. The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (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 101 business establishments, including 9 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). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,917 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,430 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,393 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 101 |
| County GDP | $208M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Bluffs is $78,700, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $61,053, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% 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. 77.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 310 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,350. 15.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,700 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $61,053 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.9% |
| Housing Units | 310 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.26% |
In Bluffs, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:4,790. 8.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bluffs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:4,790 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,555/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 8.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Bluffs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. The area receives 20.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 473 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 473 ft (144 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 658/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7493°N, 90.5353°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field (UIN)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.99"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
528 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 463 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Bluffs has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Bluffs. 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 Bluffs
What is the population of Bluffs?
Bluffs has a population of 586 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 658 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.6% female and 60.4% male.
Is Bluffs expensive to live in?
Bluffs has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,917, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,700 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bluffs?
Bluffs has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches, with 20.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bluffs?
The job market in Bluffs is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 101 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bluffs?
The median home value in Bluffs is $78,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $61,053. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,350.
How are the schools in Bluffs?
Schools in Bluffs score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.4% of adults in Bluffs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bluffs?
The obesity rate in Bluffs is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 8.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Bluffs?
The average commute in Bluffs is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bluffs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bluffs is 88.7% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 9.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian. 90% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 24.1% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.