Median Income
$47,500
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,500
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$741
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Elizabeth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population764
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density830/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,500
Per Capita$36,816
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$1,138M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,500
Rent$741
Ownership64.5%
Zillow$190,000
Housing Units438
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property277/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking16.3%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation818 ft (249 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+83.2%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Broadband70.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Elizabeth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elizabeth receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Elizabeth offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elizabeth is $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elizabeth is $115,500, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elizabeth is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 277 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Elizabeth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches, including 30.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Elizabeth has a population of 764 with a density of 830 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elizabeth vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Elizabeth vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elizabeth is $47,500, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,816. The average weekly wage is $900, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 742 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 9.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elizabeth vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,816 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,691 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,138M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |
The median home value in Elizabeth is $115,500, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,000, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $741 (36% 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. 64.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 438 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $6,976 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,500 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $741 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.5% |
| Housing Units | 438 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.04% |
In Elizabeth, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194. The dentist ratio is 1:1,554. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elizabeth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,194 |
| Dentists | 1:1,554 |
| Mental Health | 1:906 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,364/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Elizabeth has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 277 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 139, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 139 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elizabeth receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Elizabeth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 277.4/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 138.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 138.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Elizabeth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. The area receives 30.2 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 818 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 818 ft (249 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 830/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3163°N, 90.2221°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jo Daviess County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
145 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
557 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 473 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
75 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Elizabeth has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth
What is the population of Elizabeth?
Elizabeth has a population of 764 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 830 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Elizabeth expensive to live in?
Elizabeth has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,500 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elizabeth safe?
Elizabeth is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 277 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elizabeth receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elizabeth?
Elizabeth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches, with 30.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Elizabeth?
The job market in Elizabeth is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $900. There are 742 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 9.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elizabeth?
The median home value in Elizabeth is $115,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $741. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,976.
How are the schools in Elizabeth?
Schools in Elizabeth score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.3% of adults in Elizabeth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elizabeth?
The obesity rate in Elizabeth is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194.
What is transportation like in Elizabeth?
The average commute in Elizabeth is 26 minutes. 74.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elizabeth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elizabeth is 95.3% White. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.