Median Income
$57,063
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,700
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$644
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Dakota Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population625
Median Age33.4 yrs
Density2,500/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,063
Per Capita$24,834
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$2,485M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,700
Rent$644
Ownership63.7%
Zillow$213,162
Housing Units259
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking13.8%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation940 ft (287 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute24 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Dakota a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dakota receives an overall livability score of 3.7 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 below-average incomes. Dakota offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dakota is $57,063, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dakota is $115,700, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dakota 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Dakota experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dakota has a population of 625 with a density of 2,500 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 33.4 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.4yrs
Median Age
14% below 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 Dakota is $57,063, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,834 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,019 business establishments, including 91 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,063 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,834 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,019 |
| County GDP | $2,485M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 91 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,642 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.1% |
| Public Transit | 5.9% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Dakota is $115,700, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,162, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $644 (45% 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. 63.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 259 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $5,642 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,700 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $213,162 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $644 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.3% |
| Housing Units | 259 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,642 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.88% |
In Dakota, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,096. The dentist ratio is 1:1,983. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dakota vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,096 |
| Dentists | 1:1,983 |
| Mental Health | 1:435 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,373/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Dakota has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Dakota vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Dakota experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. The area receives 34.5 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 940 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 940 ft (287 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3879°N, 89.5266°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stephenson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
116 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
559 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,048 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
75 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
53 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
6 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RX-HWY Y - SOUTH (553 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Dakota has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Dakota. 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 Dakota
What is the population of Dakota?
Dakota has a population of 625 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,500 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Dakota expensive to live in?
Dakota has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $57,063, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,700 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dakota safe?
Dakota 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Dakota?
Dakota has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dakota?
The job market in Dakota is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 1,019 business establishments in the area, including 91 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dakota?
The median home value in Dakota is $115,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,162. For renters, the median monthly rent is $644. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,642.
How are the schools in Dakota?
Schools in Dakota score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Dakota hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dakota?
The obesity rate in Dakota is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,096.
What is transportation like in Dakota?
The average commute in Dakota is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.1% of workers drive alone to work, 5.9% use public transit, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dakota?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dakota is 93.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
