Median Income
$66,719
11% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
400/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Gilson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population149
Median Age61.6 yrs
Density452/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans25.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,719
Per Capita$28,260
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,449M
Commute30 min
Housing
Ownership83.1%
Zillow$132,470
Housing Units60
Rent Burden32.1%
Crime
F
Violent400/100K
Property3,282/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking16.1%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation681 ft (208 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute30 min
Broadband71.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Gilson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gilson receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Gilson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gilson is $66,719, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 400 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,282 per 100,000, 67% above the national average.
Education
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Gilson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°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 40.5 inches, including 25.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Gilson has a population of 149 with a density of 452 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 61.6 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.4% female and 39.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.6%), with 7.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 25.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.6yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Gilson is $66,719, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,260 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 980 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 15.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,719 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,260 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,190 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 980 |
| County GDP | $2,449M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 154 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,480 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,470. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 60 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $6,480 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.9% |
| Housing Units | 60 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,480 |
| 85% above US avg |
In Gilson, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,053. The dentist ratio is 1:2,861. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gilson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,053 |
| Dentists | 1:2,861 |
| Mental Health | 1:515 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Gilson has a violent crime rate of 400 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,282 per 100,000, 67% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gilson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gilson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 399.5/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,281.8/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gilson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°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 40.5 inches. The area receives 25.4 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 681 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 681 ft (208 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 452/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8627°N, 90.1991°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Knox County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
127 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
661 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 554 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
60 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Gilson has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Gilson. 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 | $1,346 |
| Toddler | $1,090 |
| Preschool | $1,119 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $636 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gilson
What is the population of Gilson?
Gilson has a population of 149 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 452 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.4% female and 39.6% male.
Is Gilson expensive to live in?
Gilson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $66,719, 11% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Gilson safe?
The violent crime rate in Gilson is 400 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,282 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gilson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gilson?
Gilson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 40.5 inches, with 25.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Gilson?
The job market in Gilson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 980 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 15.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Gilson?
Schools in Gilson score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.9% of adults in Gilson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gilson?
The obesity rate in Gilson is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,053.
What is transportation like in Gilson?
The average commute in Gilson is 30 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gilson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gilson is 92.6% White, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 25.2% of the population are military veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
