Median Income
$26,563
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
242/100K
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.5%
96% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$454
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.9%
133% higher than US avg
How Cave-In-Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population229
Median Age49.9 yrs
Density619/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$26,563
Per Capita$25,322
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty28.9%
County GDP$125M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Rent$454
Ownership53.3%
Zillow$136,188
Housing Units162
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent242/100K
Property3,200/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking18.5%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain50.9 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation399 ft (122 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.5%
High School+77.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.43
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute20 min
Broadband97.0%
Libraries1
Is Cave-In-Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cave-In-Rock receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cave-In-Rock has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cave-In-Rock is $26,563, 65% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 28.9% 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
Renters pay a median of $454 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cave-In-Rock is below the national average at 242 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,200 per 100,000, 63% above the national average.
Education
1.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Cave-In-Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cave-In-Rock has a population of 229 with a density of 619 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 49.9 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.9yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cave-In-Rock vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cave-In-Rock vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cave-In-Rock is $26,563, which is 65% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,322 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $888, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 57 business establishments, including 9 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). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cave-In-Rock vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $26,563 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,322 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $888 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,659 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.9% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 57 |
| County GDP | $125M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,188. Monthly rent averages $454 (61% 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. 53.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 162 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $454 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.7% |
| Housing Units | 162 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
In Cave-In-Rock, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217. The dentist ratio is 1:3,597. 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cave-In-Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,217 |
| Dentists | 1:3,597 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,784 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
| Premature Death | 12,840/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Cave-In-Rock has a violent crime rate of 242 per 100,000 residents, 36% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,200 per 100,000, 63% above the U.S. average. Overall, Cave-In-Rock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cave-In-Rock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 242.4/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,200.0/100K |
| 63% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cave-In-Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 299 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 50.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 399 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 399 ft (122 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 619/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4710°N, 88.1658°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hardin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Barkley Regional (PAH) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.9"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
127 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
112 km |
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
133 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
113 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
69 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
91 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
99 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
112 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
130 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
73 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
47 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
78 km |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
4 km ENE of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
558 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 68 fatalities, 1,123 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
49 km |
8 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
80 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
93 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
75 km |
3 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRANKLIN CREEK RX (2,828 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
34 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,837 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
28 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
31 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
26 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
30 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
34 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
26 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
25 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
26 km |
| 2024 |
LBL - NWDA UNIT 3 RX |
1,187 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Cave-In-Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 32°F in January to 76°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 48.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Cave-In-Rock. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Cave-In-Rock
What is the population of Cave-In-Rock?
Cave-In-Rock has a population of 229 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 619 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Cave-In-Rock expensive to live in?
Cave-In-Rock has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $26,563, 65% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $454 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Cave-In-Rock safe?
Cave-In-Rock is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 242 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,200 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cave-In-Rock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cave-In-Rock?
Cave-In-Rock has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.9 inches, with 3.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cave-In-Rock?
The job market in Cave-In-Rock is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $888. There are 57 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cave-In-Rock?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $454. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.3%.
How are the schools in Cave-In-Rock?
Schools in Cave-In-Rock have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 1.5% of adults in Cave-In-Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cave-In-Rock?
The obesity rate in Cave-In-Rock is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217.
What is transportation like in Cave-In-Rock?
The average commute in Cave-In-Rock is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cave-In-Rock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cave-In-Rock is 98.3% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 29.9% of residents have a disability. 80.7% have health insurance coverage.