Median Income
$55,000
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,600
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
288/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$972
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.8%
44% higher than US avg
How Carbon Cliff Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,248
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density1,070/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$55,000
Per Capita$23,428
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty17.8%
County GDP$12,607M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,600
Rent$972
Ownership51.1%
Zillow$156,120
Housing Units882
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent288/100K
Property3,278/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking16.8%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation620 ft (189 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+79.3%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
Is Carbon Cliff a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carbon Cliff receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Carbon Cliff has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carbon Cliff is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carbon Cliff is $124,600, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $972 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
Violent crime in Carbon Cliff is below the national average at 288 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,278 per 100,000, 67% above the national average.
Education
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Carbon Cliff experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 28.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Carbon Cliff has a population of 2,248 with a density of 1,070 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (77%), with 11.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.3% of residents, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Carbon Cliff vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.3%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.7%
43% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Carbon Cliff vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Carbon Cliff is $55,000, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,428 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,391. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,880 business establishments, including 375 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Carbon Cliff vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,000 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,428 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,391 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,635 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.8% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,880 |
| County GDP | $12,607M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Healthcare | 405 |
| Retail | 411 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Carbon Cliff is $124,600, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,120, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $972 (16% 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. 51.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 882 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $6,655 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.3% 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 | $124,600 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $156,120 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $144 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $972 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.9% |
| Housing Units | 882 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.34% |
In Carbon Cliff, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042. The dentist ratio is 1:1,275. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carbon Cliff vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,042 |
| Dentists | 1:1,275 |
| Mental Health | 1:334 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,429/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 405 |
Carbon Cliff has a violent crime rate of 288 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,278 per 100,000, 67% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Carbon Cliff receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carbon Cliff vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 288.5/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,277.8/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carbon Cliff experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°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 39.1 inches. The area receives 28.4 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 620 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 620 ft (189 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,070/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4981°N, 90.3917°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock Island County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 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 Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
124 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
631 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 229 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
100 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
97 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1972 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
73 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Carbon Cliff has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Carbon Cliff. 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 | $1,220 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $729 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Cliff
What is the population of Carbon Cliff?
Carbon Cliff has a population of 2,248 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,070 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Carbon Cliff expensive to live in?
Carbon Cliff has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,600 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $972 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 Carbon Cliff safe?
Carbon Cliff is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 288 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,278 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Carbon Cliff receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carbon Cliff?
Carbon Cliff has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 28.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Carbon Cliff?
Carbon Cliff has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,391. There are 2,880 business establishments in the area, including 375 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carbon Cliff?
The median home value in Carbon Cliff is $124,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,120. For renters, the median monthly rent is $972. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,655.
How are the schools in Carbon Cliff?
Schools in Carbon Cliff have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.8% of adults in Carbon Cliff hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carbon Cliff?
The obesity rate in Carbon Cliff is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042.
What is transportation like in Carbon Cliff?
The average commute in Carbon Cliff is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carbon Cliff?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carbon Cliff is 77% White, 11.9% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 92.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
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