Median Income
$35,250
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$67,500
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
320/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$440
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Dongola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population576
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density528/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$35,250
Per Capita$27,585
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$533M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$67,500
Rent$440
Ownership59.4%
Zillow$143,231
Housing Units320
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent320/100K
Property4,280/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking17.9%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain51.1 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation459 ft (140 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+78.1%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.00
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute27 min
Broadband57.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Dongola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dongola receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Dongola has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dongola is $35,250, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dongola is $67,500, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $440 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dongola is below the national average at 320 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,280 per 100,000, 118% above the national average.
Education
9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Dongola enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.1 inches, including 10.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dongola has a population of 576 with a density of 528 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 29.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
The median household income in Dongola is $35,250, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,585 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $870, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 329 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,250 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,585 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $870 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,519 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 329 |
| County GDP | $533M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,106 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Dongola is $67,500, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,231, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $440 (62% 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. 59.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 320 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $4,106 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $67,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $143,231 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $440 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.6% |
| Housing Units | 320 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,106 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.08% |
In Dongola, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,302. The dentist ratio is 1:1,397. 56.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dongola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,302 |
| Dentists | 1:1,397 |
| Mental Health | 1:407 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,018/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Dongola has a violent crime rate of 320 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,280 per 100,000, 118% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dongola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dongola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 320.4/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,280.2/100K |
| 118% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dongola enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 299 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 51.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 459 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.5°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 459 ft (140 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 528/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3571°N, 89.1650°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cairo Regional (CIR) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.1"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
325 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.7 on May 2, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
46 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
143 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
105 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
2 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
55 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
137 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
58 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
66 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
85 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
50 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
53 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
55 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
22 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
4 km ENE of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.4 |
49 km |
| Nov 6, 2009 |
6 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
555 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 121 fatalities, 1,534 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
81 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
97 km |
57 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
59 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
15 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
49 km |
10 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
47 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
38 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,286 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
36 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
16 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
16 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
65 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
23 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
35 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
18 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
18 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
66 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
56 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Dongola has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Dongola. 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 Dongola
What is the population of Dongola?
Dongola has a population of 576 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 528 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Dongola expensive to live in?
Dongola has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $35,250, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $67,500 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $440 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dongola safe?
Dongola is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 320 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,280 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dongola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dongola?
Dongola enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.1 inches, with 10.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dongola?
The job market in Dongola is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $870. There are 329 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dongola?
The median home value in Dongola is $67,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,231. For renters, the median monthly rent is $440. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,106.
How are the schools in Dongola?
Schools in Dongola score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.3% of adults in Dongola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dongola?
The obesity rate in Dongola is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,302.
What is transportation like in Dongola?
The average commute in Dongola is 27 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dongola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dongola is 88.7% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 29.5% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.