Illinois
Carbondale is a small city in Illinois with a population of 21,813. Residents earn $29,670 per year, which is 61% below the national average.
Based on current data, Carbondale receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Carbondale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Carbondale is $29,670, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 20.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Carbondale is $124,800, 56% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
The violent crime rate of 523 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,565 per 100,000, 82% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Carbondale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.0 inches, including 11.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 87.1% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 12.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $29,670 |
| 61% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $23,849 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,530 |
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 20.6% |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,137 |
| County GDP | $3,297M |
| Restaurants | 133 |
| Healthcare | 182 |
| Retail | 177 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,688 |
| 91% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.36% |
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |
| Census Median | $124,800 |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,426 |
| Median List Price | $164,000 |
| Median List Price | $164,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $83 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.5% |
| Price Drops | 14.1% |
| Inventory | 71 |
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $662 |
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
| Owner-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,688 |
| 91% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.36% |
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,751/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 182 |
| Total Violent | 523.3/100K |
| 38% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 98.6/100K |
| Robbery | 250.3/100K |
| Assault | 174.4/100K |
| Total Property | 3,564.7/100K |
| 82% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,270.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,146.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 147.9/100K |
| Arson | 3.8/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 49.0 inches |
| 29% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 11.4 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 449 ft (137 m) |
| Area | 17.5 sq mi (45.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,248/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7221°N, 89.2237°W |
| County FIPS | 17077 |
Winner: Democrat by 3.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 46.3% |
| 37% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 94.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.34 |
| RUCC Code 5 | Nonmetro — Urban 20K+ |
| Population Density | 1,248/sq mi |
| Total Area | 17.5 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 8 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 11 |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 182 |
| Restaurants | 133 |
| Retail Stores | 177 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Commute | 14.9 min |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |