Median Income
$69,688
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,600
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
319/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.3%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$763
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Gridley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,339
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density1,089/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,688
Per Capita$35,440
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$16,910M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,600
Rent$763
Ownership72.2%
Zillow$200,617
Housing Units551
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent319/100K
Property1,593/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking10.9%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation756 ft (230 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.3%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute24 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Gridley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gridley receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Gridley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gridley is $69,688, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gridley is $134,600, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gridley is below the national average at 319 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,593 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
30.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Gridley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches, including 19.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Gridley has a population of 1,339 with a density of 1,089 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Gridley is $69,688, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,440. The average weekly wage is $1,273, 11% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,357 business establishments, including 404 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 12.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,688 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,440 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,273 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,357 |
| County GDP | $16,910M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 404 |
| Healthcare | 365 |
| Retail | 498 |
| Manufacturing | 82 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |
The median home value in Gridley is $134,600, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,617, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $763 (34% 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. 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 551 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $7,182 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,600 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $200,617 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $763 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.8% |
| Housing Units | 551 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.34% |
In Gridley, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 10.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.2% report binge drinking. 16.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.8% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628. The dentist ratio is 1:1,426. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gridley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.9% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.5% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,628 |
| Dentists | 1:1,426 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 365 |
Gridley has a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,593 per 100,000, 19% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gridley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gridley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 318.6/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,592.9/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gridley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°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 36.3 inches. The area receives 19.9 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 756 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 756 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,089/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7437°N, 88.8809°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLean County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0482 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
80 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
50 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
744 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 752 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
60 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
66 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Gridley has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Gridley. 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 | $1,358 |
| Toddler | $1,220 |
| Preschool | $1,208 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $770 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gridley
What is the population of Gridley?
Gridley has a population of 1,339 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,089 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Gridley expensive to live in?
Gridley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,688, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,600 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gridley safe?
Gridley is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,593 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gridley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gridley?
Gridley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches, with 19.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Gridley?
The job market in Gridley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,273. There are 3,357 business establishments in the area, including 404 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 12.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gridley?
The median home value in Gridley is $134,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,617. For renters, the median monthly rent is $763. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.2%. The average annual property tax is $7,182.
How are the schools in Gridley?
Schools in Gridley score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.3% of adults in Gridley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gridley?
The obesity rate in Gridley is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.9% of adults are smokers. 16.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628.
What is transportation like in Gridley?
The average commute in Gridley is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gridley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gridley is 93.1% White, 2.1% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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