Median Income
$70,063
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$149,200
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,101/100K
190% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$892
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How El Paso Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,871
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,335/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,063
Per Capita$30,860
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$1,783M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$149,200
Rent$892
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$180,977
Housing Units1,048
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent1,101/100K
Property1,431/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault770/100K
Burglary404/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking15.9%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation749 ft (228 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score6.65
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute27 min
Broadband79.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is El Paso a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, El Paso receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. El Paso offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in El Paso is $70,063, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in El Paso is $149,200, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,101 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,431 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
El Paso experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
El Paso has a population of 2,871 with a density of 1,335 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in El Paso is $70,063, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,860 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,058, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 803 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 10.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,063 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,860 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,058 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 803 |
| County GDP | $1,783M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 100 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,738 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 10.2% |
The median home value in El Paso is $149,200, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,977, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $892 (23% 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. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,048 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $6,738 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $149,200 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,977 |
| Median List Price | $212,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $212,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $86 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $892 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,048 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,738 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.52% |
In El Paso, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,249. The dentist ratio is 1:5,447. 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: El Paso vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,249 |
| Dentists | 1:5,447 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,252 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,803/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
El Paso has a violent crime rate of 1,101 per 100,000 residents, 190% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 770.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 330.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,431 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 990, burglary at 404, vehicle theft at 37 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, El Paso receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: El Paso vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,100.5/100K |
| 190% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 330.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 770.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,430.7/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| Burglary | 403.5/100K |
| Theft | 990.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 36.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
El Paso experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°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 37.7 inches. The area receives 21.7 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 749 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 749 ft (228 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,335/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7405°N, 89.0183°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Woodford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| 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
6 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 |
81 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
757 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 844 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
48 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
61 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
El Paso has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in El Paso. 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 | $1,157 |
| Toddler | $989 |
| Preschool | $954 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $638 |
| Toddler | $654 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About El Paso
What is the population of El Paso?
El Paso has a population of 2,871 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,335 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is El Paso expensive to live in?
El Paso has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,063, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $149,200 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is El Paso safe?
Public safety is a concern in El Paso, with a violent crime rate of 1,101 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,431 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, El Paso receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in El Paso?
El Paso has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in El Paso?
The job market in El Paso is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,058. There are 803 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 10.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in El Paso?
The median home value in El Paso is $149,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,977. For renters, the median monthly rent is $892. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,738.
How are the schools in El Paso?
Schools in El Paso score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.5% of adults in El Paso hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is El Paso?
The obesity rate in El Paso is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,249.
What is transportation like in El Paso?
The average commute in El Paso is 27 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 10.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of El Paso?
The racial and ethnic makeup of El Paso is 94.1% White, 2.8% Black or African American. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
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