Median Income
$78,235
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$182,600
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.1%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$941
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Byron Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,742
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density805/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans13.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$78,235
Per Capita$36,532
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$3,853M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$182,600
Rent$941
Ownership70.9%
Zillow$263,922
Housing Units1,567
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property837/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault84/100K
Burglary84/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking12.9%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation692 ft (211 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.1%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute24 min
Broadband83.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Byron a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Byron receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Byron offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Byron is $78,235, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Byron is $182,600, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $941 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Byron is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 837 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
31.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Byron experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Byron has a population of 3,742 with a density of 805 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (86.6%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.9% of residents, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 13.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.9%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.1%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Byron is $78,235, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,532. The average weekly wage is $1,119, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,030 business establishments, including 113 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,235 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,532 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,119 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,066 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,030 |
| County GDP | $3,853M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,958 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Byron is $182,600, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,922, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $941 (19% 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. 70.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,567 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $5,958 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $182,600 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $263,922 |
| Median List Price | $237,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $237,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $65 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.7% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $941 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,567 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,958 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Byron, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,774. The dentist ratio is 1:2,334. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Byron vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,774 |
| Dentists | 1:2,334 |
| Mental Health | 1:540 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,241/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Byron has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 83.7 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 837 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 669, burglary at 84, vehicle theft at 84 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Byron receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Byron vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 83.7/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 83.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 836.8/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Burglary | 83.7/100K |
| Theft | 669.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 83.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Byron experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. The area receives 37.1 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 692 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 692 ft (211 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 805/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1218°N, 89.2668°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ogle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
80 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
66 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
47 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
75 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
64 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
582 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 79 fatalities, 1,291 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
90 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
30 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
31 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
97 km |
8 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Byron has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Byron. 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 | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $873 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $739 |
| Toddler | $672 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Byron
What is the population of Byron?
Byron has a population of 3,742 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 805 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Byron expensive to live in?
Byron has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $78,235, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $182,600 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $941 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Byron safe?
Byron is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 837 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Byron receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Byron?
Byron 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 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Byron?
The job market in Byron is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,119. There are 1,030 business establishments in the area, including 113 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Byron?
The median home value in Byron is $182,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,922. For renters, the median monthly rent is $941. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,958.
How are the schools in Byron?
Schools in Byron score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.1% of adults in Byron hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Byron?
The obesity rate in Byron is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,774.
What is transportation like in Byron?
The average commute in Byron is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Byron?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Byron is 86.6% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 93.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 13.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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