Median Income
$105,313
40% higher than US avg
Home Value
$231,900
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
369/100K
3% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.4%
14% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$940
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Hamel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,004
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density844/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$105,313
Per Capita$39,353
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$16,575M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$231,900
Rent$940
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$274,718
Housing Units382
Rent Burden26.2%
Crime
F
Violent369/100K
Property615/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault123/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking12.9%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation547 ft (167 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.4%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+10.0%
School Score5.29
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations5
Libraries19
Is Hamel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hamel receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Hamel offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hamel is $105,313, which is significantly higher than the national average / 40% above $75,149. This places Hamel among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hamel is $231,900, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $940 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hamel is below the national average at 369 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 615 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Hamel enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches, including 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hamel has a population of 1,004 with a density of 844 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Hamel is $105,313, which is 40% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,353. The average weekly wage is $1,099, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,398 business establishments, including 627 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 16.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $105,313 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,353 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,099 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,601 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,398 |
| County GDP | $16,575M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 627 |
| Healthcare | 682 |
| Retail | 741 |
| Manufacturing | 169 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,460 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 16.7% |
The median home value in Hamel is $231,900, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,718, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $940 (19% 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. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 382 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $6,460 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $231,900 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,718 |
| Median List Price | $340,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $340,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $122 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.0% |
| Price Drops | 66.7% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $940 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 382 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,460 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.79% |
In Hamel, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 19.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,099. The dentist ratio is 1:1,035. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hamel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.2% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,099 |
| Dentists | 1:1,035 |
| Mental Health | 1:376 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,159/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 682 |
Hamel has a violent crime rate of 369 per 100,000 residents, 3% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 123.0 per 100,000, robbery at 123.0, rape at 123.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 615 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 492, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 123 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 34 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hamel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hamel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 369.0/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 123.0/100K |
| Robbery | 123.0/100K |
| Assault | 123.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 615.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 492.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 123.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hamel enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°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 43.4 inches. The area receives 11.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 547 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.7°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 547 ft (167 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 844/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8925°N, 89.8387°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.4"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0502 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.30 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
39 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 |
130 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
98 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
53 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
6 km E of Grand Tower, Illinois |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
82 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
70 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
45 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
670 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,152 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
62 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
66 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
77 km |
21 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
24 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Hamel has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 33°F in February to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Hamel. 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 | $1,248 |
| Toddler | $1,018 |
| Preschool | $902 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamel
What is the population of Hamel?
Hamel has a population of 1,004 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 844 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Hamel expensive to live in?
Hamel has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $105,313, 40% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $231,900 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $940 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hamel safe?
Hamel is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 369 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 615 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hamel receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hamel?
Hamel enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.4 inches, with 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hamel?
The job market in Hamel is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,099. There are 5,398 business establishments in the area, including 627 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 16.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hamel?
The median home value in Hamel is $231,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,718. For renters, the median monthly rent is $940. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,460.
How are the schools in Hamel?
Schools in Hamel score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.4% of adults in Hamel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 10.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hamel?
The obesity rate in Hamel is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 19.2% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,099.
What is transportation like in Hamel?
The average commute in Hamel is 26 minutes. 74.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hamel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hamel is 95.8% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
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