Median Income
$47,750
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$138,600
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
170/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.9%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.0%
206% higher than US avg
How Danforth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population619
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density1,290/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$47,750
Per Capita$22,815
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty38.0%
County GDP$1,425M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$138,600
Rent$850
Ownership72.4%
Zillow$168,008
Housing Units211
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
F
Violent170/100K
Property2,500/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking17.5%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation654 ft (199 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.9%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute29 min
Broadband80.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Danforth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Danforth receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Danforth has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Danforth is $47,750, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. The poverty rate of 38.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Danforth is $138,600, 51% 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 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Danforth is below the national average at 170 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,500 per 100,000, 28% above the national average.
Education
19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Danforth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Danforth has a population of 619 with a density of 1,290 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Danforth is $47,750, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,815 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 38.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 675 business establishments, including 59 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,750 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,815 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,388 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.0% |
| 206% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 675 |
| County GDP | $1,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 59 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Danforth is $138,600, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,008, higher than the Census estimate. 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. 72.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 211 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $4,558 (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 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $138,600 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,008 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.6% |
| Housing Units | 211 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.29% |
In Danforth, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353. The dentist ratio is 1:2,941. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Danforth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,353 |
| Dentists | 1:2,941 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,715/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Danforth has a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,500 per 100,000, 28% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Danforth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Danforth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.5/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,500.0/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Danforth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°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 38.4 inches. The area receives 17.1 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 654 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 654 ft (199 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,290/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8220°N, 87.9778°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iroquois County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
105 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
705 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 72 fatalities, 1,375 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
80 km |
18 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
95 km |
33 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
134 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
64 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
62 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
63 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Danforth has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Danforth. 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 Danforth
What is the population of Danforth?
Danforth has a population of 619 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,290 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Danforth expensive to live in?
Danforth has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $47,750, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $138,600 (51% 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 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Danforth safe?
Danforth is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Danforth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Danforth?
Danforth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Danforth?
The job market in Danforth is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 675 business establishments in the area, including 59 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Danforth?
The median home value in Danforth is $138,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,008. 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 72.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,558.
How are the schools in Danforth?
Schools in Danforth score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.9% of adults in Danforth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Danforth?
The obesity rate in Danforth is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353.
What is transportation like in Danforth?
The average commute in Danforth is 29 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Danforth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Danforth is 96% White, 1% Black or African American. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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