Median Income
$71,528
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.7%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Colfax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population955
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density1,736/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$71,528
Per Capita$43,770
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$16,910M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,000
Rent$850
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$164,651
Housing Units391
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property688/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault98/100K
Burglary393/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking16.1%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation753 ft (230 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.7%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute33 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Colfax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colfax 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. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Colfax offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colfax is $71,528, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colfax is $123,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Colfax is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 688 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
24.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Colfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches, including 19.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Colfax has a population of 955 with a density of 1,736 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Colfax is $71,528, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,770 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,273, 11% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,357 business establishments, including 404 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 14.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,528 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,770 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,273 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,357 |
| County GDP | $16,910M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 404 |
| Healthcare | 365 |
| Retail | 498 |
| Manufacturing | 82 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.1% |
The median home value in Colfax is $123,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,651, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% 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. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 391 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $7,182 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,651 |
| Median List Price | $170,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $170,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $75 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.7% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 391 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.84% |
In Colfax, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628. The dentist ratio is 1:1,426. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colfax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,628 |
| Dentists | 1:1,426 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 365 |
Colfax has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 98.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 688 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 295, burglary at 393, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Colfax receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colfax vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 98.3/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 98.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 688.3/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Burglary | 393.3/100K |
| Theft | 295.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°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 36.3 inches. The area receives 19.9 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 753 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 753 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,736/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5666°N, 88.6161°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLean County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0482 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
102 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
772 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 32 fatalities, 853 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Colfax has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Colfax. 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 | $1,358 |
| Toddler | $1,220 |
| Preschool | $1,208 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $770 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Colfax
What is the population of Colfax?
Colfax has a population of 955 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,736 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Colfax expensive to live in?
Colfax has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,528, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colfax safe?
Colfax is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 688 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Colfax receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colfax?
Colfax has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches, with 19.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Colfax?
The unemployment rate in Colfax is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,273. There are 3,357 business establishments in the area, including 404 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 14.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colfax?
The median home value in Colfax is $123,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,651. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%. The average annual property tax is $7,182.
How are the schools in Colfax?
Schools in Colfax score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.7% of adults in Colfax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colfax?
The obesity rate in Colfax is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628.
What is transportation like in Colfax?
The average commute in Colfax is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colfax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colfax is 97.8% White. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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