Median Income
$185,417
147% higher than US avg
Home Value
$460,700
63% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
90/100K
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
51.1%
52% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$3,292
183% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.5%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Bull Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,121
Median Age57.8 yrs
Density114/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$185,417
Per Capita$106,383
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$460,700
Rent$3,292
Ownership93.6%
Zillow$624,489
Housing Units540
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent90/100K
Property181/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault90/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity30.5%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking10.9%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation931 ft (284 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+51.1%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+16.2%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute33 min
Broadband95.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries13
Is Bull Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bull Valley receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Bull Valley stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bull Valley is $185,417, which is significantly higher than the national average / 147% above $75,149. This places Bull Valley among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bull Valley is $460,700, making it a premium housing market at 63% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $3,292 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bull Valley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 90 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 181 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
Bull Valley is a highly educated community / 51.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bull Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches, including 35.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bull Valley has a population of 1,121 with a density of 114 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 57.8 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (87.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents, while 12.2% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.8yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bull Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.8%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.2%
9% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bull Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bull Valley is $185,417, which is 147% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $106,383 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 24.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bull Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $185,417 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $106,383 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.7% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 24.4% |
The median home value in Bull Valley is $460,700, 63% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $624,489, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $3,292 (183% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 540 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $460,700 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $624,489 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $3,292 |
| 183% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.4% |
| Housing Units | 540 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.89% |
In Bull Valley, 30.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 10.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.6% report binge drinking. 17.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.0% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bull Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.5% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.9% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.7% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 71.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Bull Valley has a violent crime rate of 90 per 100,000 residents, 76% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 90.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 181 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 181, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bull Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bull Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 90.3/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 90.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 180.5/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 180.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bull Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. The area receives 35.1 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 931 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 931 ft (284 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 114/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3235°N, 88.3609°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kenosha Regional (ENW)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 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 |
106 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
41 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
15 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
39 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
561 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 109 fatalities, 2,207 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
72 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
21 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
47 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
12 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
30 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 |
140 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
46 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Bull Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Bull Valley. 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 | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bull Valley
What is the population of Bull Valley?
Bull Valley has a population of 1,121 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 114 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Bull Valley expensive to live in?
Bull Valley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $185,417, 147% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $460,700 (63% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $3,292 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bull Valley safe?
Bull Valley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 90 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 181 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bull Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bull Valley?
Bull Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches, with 35.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bull Valley?
Bull Valley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 24.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bull Valley?
The median home value in Bull Valley is $460,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $624,489. For renters, the median monthly rent is $3,292. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.6%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Bull Valley?
Schools in Bull Valley score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 51.1% of adults in Bull Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 16.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bull Valley?
The obesity rate in Bull Valley is 30.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.9% of adults are smokers. 17.7% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Bull Valley?
The average commute in Bull Valley is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 24.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bull Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bull Valley is 87.2% White. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.2% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
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