Median Income
$65,729
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,900
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.2%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$702
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Gilman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,576
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density649/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,729
Per Capita$35,112
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$1,119M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,900
Rent$702
Ownership78.4%
Zillow$142,409
Housing Units779
Rent Burden21.0%
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking16.6%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Elevation650 ft (198 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.2%
High School+84.1%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute27 min
Broadband85.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Gilman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gilman receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Gilman offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gilman is $65,729, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gilman is $108,900, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $702 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.
Education
14.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Gilman experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 24.7 inches of snow.
Gilman has a population of 1,576 with a density of 649 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (78.7%), with 24.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.6% of residents, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,576
Total Population
2023 Census
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.6%
4% above US avg
Spanish
15.6%
16% above US avg
The median household income in Gilman is $65,729, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,112. The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.2% 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 27 minutes. 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,729 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,112 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,333 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% 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 | 5.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Gilman is $108,900, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,409, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $702 (40% 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. 78.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 779 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $5,571 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.0% 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 | $108,900 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,409 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $702 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.6% |
| Housing Units | 779 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.12% |
In Gilman, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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: Gilman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,930 |
| Dentists | 1:2,650 |
| Mental Health | 1:189 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Gilman experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches. The area receives 24.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 650 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 650 ft (198 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 649/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7605°N, 88.0009°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.91"
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
9 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 |
108 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
56 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
716 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 36 fatalities, 836 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
18 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
140 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
44 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
69 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Gilman has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Gilman. 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 Gilman
What is the population of Gilman?
Gilman has a population of 1,576 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 649 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Gilman expensive to live in?
Gilman has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $65,729, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,900 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $702 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.
What is the weather like in Gilman?
Gilman has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 24.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Gilman?
The unemployment rate in Gilman is 5.4%, 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 27 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gilman?
The median home value in Gilman is $108,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,409. For renters, the median monthly rent is $702. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,571.
How are the schools in Gilman?
Schools in Gilman score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.2% of adults in Gilman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gilman?
The obesity rate in Gilman is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930.
What is transportation like in Gilman?
The average commute in Gilman is 27 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gilman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gilman is 78.7% White, 24.4% Hispanic or Latino. 81.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.