Median Income
$64,167
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
217/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.6%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$840
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How East Gillespie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population325
Median Age56.9 yrs
Density1,016/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,167
Per Capita$37,560
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$1,525M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Rent$840
Ownership89.6%
Zillow$109,913
Housing Units144
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent217/100K
Property1,705/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking17.5%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation662 ft (202 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.6%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+10.8%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute29 min
Broadband73.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is East Gillespie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, East Gillespie receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. East Gillespie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in East Gillespie is $64,167, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in East Gillespie is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $840 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 East Gillespie is below the national average at 217 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,705 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
East Gillespie experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches, including 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
East Gillespie has a population of 325 with a density of 1,016 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 56.9 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.9yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
East Gillespie vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
East Gillespie vs U.S. Average
The median household income in East Gillespie is $64,167, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,560. The average weekly wage is $898, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 887 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: East Gillespie vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,167 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,560 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $898 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,326 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 887 |
| County GDP | $1,525M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 78 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in East Gillespie is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,913, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $840 (28% 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. 89.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 144 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,826. 17.5% 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 | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $109,913 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $840 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.4% |
| Housing Units | 144 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.06% |
In East Gillespie, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037. The dentist ratio is 1:2,950. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: East Gillespie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,037 |
| Dentists | 1:2,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,158 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 78 |
East Gillespie has a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,705 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, East Gillespie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: East Gillespie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.0/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,704.9/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
East Gillespie experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.0 inches. The area receives 16.5 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 662 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 662 ft (202 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,016/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1378°N, 89.8127°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macoupin County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.61 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
27 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
64 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
60 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
85 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
657 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,189 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
96 km |
21 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
47 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
24 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
East Gillespie has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in East Gillespie. 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 | $855 |
| Toddler | $766 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About East Gillespie
What is the population of East Gillespie?
East Gillespie has a population of 325 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,016 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is East Gillespie expensive to live in?
East Gillespie has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,167, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $840 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 East Gillespie safe?
East Gillespie is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,705 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, East Gillespie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in East Gillespie?
East Gillespie has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches, with 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in East Gillespie?
The job market in East Gillespie is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $898. There are 887 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in East Gillespie?
The median home value in East Gillespie is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,913. For renters, the median monthly rent is $840. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,826.
How are the schools in East Gillespie?
Schools in East Gillespie score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.6% of adults in East Gillespie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is East Gillespie?
The obesity rate in East Gillespie is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037.
What is transportation like in East Gillespie?
The average commute in East Gillespie is 29 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of East Gillespie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of East Gillespie is 92.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.