Median Income
$16,081
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.0%
70% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.3%
9% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
53.3%
330% higher than US avg
How Golden Gate Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population97
Median Age60.3 yrs
Density1,213/mi²
Male / Female67% / 33%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans65.4%
Economy
C
Median Income$16,081
Per Capita$15,951
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty53.3%
County GDP$321M
Commute33 min
Housing
Ownership40.3%
Zillow$148,632
Housing Units67
Rent Burden24.0%
Health
Obesity29.3%
Uninsured2.1%
Smoking12.5%
Depression18.3%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain46.0 in/yr
Elevation403 ft (123 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.0%
High School+52.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.55
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute33 min
Broadband24.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Golden Gate a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Golden Gate receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Golden Gate has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Golden Gate is $16,081, 79% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 53.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Education
10.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 52.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Golden Gate enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches, including 11.8 inches of snow.
Golden Gate has a population of 97 with a density of 1,213 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 60.3 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 33% female and 67% male. The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with 7.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.3% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 65.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 58.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
97
Total Population
2023 Census
60.3yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Golden Gate vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.3%
18% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Golden Gate vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Golden Gate is $16,081, which is 79% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,951 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $842, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 53.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 147 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 35.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Golden Gate vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $16,081 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,951 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $842 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,552 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 53.3% |
| 330% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $321M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,060 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 30.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 35.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,632. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 40.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 67 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,060. 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 40.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.7% |
| Housing Units | 67 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,060 |
| 13% below US avg |
In Golden Gate, 29.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 25.6% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 15.2% report binge drinking. 18.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.3% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 2.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:6,071. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Golden Gate vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.3% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.6% |
| Asthma | 8.1% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.7% |
| Depression | 18.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 28.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 2.1% |
| 76% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:6,071 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,989 |
| Checkup Rate | 55.9% |
| Dental Visits | 40.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Golden Gate enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 403 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.1°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 403 ft (123 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,213/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3589°N, 88.2047°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Edwards County County |
| Nearest Airport | Evansville Regional (EVV)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.0"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
5.00"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
73 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
30 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
31 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
56 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
30 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
66 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
74 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
27 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
31 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
61 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
29 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
33 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
18 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
32 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
59 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
67 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
498 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 61 fatalities, 782 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
96 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
84 km |
8 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
64 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
62 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
70 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GAP VIEW RX (1,575 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,008 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
CAVE HILL RX |
999 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
994 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
865 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
HARRIS BRANCH RX |
716 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
ONE HORSE GAP |
687 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
651 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
HARTS CREEK RX |
599 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
GIBBONS CREEK RX |
579 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Golden Gate has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 33°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.0 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Golden Gate. 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 Golden Gate
What is the population of Golden Gate?
Golden Gate has a population of 97 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,213 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 33% female and 67% male.
Is Golden Gate expensive to live in?
Golden Gate has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $16,081, 79% below the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Golden Gate?
Golden Gate enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.0 inches, with 11.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Golden Gate?
The job market in Golden Gate is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $842. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 35.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Golden Gate?
Schools in Golden Gate score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.0% of adults in Golden Gate hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 52.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Golden Gate?
The obesity rate in Golden Gate is 29.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 18.7% are physically inactive. 18.3% of residents report depression. 2.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Golden Gate?
The average commute in Golden Gate is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 30% of workers drive alone to work, and 35.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Golden Gate?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Golden Gate is 92.8% White, 7.2% Asian. 92.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 65.4% of the population are military veterans. 58.8% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.