Median Income
$68,463
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$181,900
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
109/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.0%
94% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chemung Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population251
Median Age75.0 yrs
Density896/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans42.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,463
Per Capita$34,815
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,975M
Housing
A+
Home Value$181,900
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$266,605
Housing Units183
Rent Burden28.6%
Crime
F
Violent109/100K
Property1,118/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured14.5%
Smoking15.6%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation899 ft (274 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.0%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Broadband87.6%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Chemung a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chemung receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Chemung has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chemung is $68,463, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chemung is $181,900, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Chemung is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
2.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Chemung experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Chemung has a population of 251 with a density of 896 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 75.0 years, 93% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.8% female and 58.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 64% of residents, while 36% speak Spanish. 42.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
75.0yrs
Median Age
93% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
64.0%
18% below US avg
Spanish
36.0%
169% above US avg
The median household income in Chemung is $68,463, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,815 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 880 business establishments, including 75 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,463 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,815 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,138 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 4.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Chemung is $181,900, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,605, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 183 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $8,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,900 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $266,605 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 183 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.75% |
In Chemung, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 14.5% of residents lack health insurance (above 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: Chemung vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.7% |
| Uninsured | 14.5% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,899 |
| Dentists | 1:2,658 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,217 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,935/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Chemung has a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chemung receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chemung vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 108.5/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,117.5/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chemung experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 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 899 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 899 ft (274 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 896/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4162°N, 88.6642°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
108 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 |
100 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
35 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
49 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
592 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 77 fatalities, 1,762 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
86 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
81 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
100 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
30 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
39 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 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Chemung has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Chemung. 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 Chemung
What is the population of Chemung?
Chemung has a population of 251 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 896 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 75.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.8% female and 58.2% male.
Is Chemung expensive to live in?
Chemung has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,463, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $181,900 (35% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chemung safe?
Chemung is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chemung receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chemung?
Chemung has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Chemung?
The job market in Chemung is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate 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.
How much does housing cost in Chemung?
The median home value in Chemung is $181,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,605. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,648.
How are the schools in Chemung?
Schools in Chemung score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.0% of adults in Chemung hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chemung?
The obesity rate in Chemung is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 14.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899.
What are the demographics of Chemung?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chemung is 100% White. 64% of residents speak only English at home, while 36% speak Spanish. 42.2% of the population are military veterans. 27.2% of residents have a disability. 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
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