Median Income
$42,452
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,400
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
150/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$956
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.5%
25% higher than US avg
How Fulton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,457
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density1,477/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,452
Per Capita$37,584
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty15.5%
County GDP$2,951M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,400
Rent$956
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$157,287
Housing Units1,821
Rent Burden36.6%
Crime
F
Violent150/100K
Property1,802/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault150/100K
Burglary300/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking17.5%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation594 ft (181 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute15 min
Broadband79.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Fulton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fulton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 below-average incomes. Fulton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fulton is $42,452, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 15.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fulton is $124,400, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fulton is below the national average at 150 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,802 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Fulton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fulton has a population of 3,457 with a density of 1,477 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Fulton is $42,452, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,584. The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,498 business establishments, including 117 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,452 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,584 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,940 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,498 |
| County GDP | $2,951M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 117 |
| Healthcare | 128 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,438 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Fulton is $124,400, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,287, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $956 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $708 for a one-bedroom to $916 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,821 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,438 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,400 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,287 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $956 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $703 |
| 1 Bedroom | $708 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $916 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,288 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,821 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,438 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.57% |
In Fulton, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,112. The dentist ratio is 1:1,716. 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fulton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,716 |
| Mental Health | 1:537 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 128 |
Fulton has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 150.2 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 1,802 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,201, burglary at 300, vehicle theft at 300 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fulton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fulton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 150.2/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 150.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,801.8/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Burglary | 300.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,201.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 300.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fulton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 594 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 594 ft (181 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,477/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8652°N, 90.1587°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.32 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
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 |
114 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
62 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
615 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 226 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
16 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1972 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
23 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 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Fulton has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Fulton. 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 | $685 |
| Toddler | $590 |
| Preschool | $590 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $462 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fulton
What is the population of Fulton?
Fulton has a population of 3,457 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,477 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Fulton expensive to live in?
Fulton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $42,452, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,400 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fulton safe?
Fulton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,802 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fulton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fulton?
Fulton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fulton?
The job market in Fulton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 1,498 business establishments in the area, including 117 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fulton?
The median home value in Fulton is $124,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,287. For renters, the median monthly rent is $956. Fair market rent is $708 for a 1-bedroom and $916 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,438.
How are the schools in Fulton?
Schools in Fulton have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.1% of adults in Fulton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fulton?
The obesity rate in Fulton is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,112.
What is transportation like in Fulton?
The average commute in Fulton is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fulton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fulton is 94.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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