Median Income
$73,438
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,500
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
221/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$917
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
102% higher than US avg
How Ellsworth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population229
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density1,041/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$73,438
Per Capita$26,179
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty25.0%
County GDP$16,910M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,500
Rent$917
Ownership80.6%
Zillow$246,119
Housing Units94
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent221/100K
Property882/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking18.0%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation866 ft (264 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute35 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Ellsworth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ellsworth receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Ellsworth has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ellsworth is $73,438, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 25.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ellsworth is $123,500, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ellsworth is below the national average at 221 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 882 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ellsworth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°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 39.4 inches, including 20.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ellsworth has a population of 229 with a density of 1,041 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (99.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ellsworth vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ellsworth vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ellsworth is $73,438, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,179 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,273, 11% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,357 business establishments, including 404 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ellsworth vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,438 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,179 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,273 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.0% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,357 |
| County GDP | $16,910M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 404 |
| Healthcare | 365 |
| Retail | 498 |
| Manufacturing | 82 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Ellsworth is $123,500, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,119, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $917 (21% 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. 80.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 94 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,182 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,500 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $246,119 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $917 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.4% |
| Housing Units | 94 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.82% |
In Ellsworth, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.1% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628. The dentist ratio is 1:1,426. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ellsworth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,628 |
| Dentists | 1:1,426 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 365 |
Ellsworth has a violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 882 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ellsworth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ellsworth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 220.6/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 882.3/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ellsworth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°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 39.4 inches. The area receives 20.1 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 866 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 866 ft (264 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,041/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4495°N, 88.7161°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLean County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0482 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very 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: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
113 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
769 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 800 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
75 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Ellsworth has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Ellsworth. 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 | $1,358 |
| Toddler | $1,220 |
| Preschool | $1,208 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $770 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellsworth
What is the population of Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a population of 229 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,041 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Ellsworth expensive to live in?
Ellsworth has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $73,438, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,500 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ellsworth safe?
Ellsworth is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 882 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ellsworth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°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 39.4 inches, with 20.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ellsworth?
The job market in Ellsworth is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,273. There are 3,357 business establishments in the area, including 404 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ellsworth?
The median home value in Ellsworth is $123,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,119. For renters, the median monthly rent is $917. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.6%. The average annual property tax is $7,182.
How are the schools in Ellsworth?
Schools in Ellsworth score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Ellsworth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ellsworth?
The obesity rate in Ellsworth is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628.
What is transportation like in Ellsworth?
The average commute in Ellsworth is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ellsworth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellsworth is 99.1% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
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