Median Income
$69,118
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,000
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
67/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$875
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Cerro Gordo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,426
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density1,953/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$69,118
Per Capita$30,796
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$9,054M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,000
Rent$875
Ownership78.2%
Zillow$139,923
Housing Units586
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent67/100K
Property540/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking14.1%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation739 ft (225 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score4.73
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute21 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations16
Libraries9
Is Cerro Gordo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cerro Gordo receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Cerro Gordo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cerro Gordo is $69,118, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cerro Gordo is $108,000, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cerro Gordo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 67 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 540 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Cerro Gordo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cerro Gordo has a population of 1,426 with a density of 1,953 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cerro Gordo vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cerro Gordo vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cerro Gordo is $69,118, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,796 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,304. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,981 business establishments, including 244 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cerro Gordo vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,118 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,796 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,304 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,393 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,981 |
| County GDP | $9,054M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 244 |
| Healthcare | 271 |
| Retail | 334 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,684 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in Cerro Gordo is $108,000, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,923, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $875 (25% 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. 78.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 586 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $6,684 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,000 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,923 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $9 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 60.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $875 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.8% |
| Housing Units | 586 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,684 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.19% |
In Cerro Gordo, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,126. The dentist ratio is 1:1,611. 83.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cerro Gordo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,126 |
| Dentists | 1:1,611 |
| Mental Health | 1:538 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,949/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Cerro Gordo has a violent crime rate of 67 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 540 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cerro Gordo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cerro Gordo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 67.4/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 539.5/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cerro Gordo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 302 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 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 739 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 739 ft (225 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,953/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8892°N, 88.7345°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0498 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.66 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
114 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
783 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 580 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
84 km |
2 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Cerro Gordo has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Cerro Gordo. 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 | $1,000 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $830 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $637 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cerro Gordo
What is the population of Cerro Gordo?
Cerro Gordo has a population of 1,426 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,953 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Cerro Gordo expensive to live in?
Cerro Gordo has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,118, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,000 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cerro Gordo safe?
Cerro Gordo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 67 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 540 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cerro Gordo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cerro Gordo?
Cerro Gordo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cerro Gordo?
Cerro Gordo has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,304. There are 1,981 business establishments in the area, including 244 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cerro Gordo?
The median home value in Cerro Gordo is $108,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,923. For renters, the median monthly rent is $875. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,684.
How are the schools in Cerro Gordo?
Schools in Cerro Gordo have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.6% of adults in Cerro Gordo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cerro Gordo?
The obesity rate in Cerro Gordo is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,126.
What is transportation like in Cerro Gordo?
The average commute in Cerro Gordo is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cerro Gordo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cerro Gordo is 93.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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