Median Income
$94,820
26% higher than US avg
Home Value
$169,200
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,539
32% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How Candlewick Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,459
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density2,951/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$94,820
Per Capita$28,139
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty12.0%
County GDP$1,975M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,200
Rent$1,539
Ownership91.0%
Zillow$428,437
Housing Units1,664
Rent Burden39.8%
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured3.6%
Smoking15.1%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Elevation906 ft (276 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+87.7%
Graduate+12.2%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute41 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Candlewick Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Candlewick Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Candlewick Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Candlewick Lake is $94,820, 26% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Candlewick Lake is $169,200, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,539 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Candlewick Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 32.6 inches of snow.
Candlewick Lake has a population of 5,459 with a density of 2,951 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (79%), with 20.7% Hispanic, 9.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.8% of residents, while 10.3% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,459
Total Population
2023 Census
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Candlewick Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.8%
0% below US avg
Spanish
10.3%
23% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Candlewick Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Candlewick Lake is $94,820, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,139 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 880 business establishments, including 75 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Candlewick Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,820 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,139 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,138 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 880 |
| County GDP | $1,975M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 75 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 90 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Candlewick Lake is $169,200, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $428,437, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $252,500 with homes selling in an average of 28 days. Homes sell for 101.1% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,539 (32% 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. 91.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,664 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1996. The average annual property tax is $8,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 39.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,200 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $428,437 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $252,500 |
| Median List Price | $254,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $252,500 |
| Median List Price | $254,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $147 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 28 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.1% |
| Price Drops | 12.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,539 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,664 |
| Median Year Built | 1996 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.11% |
In Candlewick Lake, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 3.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899. The dentist ratio is 1:2,658. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Candlewick Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 3.6% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,899 |
| Dentists | 1:2,658 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,217 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,935/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Candlewick Lake 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. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. The area receives 32.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 906 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,951/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3511°N, 88.8704°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.88"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
99 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
52 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
106 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 |
45 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
50 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
618 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 77 fatalities, 1,460 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
86 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
15 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
43 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Candlewick Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.9") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Candlewick Lake. 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 | $1,248 |
| Toddler | $960 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Candlewick Lake
What is the population of Candlewick Lake?
Candlewick Lake has a population of 5,459 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,951 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Candlewick Lake expensive to live in?
Candlewick Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $94,820, 26% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,200 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,539 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Candlewick Lake?
Candlewick Lake 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. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 32.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Candlewick Lake?
Candlewick Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 880 business establishments in the area, including 75 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Candlewick Lake?
The median home value in Candlewick Lake is $169,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $428,437. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $252,500, with homes typically selling within 28 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,539. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,648.
How are the schools in Candlewick Lake?
Schools in Candlewick Lake score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Candlewick Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 12.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Candlewick Lake?
The obesity rate in Candlewick Lake is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 3.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899.
What is transportation like in Candlewick Lake?
The average commute in Candlewick Lake is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Candlewick Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Candlewick Lake is 79% White, 9.3% Black or African American, 20.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Asian. 78.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.3% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.