Median Income
$76,806
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$89,500
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
743/100K
95% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$756
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Gillespie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,118
Median Age44.7 yrs
Density2,107/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans10.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,806
Per Capita$37,996
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$1,525M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,500
Rent$756
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$109,913
Housing Units1,483
Rent Burden12.9%
Crime
F
Violent743/100K
Property3,197/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault517/100K
Burglary614/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.4%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation663 ft (202 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute31 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Gillespie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gillespie receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Gillespie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gillespie is $76,806, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gillespie is $89,500, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $756 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 743 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,197 per 100,000, 63% above the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Gillespie experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches, including 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Gillespie has a population of 3,118 with a density of 2,107 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 44.7 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.7yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gillespie vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gillespie vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gillespie is $76,806, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,996. The average weekly wage is $898, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 887 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 12.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Gillespie vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,806 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,996 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $898 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,326 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 887 |
| County GDP | $1,525M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 78 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
The median home value in Gillespie is $89,500, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,913, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 87.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $756 (35% 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. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,483 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,826. 12.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,500 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $109,913 |
| Median List Price | $189,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $189,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $69 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 87.7% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $756 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,483 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.27% |
In Gillespie, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037. The dentist ratio is 1:2,950. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gillespie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,037 |
| Dentists | 1:2,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,158 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 78 |
Gillespie has a violent crime rate of 743 per 100,000 residents, 95% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 516.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 226.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,197 per 100,000, 63% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,454, burglary at 614, vehicle theft at 129 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gillespie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gillespie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 742.7/100K |
| 95% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 226.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 516.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,196.6/100K |
| 63% above US avg |
| Burglary | 613.5/100K |
| Theft | 2,454.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 129.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gillespie experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.0 inches. The area receives 16.5 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 663 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 663 ft (202 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,107/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1254°N, 89.8173°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macoupin County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.61 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
64 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
60 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
84 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
66 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
88 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
653 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,186 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
95 km |
21 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
46 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Gillespie has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Gillespie. 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 | $855 |
| Toddler | $766 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gillespie
What is the population of Gillespie?
Gillespie has a population of 3,118 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,107 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 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 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Gillespie expensive to live in?
Gillespie has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,806, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,500 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $756 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gillespie safe?
Public safety is a concern in Gillespie, with a violent crime rate of 743 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,197 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gillespie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gillespie?
Gillespie has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches, with 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Gillespie?
The job market in Gillespie is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $898. There are 887 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 12.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gillespie?
The median home value in Gillespie is $89,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,913. For renters, the median monthly rent is $756. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,826.
How are the schools in Gillespie?
Schools in Gillespie score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Gillespie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gillespie?
The obesity rate in Gillespie is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037.
What is transportation like in Gillespie?
The average commute in Gillespie is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gillespie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gillespie is 93.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
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