Median Income
$76,250
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$116,200
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.9%
85% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Buckingham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population287
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density1,148/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,250
Per Capita$33,210
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$6,044M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,200
Ownership95.6%
Zillow$254,432
Housing Units93
Rent Burden10.0%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property700/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking14.5%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation654 ft (199 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.9%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute28 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Buckingham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buckingham receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Buckingham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buckingham is $76,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buckingham is $116,200, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Buckingham is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 700 per 100,000, 64% below the national average.
Education
4.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Buckingham experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°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 37.7 inches, including 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Buckingham has a population of 287 with a density of 1,148 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (78.7%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Buckingham vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Buckingham vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Buckingham is $76,250, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,210 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,344. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,204 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 11.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Buckingham vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,250 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,210 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,344 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,204 |
| County GDP | $6,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 145 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.9% |
The median home value in Buckingham is $116,200, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,432, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 93 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $6,618 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 10.0% 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 | $116,200 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $254,432 |
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 | 95.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.4% |
| Housing Units | 93 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.70% |
In Buckingham, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 21.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buckingham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,117 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:530 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 145 |
Buckingham has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 700 per 100,000, 64% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Buckingham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buckingham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 63.6/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 699.8/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buckingham experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°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 37.7 inches. The area receives 23.3 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
22°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 654 ft (199 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,148/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0471°N, 88.1749°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joliet Regional (JOT)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 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 |
76 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
28 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
725 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 89 fatalities, 1,458 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
72 km |
29 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
33 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
16 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
8 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
130 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
37 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
36 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
37 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
36 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
40 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Buckingham has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Buckingham. 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 | $888 |
| Preschool | $820 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buckingham
What is the population of Buckingham?
Buckingham has a population of 287 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,148 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Buckingham expensive to live in?
Buckingham has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,250, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,200 (59% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buckingham safe?
Buckingham is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 700 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Buckingham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buckingham?
Buckingham has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 37.7 inches, with 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Buckingham?
The job market in Buckingham is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,344. There are 1,204 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 11.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buckingham?
The median home value in Buckingham is $116,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,432. The homeownership rate is 95.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,618.
How are the schools in Buckingham?
Schools in Buckingham score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.9% of adults in Buckingham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buckingham?
The obesity rate in Buckingham is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 21.1% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117.
What is transportation like in Buckingham?
The average commute in Buckingham is 28 minutes. 76.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buckingham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buckingham is 78.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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