Median Income
$79,343
6% higher than US avg
Home Value
$201,600
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
154/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,004
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Genoa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,685
Median Age34.2 yrs
Density2,187/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$79,343
Per Capita$34,750
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$1,975M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$201,600
Rent$1,004
Ownership68.0%
Zillow$305,998
Housing Units1,967
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
F
Violent154/100K
Property940/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault96/100K
Burglary58/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking15.6%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation838 ft (255 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+86.9%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute32 min
Broadband91.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Genoa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Genoa receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Genoa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Genoa is $79,343, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Genoa is $201,600, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,004 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Genoa is below the national average at 154 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 940 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Genoa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Genoa has a population of 5,685 with a density of 2,187 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 34.2 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (69.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.8% of residents, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.2yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.8%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.2%
31% below US avg
The median household income in Genoa is $79,343, which is 6% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,750 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 880 business establishments, including 75 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,343 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,750 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,138 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 880 |
| County GDP | $1,975M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 75 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 90 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Genoa is $201,600, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,998, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,004 (14% 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. 68.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,967 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $8,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $201,600 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,998 |
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $167 |
| Homes Sold | 8 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,004 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,967 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.29% |
In Genoa, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899. The dentist ratio is 1:2,658. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Genoa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,899 |
| Dentists | 1:2,658 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,217 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,935/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Genoa has a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 96.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 57.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 940 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 825, burglary at 58, vehicle theft at 58 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Genoa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Genoa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 153.5/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 57.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 96.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 940.3/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| Burglary | 57.6/100K |
| Theft | 825.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 57.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Genoa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 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 838 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 838 ft (255 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,187/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0910°N, 88.6950°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.2 / 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 |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 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 |
72 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
21 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
74 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
79 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
50 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
29 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
19 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
636 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 111 fatalities, 2,127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
54 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
23 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
30 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
92 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) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Genoa has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Genoa. 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 | $1,248 |
| Toddler | $960 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Genoa
What is the population of Genoa?
Genoa has a population of 5,685 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,187 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Genoa expensive to live in?
Genoa has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $79,343, 6% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $201,600 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,004 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Genoa safe?
Genoa is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 940 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Genoa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Genoa?
Genoa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Genoa?
Genoa has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 880 business establishments in the area, including 75 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Genoa?
The median home value in Genoa is $201,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,998. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,004. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,648.
How are the schools in Genoa?
Schools in Genoa score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.3% of adults in Genoa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Genoa?
The obesity rate in Genoa is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899.
What is transportation like in Genoa?
The average commute in Genoa is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Genoa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Genoa is 69.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American. 90.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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