Median Income
$47,104
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$138,400
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
152/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$802
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Gibson City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,609
Median Age44.7 yrs
Density1,556/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,104
Per Capita$33,010
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$1,119M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$138,400
Rent$802
Ownership66.6%
Zillow$169,709
Housing Units1,676
Rent Burden33.5%
Crime
F
Violent152/100K
Property396/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault91/100K
Burglary91/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking18.4%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation740 ft (226 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+86.2%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute21 min
Broadband81.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Gibson City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gibson City receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Gibson City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gibson City is $47,104, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gibson City is $138,400, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $802 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 Gibson City is below the national average at 152 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 396 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Gibson City 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 37.7 inches, including 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Gibson City has a population of 3,609 with a density of 1,556 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 44.7 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (85.5%), with 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.7yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gibson City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gibson City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gibson City is $47,104, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,010 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Gibson City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,104 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,010 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,333 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $1,119M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Gibson City is $138,400, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,709, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $802 (31% 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. 66.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,676 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $5,571 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.5% 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 | $138,400 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,709 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $802 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,676 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.03% |
In Gibson City, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930. The dentist ratio is 1:2,650. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gibson City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,930 |
| Dentists | 1:2,650 |
| Mental Health | 1:189 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Gibson City has a violent crime rate of 152 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 91.4 per 100,000, robbery at 30.5, rape at 30.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 396 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 244, burglary at 91, vehicle theft at 61 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gibson City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gibson City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 152.3/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 30.5/100K |
| Robbery | 30.5/100K |
| Assault | 91.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 396.0/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Burglary | 91.4/100K |
| Theft | 243.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 60.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gibson City 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 37.7 inches. The area receives 18.3 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 740 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 740 ft (226 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,556/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4668°N, 88.3792°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
119 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
749 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 542 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Gibson City has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Gibson City. 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 Gibson City
What is the population of Gibson City?
Gibson City has a population of 3,609 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,556 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Gibson City expensive to live in?
Gibson City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $47,104, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $138,400 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $802 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 Gibson City safe?
Gibson City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 152 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 396 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gibson City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gibson City?
Gibson City 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 37.7 inches, with 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Gibson City?
The unemployment rate in Gibson City is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,074. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gibson City?
The median home value in Gibson City is $138,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,709. For renters, the median monthly rent is $802. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,571.
How are the schools in Gibson City?
Schools in Gibson City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.1% of adults in Gibson City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gibson City?
The obesity rate in Gibson City is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930.
What is transportation like in Gibson City?
The average commute in Gibson City is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gibson City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gibson City is 85.5% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
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