Median Income
$53,487
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,600
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
129/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.7%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$888
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.4%
0% lower than US avg
How Hamilton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,738
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density769/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,487
Per Capita$36,009
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty12.4%
County GDP$824M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,600
Rent$888
Ownership72.2%
Zillow$120,751
Housing Units1,270
Rent Burden32.9%
Crime
F
Violent129/100K
Property129/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking15.2%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation497 ft (151 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score5.47
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute23 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Hamilton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hamilton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Hamilton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hamilton is $53,487, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. 12.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hamilton is $105,600, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $888 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Hamilton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 129 per 100,000, 93% below the national average.
Education
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Hamilton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Hamilton has a population of 2,738 with a density of 769 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%), with 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Hamilton is $53,487, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,009. The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 412 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,487 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,009 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,288 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.4% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 412 |
| County GDP | $824M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,612 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
The median home value in Hamilton is $105,600, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,751, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 83.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $888 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $727 for a one-bedroom to $916 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,270 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,612. 32.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $105,600 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $120,751 |
| Median List Price | $75,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $75,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $37 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 83.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $888 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $632 |
| 1 Bedroom | $727 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $916 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,308 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,270 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,612 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.42% |
In Hamilton, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,480. The dentist ratio is 1:2,874. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hamilton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,480 |
| Dentists | 1:2,874 |
| Mental Health | 1:464 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,758/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Hamilton has a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 129 per 100,000, 93% below the U.S. average. Overall, Hamilton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hamilton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 129.0/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 129.0/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hamilton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°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 39.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. 64% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 497 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 497 ft (151 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 769/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3915°N, 91.3613°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hancock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 64.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 8, 2004.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
444 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 254 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
81 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 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Hamilton has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Hamilton. 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 Hamilton
What is the population of Hamilton?
Hamilton has a population of 2,738 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 769 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Hamilton expensive to live in?
Hamilton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,487, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,600 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $888 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hamilton safe?
Hamilton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 129 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hamilton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hamilton?
Hamilton 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 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Hamilton?
The job market in Hamilton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 412 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 11.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hamilton?
The median home value in Hamilton is $105,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,751. For renters, the median monthly rent is $888. Fair market rent is $727 for a 1-bedroom and $916 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,612.
How are the schools in Hamilton?
Schools in Hamilton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.7% of adults in Hamilton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hamilton?
The obesity rate in Hamilton is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,480.
What is transportation like in Hamilton?
The average commute in Hamilton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hamilton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hamilton is 96.6% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
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