Median Income
$86,750
15% higher than US avg
Home Value
$147,300
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$740
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Erie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,658
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density1,201/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$86,750
Per Capita$37,874
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$2,048M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,300
Rent$740
Ownership71.6%
Zillow$171,502
Housing Units797
Rent Burden24.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property266/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary66/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.5%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation589 ft (180 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute19 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Erie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Erie 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. Erie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Erie is $86,750, 15% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Erie is $147,300, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $740 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
Erie 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 266 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Erie experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°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 36.5 inches, including 31.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Erie has a population of 1,658 with a density of 1,201 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.9% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 80.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.9%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.1%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Erie is $86,750, which is 15% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,874. The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,020 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,750 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,874 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $2,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Erie is $147,300, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,502, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $740 (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. 71.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 797 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,739 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.4% 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 | $147,300 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,502 |
| Median List Price | $212,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $212,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $90 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.8% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $740 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.4% |
| Housing Units | 797 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.90% |
In Erie, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446. The dentist ratio is 1:2,848. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Erie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,446 |
| Dentists | 1:2,848 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,863 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,545/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Erie 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 266 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 199, burglary at 66, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Erie receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Erie 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 | 265.6/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Burglary | 66.4/100K |
| Theft | 199.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Erie experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°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 36.5 inches. The area receives 31.9 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 589 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 589 ft (180 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,201/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6586°N, 90.0813°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
101 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
54 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
607 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 223 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
81 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1972 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Erie has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Erie. 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 | $982 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $789 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Erie
What is the population of Erie?
Erie has a population of 1,658 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,201 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Erie expensive to live in?
Erie has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $86,750, 15% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,300 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $740 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 Erie safe?
Erie 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 266 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Erie receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Erie?
Erie has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 36.5 inches, with 31.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Erie?
Erie has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Erie?
The median home value in Erie is $147,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,502. For renters, the median monthly rent is $740. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,739.
How are the schools in Erie?
Schools in Erie score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Erie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Erie?
The obesity rate in Erie is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446.
What is transportation like in Erie?
The average commute in Erie is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Erie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Erie is 93.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 80.4% have health insurance coverage.
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