Median Income
$42,083
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,200
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.8%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$767
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.9%
69% higher than US avg
How Cowden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population547
Median Age27.3 yrs
Density1,368/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,083
Per Capita$19,216
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty20.9%
County GDP$1,098M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,200
Rent$767
Ownership55.7%
Zillow$147,425
Housing Units216
Rent Burden34.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property694/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.5%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation604 ft (184 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.8%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute26 min
Broadband78.8%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Cowden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cowden receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Cowden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cowden is $42,083, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 20.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cowden is $76,200, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cowden 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 694 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
13.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Cowden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cowden has a population of 547 with a density of 1,368 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 27.3 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.6% female and 42.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.2% of residents, while 8.8% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.3yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.2%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.8%
34% below US avg
The median household income in Cowden is $42,083, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,216 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $929, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 468 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,083 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,216 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $929 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,653 |
| Gini Index | 0.386 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.9% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 468 |
| County GDP | $1,098M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 54 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,683 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Cowden is $76,200, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,425, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $767 (34% 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. 55.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 216 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,683. 34.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,200 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,425 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $767 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.3% |
| Housing Units | 216 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,683 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.83% |
In Cowden, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,158. The dentist ratio is 1:4,152. 43.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cowden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,158 |
| Dentists | 1:4,152 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,057 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,898/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Cowden has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 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 694 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 521, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 174 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cowden receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Cowden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 694.4/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 520.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 173.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Cowden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 41.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 604 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.6°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 604 ft (184 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,368/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2492°N, 88.8594°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.4"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
122 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
123 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
52 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
47 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
28 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
599 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 529 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
27 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Cowden has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Cowden. 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 Cowden
What is the population of Cowden?
Cowden has a population of 547 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,368 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.6% female and 42.4% male.
Is Cowden expensive to live in?
Cowden has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $42,083, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,200 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cowden safe?
Cowden 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 694 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cowden receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cowden?
Cowden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cowden?
The job market in Cowden is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $929. There are 468 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cowden?
The median home value in Cowden is $76,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,425. For renters, the median monthly rent is $767. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,683.
How are the schools in Cowden?
Schools in Cowden score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.8% of adults in Cowden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cowden?
The obesity rate in Cowden is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 43.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,158.
What is transportation like in Cowden?
The average commute in Cowden is 26 minutes. 90.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cowden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cowden is 95.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 91.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.8% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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