Median Income
$49,038
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,700
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,056
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.6%
389% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How Donovan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population254
Median Age33.5 yrs
Density770/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$49,038
Per Capita$20,896
Unemployment17.6%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$504M
Commute48 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,700
Rent$1,056
Ownership76.3%
Zillow$192,155
Housing Units102
Rent Burden32.2%
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking18.0%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
Rain40.1 in/yr
Elevation674 ft (205 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+96.4%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute48 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations5
Libraries6
Is Donovan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Donovan receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Donovan offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Donovan is $49,038, 35% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.6%, unemployment is notably high. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Donovan is $87,700, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,056 per month. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Donovan experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.1 inches, including 17.1 inches of snow.
Donovan has a population of 254 with a density of 770 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 33.5 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.5% female and 53.5% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 25.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
254
Total Population
2023 Census
33.5yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Donovan is $49,038, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,896 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $936, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 291 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,038 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,896 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $936 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,377 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.6% |
| 389% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 291 |
| County GDP | $504M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,950 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 47.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Donovan is $87,700, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,155, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,056 (9% 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. 76.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 102 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,950 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.2% 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 | $87,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,155 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,056 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.7% |
| Housing Units | 102 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,950 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.36% |
In Donovan, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:13,808. The dentist ratio is 1:6,911. 19.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Donovan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:13,808 |
| Dentists | 1:6,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:13,960 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,914/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 19.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Donovan 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. Annual precipitation totals 40.1 inches. The area receives 17.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 674 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 674 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 770/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8849°N, 87.6139°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Newton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.1"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.06"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 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 |
125 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
635 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 71 fatalities, 1,364 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
72 km |
3 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
59 km |
18 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
15 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 |
109 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
12 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
66 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Donovan has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Donovan. 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 Donovan
What is the population of Donovan?
Donovan has a population of 254 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 770 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
Is Donovan expensive to live in?
Donovan has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $49,038, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,700 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,056 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Donovan?
Donovan 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. Annual rainfall totals 40.1 inches, with 17.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Donovan?
The job market in Donovan faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $936. There are 291 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 48 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Donovan?
The median home value in Donovan is $87,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,155. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,056. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,950.
How are the schools in Donovan?
Schools in Donovan score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.7% of adults in Donovan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Donovan?
The obesity rate in Donovan is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 19.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:13,808.
What is transportation like in Donovan?
The average commute in Donovan is 48 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Donovan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Donovan is 89.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.6% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.