Median Income
$71,420
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,300
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.1%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How German Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population455
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density968/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,420
Per Capita$30,536
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$2,485M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,300
Rent$775
Ownership74.3%
Zillow$213,422
Housing Units207
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property2,563/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking13.7%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation824 ft (251 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.1%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+16.9%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute29 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is German Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, German Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. German Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in German Valley is $71,420, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in German Valley is $118,300, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 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 German Valley is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,563 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
30.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
German Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
German Valley has a population of 455 with a density of 968 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.7% female and 59.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
German Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
Social Characteristics
German Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in German Valley is $71,420, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,536 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,019 business establishments, including 91 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: German Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,420 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,536 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,019 |
| County GDP | $2,485M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 91 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,642 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in German Valley is $118,300, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,422, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 74.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 207 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,642 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% 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 | $118,300 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $213,422 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.7% |
| Housing Units | 207 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,642 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.77% |
In German Valley, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,096. The dentist ratio is 1:1,983. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: German Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,096 |
| Dentists | 1:1,983 |
| Mental Health | 1:435 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,373/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
German Valley has a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,563 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, German Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: German Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 192.8/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,563.2/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
German Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. The area receives 37.1 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 824 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 824 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 968/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2143°N, 89.4846°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stephenson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% 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 | 73.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
97 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
86 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
55 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
92 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
84 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
560 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 983 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
93 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
43 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
47 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
6 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 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 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
German Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in German Valley. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About German Valley
What is the population of German Valley?
German Valley has a population of 455 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 968 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.7% female and 59.3% male.
Is German Valley expensive to live in?
German Valley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,420, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,300 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 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 German Valley safe?
German Valley is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,563 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, German Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in German Valley?
German Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in German Valley?
The job market in German Valley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 1,019 business establishments in the area, including 91 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in German Valley?
The median home value in German Valley is $118,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,422. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,642.
How are the schools in German Valley?
Schools in German Valley score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.1% of adults in German Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 16.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is German Valley?
The obesity rate in German Valley is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,096.
What is transportation like in German Valley?
The average commute in German Valley is 29 minutes. 90.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of German Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of German Valley is 97.8% White. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
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