Median Income
$136,458
82% higher than US avg
Home Value
$235,000
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
81/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.8%
12% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Dayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population363
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density197/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$136,458
Per Capita$57,411
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,670M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$235,000
Ownership95.4%
Zillow$205,721
Housing Units168
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent81/100K
Property2,630/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking12.6%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation608 ft (185 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.8%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+11.0%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations5
Libraries12
Is Dayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dayton receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Dayton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dayton is $136,458, which is significantly higher than the national average / 82% above $75,149. This places Dayton among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dayton is $235,000, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dayton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,630 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Dayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°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 39.0 inches, including 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dayton has a population of 363 with a density of 197 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.1% female and 57.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Dayton is $136,458, which is 82% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $57,411 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,126, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,450 business establishments, including 328 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $136,458 |
| 82% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $57,411 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,126 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,712 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,450 |
| County GDP | $7,670M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 328 |
| Healthcare | 242 |
| Retail | 377 |
| Manufacturing | 141 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,277 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Dayton is $235,000, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,721, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 168 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $6,277 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% 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 | $235,000 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,721 |
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 | 95.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.6% |
| Housing Units | 168 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,277 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.67% |
In Dayton, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 12.6% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 19.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.7% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,658. The dentist ratio is 1:1,832. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.6% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.7% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,658 |
| Dentists | 1:1,832 |
| Mental Health | 1:774 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,943/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 242 |
Dayton has a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,630 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dayton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 81.0/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,630.0/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°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 39.0 inches. The area receives 25.0 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 608 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 608 ft (185 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 197/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3915°N, 88.7992°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | LaSalle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Illinois Valley Regional-Walter A Duncan Field (VYS)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.0"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
11 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
69 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
93 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
29 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
96 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
71 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
42 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
711 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 120 fatalities, 2,053 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
49 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
15 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
43 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
53 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Dayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Dayton. 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 | $1,144 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $743 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $830 |
| Toddler | $830 |
| Preschool | $830 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dayton
What is the population of Dayton?
Dayton has a population of 363 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 197 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.1% female and 57.9% male.
Is Dayton expensive to live in?
Dayton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $136,458, 82% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $235,000 (17% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dayton safe?
Dayton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,630 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dayton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dayton?
Dayton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°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 39.0 inches, with 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dayton?
The job market in Dayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,126. There are 2,450 business establishments in the area, including 328 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton is $235,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,721. The homeownership rate is 95.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,277.
How are the schools in Dayton?
Schools in Dayton score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.8% of adults in Dayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dayton?
The obesity rate in Dayton is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.6% of adults are smokers. 19.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,658.
What is transportation like in Dayton?
The average commute in Dayton is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dayton is 100% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 25.7% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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