Median Income
$87,644
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$144,600
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
99/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.0%
10% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$761
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.7%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Elmwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,254
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density1,610/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,644
Per Capita$37,609
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$16,966M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,600
Rent$761
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$179,101
Housing Units920
Rent Burden41.7%
Crime
F
Violent99/100K
Property346/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault49/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity31.7%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking12.8%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation631 ft (192 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.0%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+12.0%
School Score5.18
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute25 min
Broadband90.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Elmwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elmwood receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Elmwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elmwood is $87,644, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elmwood is $144,600, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $761 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elmwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 99 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 346 per 100,000, 82% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Elmwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Elmwood has a population of 2,254 with a density of 1,610 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54% female and 46% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Elmwood is $87,644, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,609. The average weekly wage is $1,438. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,972 business establishments, including 468 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,644 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,609 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,438 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,771 |
| Gini Index | 0.492 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,972 |
| County GDP | $16,966M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 468 |
| Healthcare | 543 |
| Retail | 638 |
| Manufacturing | 138 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,031 |
| 129% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Elmwood is $144,600, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,101, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $761 (35% 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. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 920 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $8,031 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,600 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,101 |
| Median List Price | $123,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $123,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $85 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $761 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 920 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,031 |
| 129% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.55% |
In Elmwood, 31.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 18.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:748. The dentist ratio is 1:1,129. 80.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elmwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.7% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.4% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:748 |
| Dentists | 1:1,129 |
| Mental Health | 1:324 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,362/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 543 |
Elmwood has a violent crime rate of 99 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 49.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 49.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 346 per 100,000, 82% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 346, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elmwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elmwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 99.0/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 49.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 49.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 346.4/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 346.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elmwood 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. 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 38.8 inches. The area receives 20.3 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 631 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 631 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,610/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7804°N, 89.9661°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Peoria County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0489 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 |
117 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 |
142 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
690 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 610 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
38 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
78 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Elmwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Elmwood. 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 | $1,206 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $839 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $799 |
| Preschool | $844 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elmwood
What is the population of Elmwood?
Elmwood has a population of 2,254 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,610 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 54% female and 46% male.
Is Elmwood expensive to live in?
Elmwood has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $87,644, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,600 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $761 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elmwood safe?
Elmwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 99 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 346 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elmwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elmwood?
Elmwood 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. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches, with 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Elmwood?
The job market in Elmwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,438. There are 3,972 business establishments in the area, including 468 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elmwood?
The median home value in Elmwood is $144,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,101. For renters, the median monthly rent is $761. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.7%. The average annual property tax is $8,031.
How are the schools in Elmwood?
Schools in Elmwood score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.0% of adults in Elmwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 12.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elmwood?
The obesity rate in Elmwood is 31.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 18.4% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:748.
What is transportation like in Elmwood?
The average commute in Elmwood is 25 minutes. 70.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elmwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elmwood is 97.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.