Median Income
$51,875
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,800
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.8%
132% higher than US avg
How Chestnut Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population297
Median Age47.4 yrs
Density2,475/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 47%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$51,875
Per Capita$21,832
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty28.8%
County GDP$1,344M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,800
Ownership93.7%
Zillow$149,347
Housing Units104
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property587/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.6%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation620 ft (189 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+55.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute18 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Chestnut a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chestnut receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Chestnut offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chestnut is $51,875, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 28.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chestnut is $137,800, 51% 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
Chestnut is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 587 per 100,000, 70% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Chestnut experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°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 39.8 inches, including 19.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Chestnut has a population of 297 with a density of 2,475 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 47.4 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (47.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.4yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Chestnut is $51,875, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,832 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 558 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,875 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,832 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,999 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.8% |
| 132% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 558 |
| County GDP | $1,344M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,356 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Chestnut is $137,800, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,347. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 104 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,356 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% 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 | $137,800 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,347 |
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 | 93.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.3% |
| Housing Units | 104 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,356 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Chestnut, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,499. The dentist ratio is 1:1,839. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chestnut vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,499 |
| Dentists | 1:1,839 |
| Mental Health | 1:766 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,078/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Chestnut has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 587 per 100,000, 70% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chestnut receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Chestnut vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 586.7/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Chestnut experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°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 39.8 inches. The area receives 19.3 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
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 620 ft (189 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,475/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0537°N, 89.1871°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Logan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
820 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 825 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
55 km |
2 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Chestnut has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Chestnut. 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 Chestnut
What is the population of Chestnut?
Chestnut has a population of 297 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,475 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Chestnut expensive to live in?
Chestnut has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $51,875, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,800 (51% 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 Chestnut safe?
Chestnut is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 587 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chestnut receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chestnut?
Chestnut has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 39.8 inches, with 19.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Chestnut?
The job market in Chestnut is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 558 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chestnut?
The median home value in Chestnut is $137,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,347. The homeownership rate is 93.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,356.
How are the schools in Chestnut?
Schools in Chestnut score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Chestnut hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chestnut?
The obesity rate in Chestnut is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,499.
What is transportation like in Chestnut?
The average commute in Chestnut is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chestnut?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chestnut is 47.1% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 26.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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